Special Olympics of New Hampshire athlete Andrew M. center, takes a moment with his home care providers, Steve "Scootah" Ahern, left, and David Oulette, whose assistance and companionship ensures the young man full access to most activities of life and to the Special Olympics of New Hampshire. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

NASHUA – The 41 motorcyclists and passengers, led by members of Elks Riders 720, based at Elks Lodge No. 720 in Nashua, got their motors running and headed for the highway.

It was July 18 and in store for them was a round-trip trek of 79 miles that crowned the Sixth Annual Mike Wilson Memorial Charity Ride.

They weren’t looking for adventure in whatever comes their way. Instead, they were raising an estimated $12,000 to support intellectually disabled athletes who compete in the Special Olympics of New Hampshire.

The Merrimack Friars Club was a co-beneficiary. The nonprofit group of volunteers is renowned for offering to adults with special needs an array of recreational and social opportunities.

The Mike Wilson Memorial Ride is named for the founder of the event, Michael B. Wilson, who passed away in 2025 at age 63 after a brave medical battle. The love of his family and of motorcycling with Elks Riders 720 is shared in a Nashua Telegraph obituary of Jan. 24, 2025.

Troopers K.J. Belanger, left, and J.C. Quigley, officers with the New Hampshire State Police, were well thanked for their safe escort of 41 motorcyclists and passengers during the recent Sixth Annual Mike Wilson Memorial Charity Ride. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

“We thank our sponsors, our Special Olympics athletes here today, the Merrimack Friars and the staff of Nashua Elks Lodge 720 — they made today possible,” said Kevin “Brainz” Linnehan, president of Elks Riders 720 and an Army veteran who rides a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic.

The ride originated solely to support the athletes of the Special Olympics of New Hampshire. They paid their own way to competitions of more than 30 Olympic-style sports.

A financial boost gained from the ride in 2025 and donated to the Merrimack Friars enabled every local athlete through their help to go to the Special Olympics that year for free.

The Special Olympics are open to anyone more than age 8 who has an intellectual disability. (specialolympics.org)

The Merrimack Friars joined the event last year, according to volunteer publicist Steven “Scootah” Ahern, and now shares in some of the funds that assist the athletes with life-enriching activities.

Dave "Redneck" Johnson, a member of American Legion Riders Post 3 in Nashua, appraises the collection of nearly 50 raffle prizes, donated goods ranging from gift cards and jewelry to a 58-inch television. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Linnehan and many others fully embraced the multitude of details that made the ride an event to remember. Road routes. Police escorts for traffic control. Food. Music. Elks Rider Philip Jacques readied his flatbed truck to handle any motorcycle breakdowns. None needed rescue.

Back at Nashua Lodge No. 720 on Murphy Drive, dozens of juicy cheeseburgers and hot dogs grilled outdoors were paired with pasta salad and trays of tomatoes and onions. Miniature ice cream sandwiches made for a happy ending.

Electric guitar favorites came courtesy of a duo named “Space & Fee,” mostly known as Steve “Space” Tracy, a Litchfield musician, and Bill Fee, a Nashua performer. Country favorites called for some boot scootin’ from plenty of the guests.

Julie Saunders, a Nashuan, and other volunteers sold raffle tickets for nearly 50 donations ranging from restaurant gift certificates to jewelry to sportswear. A 58-inch television was a costly contribution.

Among the most energetic of the dancers was Debbie Fowler, age 58, of Litchfield. She competes in Special Olympics snowshoe events and proudly admits, “I’ve won ribbons and medals.”

Among the 41 riders on July 18 were Adam and Tori Swift, members of the Nashua Elks Riders 720 who supported the Sixth Annual Mike Wilson Memorial Ride. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Nearby, Merrimack Friars member Cecile Boucher, 91-years old, and her autistic son, Bob Boucher, 58, were greeted by old friends and made some new ones.

She said Bob has been employed for 37 years at BAE Systems on Spit Brook Road in Nashua under a supported program through Easter Seals. Seven clients are earning wages, assisted by two job coaches. Bob has been there the longest, she added.

“My husband died 13 years ago, so it’s me and Bob now instead of the three of us,” Cecile said. “You wonder about the whys of life but if things had not happened as they did, we wouldn’t have met all these wonderful people.”

Linnehan and other key event leaders including Ken Neff, president of the Merrimack Friars, bid everyone safe travel and a hearty goodnight. Neff expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring together an amazing group of people.

“Everyone here put their passion for community and their love of motorcycles together to support and lift up two great causes in the Merrimack Friars and the Special Olympics — it was awesome.”

Members of the Elks Riders 720, based at Elks Lodge No. 720 in Nashua, gather after a 79-mile charity ride on July 18 that netted around $12,000 in donations and ride registrations during the Sixth Annual Mike Wilson Memorial Ride to benefit the Special Olympics of New Hampshire and the Merrimack Friars Club. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Linnehan deemed the day a “huge success” with the help of volunteers and local law enforcement leading the charity run that raised such a bounty of dollars for Special Olympics of New Hampshire and the Merrimack Friars.

“The Nashua Elks Riders and myself are honored to have been able to celebrate these outstanding individuals.”

More information on Elks Lodge No. 720 is available online at nashuaelkslodge720.org.

The Elks Riders 720 benefit of July 18 featured rock and pop favorites performed by "Space & Fee," better known as Steve "Space" Tracy, left, a Litchfield resident, and Bill Fee, a Nashua musician. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON