Senior Biker Will Ride to Alaska to Raise Money for Children

Armed with his passion for motorcycling, his trusty metal steed and months of preparation, 75-year-old Carl Sutter will be embarking on a 19,312 kilometers journey to Alaska’s Arctic Circle this month.

(Photo taken by Randy Barber)

The motorcyclist’s reason for this trip is to raise money to support children’s programmes sponsored by the Southeast Volusia Kiwanis Club, and this will be the sixth annual long-distance ride he will be undertaking.

Making such a rigorous trip can be rather overwhelming, though.

“I must admit I have more than my share of fear on embarking on this ride,” the biker said, whose main concern is his age which is by no means small.

But the fear of failing will also drive him to accomplish the riding and fundraising goals Sutter has set.

After all, he explained: “The primary purpose of this arduous ride is to raise money for Kiwanis’ efforts to aid children. My thoughts during the ride are constantly on the mission to help kids who deserve assistance in life.”

To prepare for what Sutter calls his “most daring ride”, the veteran biker has been planning and training for about nine months.

“My training has involved painful gym workouts, three of four times a week in an effort to be in the best physical shape a 75-year-old man can be for the grueling ride,” he said in an interview with Hometown News.

“I may be crazy as some people have suggested, but I am not nuts. I will be prepared.”

Sutter has also made sure to check that the two-wheeler of his choice - which he dubs as the Iron Horse - is ready for the ride too.

“The Iron House is ready to go, as this rider,” he said. “Damien, owner of the Rusted Wrench Cycles, my good friend and trusted motorcycle mechanic, has carefully gone over the bike and officially certified it for the ride to Alaska.”

His wife Ann Sutter will also show her support by accompanying him on the journey, though she will be in the comfort of a car. On the other hand, Sutter will be riding astride an approximately 362 kg Yamaha motorcycle.

According to Bryan Tudeen, Club President of Kiwanis, Carl Sutter’s annual motorcycle ride is one of the major fundraising events the club relies on to fund its children’s and education projects.

Funds are reportedly raised by donors pledging donations of of any monetary value per mile, which is about 1.61 km.

“The whole idea is to raise money for the kids,” the biker said. “It’s for them.”

We wish Sutter all the best in his motorcycle ride, which will begin on 13th June.