PHOTOS: Desert Riders to Kick Off Alzheimer's Association Seasonal Fundraising Efforts

A Coachella Valley-based motorcycle group that raises funds for charitable causes are planning their second annual Ride to End Alzheimer's on Saturday Nov. 2.

The Desert Riders Association event starts with registration at 8:30 a.m. at Palm Springs Harley-Davidson, 19465 North Indian Canyon, according to organizers.

Cost is $15 per biker and includes lunch and a raffle ticket for $500 in cash prizes, according to organizers. Those without their own motorcycle can ride tandem on the back of a bike for $25, including lunch and the raffle ticket.

The run departure is at 9:30 a.m. and two groups will visit local senior living facilities in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indio, according to organizers.

The groups plan to meet up at Caleo Bay Alzheimer's Special Care Center in La Quinta, which is hosting the lunch. Riders visit with residents at all the facilities and show their motorcycles as part of an interactive social event.

"Last year the biggest surprise was the beautiful exchanges between biker and residents," said Ken Fort, who is a DRA member and Ride to End Alzheimer's coordinator.  "For me, this is about the residents. We want to bring some small amount of excitement and joy to them. Everything else is minor, even the money we generate. Everyone is invited to participate: All bikes, anyone who wants to ride on the back of a bike, anyone in a car is invited."

For more info about The Ride to End Alzheimer's, call Fort at (760) 275-1379 or visit www.desertriderassociation.org.

The Alzheimer's Association is billed as the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's research and support. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce risks of dementia through promotion of brain health.

Here's more from Ride to End Alzheimer's organizers:

As part of its ongoing commitment to the Coachella Valley, the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter is a collaborative partner with Eisenhower Medical Center and USC Keck School of Medicine in offering the Memory Assessment Center as a resource to the community.

With an estimated 11,000-plus families in the Coachella Valley, and a projected increase to more than 27,000 over the next 20 years, the Alzheimer's Association brings help and hope to those facing the challenges of Alzheimer's each day. For more info visit www.alz.org/socal.

The Coachella Valley Regional Service Center is located at 69-730 Highway 111, Suite 100, Rancho Mirage. Local phone number is (760) 328-6767.