SMOKEY POINT — For years, every chapter of the nonprofit Bikers Against Child Abuse organization has been conducting an annual ride to raise funds.

On Saturday, May 17, the North Sound Chapter of BACA, which is the newest one in the state, is starting its first 100-mile ride from Sound Harley-Davidson in Smokey Point.

“We were part of the Seattle chapter, but we love being able to set out on our own,” said Bob McGowan, president of the North Sound Chapter and state secretary for BACA. “Pretty much all of us, work full-time jobs, but we still make time to do this.”

McGowan and his fellow ride organizers are suggesting donations of $10 per bike, or $15 for bikes with riders, but in exchange, they’re offering a 50/50 raffle, live music, ride shirts, a barbecue meal and a huge burnout contest.

McGowan explained that BACA exists to create a safer environment for abused children.

“We help a lot of kids by taking them to court, as well as out for lunch or ice cream,” McGowan said. “We empower them by making them feel brave and secure. When ten or twenty-five bikers roll up to a kid’s home or school or playground, and they know those bikers are there to protect them, they also know that they don’t have to be afraid of the bad guys. It’s only unfortunate that so many kids need us our help. There’s no good reason why any child should live in fear.”

McGowan believes this ride should draw more than 200 bikers, and raise more than $2,000.

All levels of riders and all bikes are welcome to this ride. Riders will start gathering at Sound Harley-Davidson, 16212 Smokey Point Blvd. in Marysville, at 10 a.m., and kickstands will go up at noon.

For more information, email McGowan at superman@bacansc.com or log onto http://bacaworld.org.