Motorists Can Plan To Avoid Delays For Sierra Hope Ride

Sonora, CA — More than 2,500 motorcycles are expected to ride in this Saturday´s 12th annual Sierra Hope Ride, and event organizers are taking new measures to minimize traffic tie-ups along the event route.

The 50-mile route from Modesto to Sonora is police-supported and benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The ride begins at Mitchell´s Modesto

Harley-Davidson, at 10 a.m. In past years, traffic backups have occurred in the Oakdale area when several area roads are temporarily closed to let the motorcycles pass.

The bulk of participants are expected to reach Oakdale at 10:30a.m. This year, however, the riders will be re-staged at about 10:45 a.m. near the intersection of State Route 108 and Willowwood Road.

By reorganizing the group, the string of motorcycles should be tighter and take less time to pass through the area. The motorcycles will then continue east, and are expected to arrive at the intersection of Highway 108 and S. Maag Avenue at about 11 a.m.

The first motorcycles should reach the ride´s final destination, the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, at about 11:30 a.m. Residents can save themselves some frustration by avoiding these areas on Saturday morning as the riders pass through the area.

“Nobody wants to get stuck in traffic, but we hope that people can plan to avoid the problem areas, and remember that this event raises a lot of money for a very good cause,” said Pat Roden, MDA District Director.

He says money raised from the event stays in the area to help local residents who are living with neuromuscular diseases.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh