Dozens of motorcycles rumbled onto LARC Ranch recently to bring fellowship and a bit of biker excitement to the ranch’s residents as the Bikers for Christ held their Third Annual LARC Ranch Benefit Ride.

The riders’ May 1 arrival provided Saturday afternoon fun and entertainment for LARC’s developmentally disabled residents, and at the same time the Christian motorcycle ministry raised approximately $1,000 for the non-profit LARC’s programs and services.

“It was a fun time for the residents and the riders alike,” said Kathleen Sturkey, executive director of LARC Ranch. “The residents and guests ate well, danced and enjoyed a beautiful spring day.”

The bikers started the day at Cycle Gear on Lyons Avenue in Newhall, and the ride — doubling as a poker run — took them out Bouquet Canyon Road to the scenic LARC Ranch, which provides an active and rewarding lifestyle for the developmentally disabled residents who call LARC home.

A barbecue lunch was provided by Weiler’s Restaurant and Catering of Northridge, and entertainment was provided by a live band as well as the Continental Kids, a Christian youth singing group. Vendors sold T-shirts, jewelry and motorcycle gear, and Jamba Juice provided refreshments.

Robert Scott, one of the founding coordinators of the event for Bikers for Christ, said the ride not only benefited LARC and its residents, but those who rode, too. “Going to LARC is like a little heaven on Earth, because the people there are so loving and caring, and just have a heart for you,” Scott said.

“When we found out what a special place it is, we started a fundraiser in the form of a poker run,” he said. “We started the ride to show them that we care about them.”

LARC Ranch was founded in 1959 by a group of parents who envisioned a better life for their developmentally disabled children. The 65-acre LARC Ranch provides homes, recreation and social activities, and day training activity centers for developmentally disabled adults. More information about LARC Ranch is available online at www.larcfoundation.org.

Bikers for Christ is a Christian motorcycle ministry with members in 49 states and nine countries. More information about the organization is available at www.bikersforchrist.org.