Riding for a Reason Fall Event at Hooter Holler OffRoad

For many of us it’s a very sensitive subject, and it seems like just about everyone has been affected by it in some way or another; we’re talking about “the big C”: cancer. For those of us who’ve been down this road we understand it’s one of the hardest battles a person can face, the pain and suffering is unimaginable, the trials are tougher than ever and the ending isn’t always a happy one. Despite these hard times, from our experiences comes the courage to take a stand and come together to help others. This is exactly what Riding for a Reason is all about.

For many years, a group of friends would get together to ride ATVs and UTVs every spring at Bass’ River Resort in Steeleville, Missouri. For each one of them, an annual ride was always in order as trail riding is a passion they share. However, in 2015 things would change for the group as they learned one friend was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. With the subject on the matter, they discovered that many of them knew someone who had dealt with a diagnosis or had a close call. It was then that they decided they could use their annual ride as way to help spread awareness and to help others. Thus, Riding for a Reason was born.

Riding for a Reason, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a simple mission: “To increase awareness of Colorectal Cancer prevention and raise money for individuals and organizations in need.”

“Riding for a Reason was founded for the sole purpose to raise awareness for colon cancer while doing what we love to do; riding ATVs and Side-by-Sides!”
~ JT Gunter, President

In just the first year, Riding for a Reason was able to raise $17,000 with the help of local families and organizations! In 2016 they started the official riding event and were amazed in its huge success. With over 1200 people in attendance and 652 bikes on the trails, they raised nearly $60,000! Riding for a Reason was able to help over twenty families in need who were battling colon cancer as well as other cancers. Furthermore, they also donated proceeds to Siteman Cancer Center and other local non-profit organizations like Steelville Fire, Steelville Ambulance District, and Steelville Ministerial Alliance & Food Pantry.

Fast forward to today, Riding for a Reason continues to do their annual event at Bass’ River Resort each spring with each year more successful than the last. From what we hear, it’s an event you don’t want to miss, and we’ve got it penciled in our 2021 schedule. With their continued growth, they figured a fall event was in order. This year they thought they’d give it a shot at Hooter Holler OffRoad in Mountain Grove, Missouri and we decided to join the fun.

We took a trip down to Hooter Holler for fall ride, it was a blast! We had such a good time hanging out with the Riding for a Reason group. Although they kept this event a little more simple and low key compared to the spring event, Riding for a Reason still came to ride in full force. At their booth you could buy swag and gear, as well as raffle tickets with proceeds going to the cause.

They also have two machines up for raffle, a Can-Am Defender HD10 XMR and a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 High Lifter Edition. Once all the tickets are sold, winners will be chosen and they’ll get a couple more machines and do it all again. Of course, we got in on the raffle, come on raffle ticket!

A few vendors were present at the event, including Off-Road Vixens Clothing Co., attending ladies were able shop the latest fashion in off-road apparel right on site. Keep in mind, you can always get Off-Road Vixens Clothing Co. apparel at SideBySideStuff.com.

Hooter Holler OffRoad Park is a 500 acre farm converted into a full on off-road park for all types of off-road vehicles including ATVs and UTVs. The park is open to members year-round (except weekdays during rifle season), and open to the public Fridays through Mondays. No worries on a place to stay, there are plenty of primitive camping available and even some electric hook ups for RVs.

Hooter Holler has a vast trail system that’s very well groomed and taken care of. The trails are well marked and range in difficulty for riders at all skill levels. There is even talk of expansion of the park, which is great news, who would argue with more trails to ride? The park also boasts a drag strip, it was fun to see the attendees battle it out on who’s the fastest. That’s not all for action, Hooter Holler hosts many regular ride events you don’t want to miss as well as a few rock bouncing series events. You’ve got to put this place on your list of places to ride!

In conclusion, the Riding for a Reason Fall Event was a huge success. From the fun on the trails to meeting some great people, the Riding for a Reason crew has the recipe for a good time. And hence the name, it was all for a great reason. We had a blast riding and having fellowship with other off-roaders for a good cause, we wish the Riding for a Reason organization the best in their continued success. We encourage you to take a stand and join Riding for a Reason for their spring event. Come have some fun and be a part of spreading the awareness of Colorectal Cancer prevention and raising some cash for those in need. See you in the spring!

Learn more about Riding for a Reason, Inc. at – https://www.ridingforareason.net/

Find more info on Hooter Holler OffRoad at – https://hooterholler.com/