It’s been more than a decade since Rit Varriale and Brian Davis first discussed the possibility of organizing a motorcycle ride that would benefit Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina.
Today, what has become known as “Ride to Clyde” has grown from a $19,000 charity ride in 2016 to an initiative that raised a record $261,367 in 2025, the ride’s 10th anniversary.
“Looking back over the last 10 years, we knew there was a lot of potential, however, God has proven Himself year after year with how He has blessed ‘Ride to Clyde’,” said Varriale, lead pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby and member of the BCHNC board of trustees.
“We’ve never had a year that we’ve gone backwards with what’s been raised. To God be the glory for how He puts it in the riders’ hearts to be a part of ‘Ride to Clyde’ and to raise the funds.”
For all 10 years, the ride has been produced in partnership with North Carolina Baptists.
The event has now reached a lifetime fundraising total of $1,292,367.15.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Blake Ragsdale of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina and originally published by North Carolina’s Biblical Recorder.
