Hoss Cat owner Donnie Townsend's whole goal for the second annual Hoss Cat Ride for Charity is to find a way to have fun and help a few local charities at the same time

His wheels are spinning and he says he cannot wait to hit the road for the motorcycle ride that is designed to support the community and allow everyone involved to enjoy a nice Saturday ride.

"This event has really come together this year," he said. "It is good clean family fun and we can actually see the benefit of the money raised."

Registration is $10 per person and two non-perishable food items. Sign-up begins at 10 a.m. at the store and the first 200 people get a free t-shirt.

All the money raised will be given to local charities. Participants can choose from four charities - Mended Reeds in Ironton, the Shane Jones Scholarship Fund, Community Hospice or the Domestic Violence Shelter in Ironton.

The canned goods will be donated to local food pantries in Ironton and Ashland, he said.

Townsend wants to emphasize that this event is not about making a profit.

"I lose money on this every year, but I want to do things to support the community," Townsend said. "It is nice to drive by and see that those young men at Mended Reeds have a stable home."

Local country musician Lee McCormack will perform from noon to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Ironton Hills Shopping Center.

Riders leave at 1 p.m. and will travel to Sciotoville, on to Oak Hill and Rio Grande and then back to Ironton.

Townsend wants to encourage everyone to come to the store and listen to the music, enjoy the refreshments and camaraderie, even if they do not want to go on the ride.

Although they have not taken any preregistrations, the store has already had more than 200 calls, Townsend said.

"Unfortunately, bikers in the past were stereotyped," he said. "Now, motorcycles have become a good way of relaxation and fun. We will instruct everyone on safety issues before we leave."

Pick 'N Save Foods will supply hot dogs, sandwiches and drinks after the riders return.

Without the many sponsors, including Pepsi and Pick 'N Save, the ride would probably not be possible, he said.