“Kyle’s Mile 8″ Suicide Awareness Ride Happens this Weekend
Kyle Cooper was a typical teenager who, according to his dad Byron, enjoyed riding bikes and motorcycles with his father, playing video games, skateboarding, and playing with his beloved dog, "Kokomo Joe".
Kyle sadly died by suicide when he was just 15. Every year since then, Byron, along with several friends, and community members come together to commemorate his life with an event called "Kyle's Mile". Byron, who is an avid motorcycle rider himself, channeled his grief into organizing this event, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Suicide and Bullying Prevention Hotline.
In the first 7 years of "Kyle's Mile", $100,000 has been raised.
Motorcycles and cars have lined up for well over a mile every year to join this event and you are invited to do the same. If you're interested in joining, there is more information from a Facebook page created for the event.
This will be a ride, raffle, silent auction, meal, as well as some live auction (which is always fun if you have attended this event)....Join us for a great day and a great cause...All vehicles welcome....however bikes always lead...Register 8:30am-10:30 am / Kickstands up at Metro HD 10:45 am
The ride will begin at Metro Harley Davidson-Suzuki in Cedar Rapids and end at North Point Saloon, located at 621 Center Point Rd NE Cedar Rapids. The approximately 100-mile route will be determined that day. Registration costs $10, free for children under 12. Byron Cooper is your contact at (319) 241-1053.
About one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, and sadly, Kyle become one of these young statistics in 2013.
For more information on Kyle's Mile 8, see below. The after-party at North Point will include live entertainment outdoors from 6-10 p.m. with Boot Jack Band.
Byron shared these words "I am always amazed at the ride getting bigger each year and the outpouring of support. It just shows how much Suicide, Bullying, and Depression affect so many of us... let's not make this a taboo topic. People need to know that it's okay to not be okay.."