Every spring and summer, thousands of people hit the open road on their motorcycles for the love of riding. The Patriot’s Dream Riding Association (PDRA), based right here in Greene County, offers a family atmosphere for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to be a part of a gamily-friendly community, while sharing their love of riding.
“If you like to ride, this is the club for you,” says former PDRA President Tom Ayres. “Come take a ride with us and have some fun.”
They originally formed the group in 2000, but became the PDRA that it is known as today in 2011. The PDRA is registered as a 501C7 (C Corp) and offers family friendly riding for enthusiasts in Greene County and the surrounding area. They also welcome members from neighboring counties.
“We want to meet new members, and everyone is invited to our monthly meetings,” says PDRA President Aaron Ketchem. “There is no fee for joining the club and no monthly dues. Also, anyone can join our rides. You don’t have to be a club member as long as you ride with safety in mind.”
Along with their monthly meetings, the team sets out on two rides per week between the months of May and October. The group’s first trip comes Thursday nights at 5:30 PM, where the group rides distances of around 45 minutes to an hour and joins for a meal afterwards. Their second trip is on Sundays and includes full day adventures. In the past, they’ve gone to Deep Creek, Ohiopyle, and other local tourist attractions. Along with these weekly rides, PDRA also does a few long weekend trips where they come together as a community for the entire weekend. Other longer past trips have included rides to Myrtle Beach, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park, among others.
“There is no area we won’t go to,” Aaron says. “We try to pick out safe routes and avoid the interstate if at all possible. We have been to Uniontown, Morgantown, and Washington and try to keep it reasonably priced. I like the dinner aspect afterwards because once you’re done riding, you get to hang out and be with people.”
While riding is an important part of the group’s identity, they also have a big focus on giving back to the Greene County community. In 2014, PDRA received the Organizational Distinguished Service Award for their work servicing the community. The group has raised and given out over $75,000 over the past few years to organizations in need. They also take part in every event involving veterans in the area as they support those men and women who served in the armed forces. From riding in the Veteran’s Day Parade to donations to organization like Wreath’s Across America- these are just some ways for the group to give back to the community that fosters their support.
“We ride a lot, but it’s not all we do,” Ayres says. “I have been in the club since 2002 and my best friends are in this club. I consider these guys my brothers, and everyone in this association does what they can to help each other out.”
The group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6 PM in the side room of the Bob Evans along E. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg. Interested in joining? Reach President Aaron Ketchem at 724-710-2378. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings to learn what the group is all about and see if it is for them.
