International Female Ride Day event brings 100 riders together to support women in recovery.
NORTH HAMPTON, NH – A hundred riders from across New England took part in a multi-stop motorcycle ride on Saturday, May 2, in celebration of International Female Ride Day, raising funds and awareness for Dismas Home of New Hampshire, a nonprofit based in Manchester that provides support for women in recovery after incarceration.
Organized by the New England Motorcycle Group, the ride began at Big Moose Harley-Davidson in Gorham, Maine, continued to Harley-Davidson of Rochester, and concluded at Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton. The annual event, part of a global campaign celebrating women riders, welcomed participants of all genders, experience levels, and types of motorcycles.
“This ride is about camaraderie – it’s just a great group of people,” said Linda Porter of Stratham, who has participated in International Female Ride Day rides for several years. “It’s very enjoyable, and when we do these big rides, it’s wonderful to be able to raise money for a charity and represent women riders at the same time.”
Porter, a longtime rider, said the ride offered scenic views across northern New England and a smooth experience aided by a police escort.
“We had so many beautiful backdrops along the way,” she said. “And with the police escort, we didn’t even have to put our feet down – it just kept the ride moving.”
Proceeds from the ride will benefit Dismas Home of New Hampshire, which provides residential treatment and re-entry services for women who have been involved in the justice system. The program offers housing for up to 15 months, trauma-informed care, 24/7 clinical support, workforce training, and life skills development.
“Riding is about freedom and independence and that’s exactly what we’re trying to help our residents achieve,” said Cheryll Andrews, executive director of Dismas Home of New Hampshire. “We’re so grateful to the volunteers who make this event possible. It’s a really meaningful match.”
About 90 percent of women who complete the Dismas Home program remain sober, according to Andrews. Many residents are mothers working to rebuild relationships with their children and families.
After a decade of serving women at its Manchester location, Dismas Home is preparing to open a new residential campus in Rochester later this year. The expansion will increase capacity by 20 beds, allowing the organization to serve more women at a time.
For participants and organizers alike, the ride reflects a shared commitment to supporting women working toward independence, stability, and long-term recovery. For more information visit www.DismasHomeNH.org
###