Over 180 motorcycles barrelled through downtown Northfield for the Last Mile Run last week to benefit Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. Bikers raised $40,000 with Linda Chugkowski and Guy Martin from Northfield being the second highest money raisers. They raised $1,810 and missed getting first place only by $37. Photo by Rob Wills, The Northfield News Gifford Medical Center’s Last Mile Ride charity motorcycle event attracted 180 riders and raised approximately $40,000 for end-of-life care at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

This year’s ride took bikers through 100 miles of central Vermont countryside including rides through Northfield, Montpelier and around through Waitsfield and Warren and back to Randolph where a picnic barbeque was held at the hospital following the run.

Live music at the barbeque was provided by Tow for the Show & Company and riders were given free messages and awarded prizes. Riders who raised the most money were awarded prizes from local motorcycle dealers. Raising the most money were Tim and Patty Schroeder with $1,847 while Northfield’s own Linda Chugkowski and Guy Martin raised $1,810.

Money from the event is used to help fund end-of-life services in the Garden Room at Gifford.

Reg Mongeur, whose mother died at Gifford in May, served as road guard and rode in memory of his mother. He and his wife Rose collected over $1,300.

This year’s run also included the raffle of a Harley Davidson Sportster 883 from Wilkins Harley Davidson in South Barre.

It was won by 92 year old Art Peper who is a World War II veteran and a long time motorcycle affectionado said “I don’t believe it,” when he was called about the win. The winning ticket had been sold to Mr. Peper by Tim Schroeder who told him, “this is the lucky ticket,” Mr. Peper said, “and it was.”