Goochlander Dave Marshall is taking his 40-year love affair with motorcycles one step further. This weekend, the retired educator will join a few of his two-wheeled friends for a 45-mile run through Goochland County on a cruise with a cause.

The riders will raise funds for the Hunter McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond to assist poly trauma patents and their families. Specifically, wounded veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom will benefit from their efforts.

The Wounded Warrior Ride is the brainchild of Marshall with the support of his wife of 39 years, Judy. The transplanted Tarheel said he searched for an appropriate charity ride when they moved to Goochland two years ago, but never hooked up with a local ride. After deciding to organize his own charity ride, Marshall couldn’t decide which charity to choose as the beneficiary.

“I wrestled with the specific charity, trying to find one that I could have a true passion for with some type of emotional connection. Past rides that were especially satisfying included school supply and backpack runs, Christmas toys for underprivileged, rides for different diseases, charities for children placed in group homes, religious efforts, and to discourage drunk driving,” Marshall said. “All of these seemed good and worthy but most had some sponsoring group collecting donations already,” he added.

Then, it all became clear to him in a dream, a vision complete with details. He awoke and announced to Judy he had chosen a charity for his ride.

“It all came to me in a dream, crystal clear,” he said.

The dream came complete with a suggested date and a role for his then 80-year old mother. “She was riding behind me on my Harley Davidson,” Marshall laughed. “And it was the Fourth of July.”

Marshall did some practical tweaking to his elaborate dream, moving the date to the first Saturday following Independence Day. The inaugural ride will be the first in a long series if the Marshalls have their way. They intend to make the event an annual Goochland event.

Although not a veteran himself, Marshall does have a connection with the military. His late father served in all four branches of the services, one of only a few men to accomplish that task. His accomplishments were recognized by former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, citing his service with a proclamation.

Marshall also understand the challenges many veterans face on their return home. “Any thing we can do to help is important,” he said. “We should never forget the sacrifice these veterans have made,” Marshall added.

Riders will assemble at the Goochland High School parking lot at 9 a.m. this Saturday to begin their trek. Those wishing to participate can just show up or visit the charity’s website for pre registration at www.woundedwarriorride.wordpress.com.

“I don’t know how many bikes to expect to attend this inaugural event but I hope it will evolve into one of Goochland county’s anticipated events with participation by 100’s of area riders who love being with other riders and who look forward to this way of expressing their gratitude and respect for the men and women who have made such a great sacrifice for our freedom,” Marshall said.

The ride has also attracted support from the local business community, and Marshall said that aspect is vital to the ride’s success.

“In hard economic times, it’s amazing how so many businesses in Goochland have stepped up and supported this ride,” Marshall said. “Most of their owners don’t ride motorcycles, but they were eager to donate to such a good cause. My hat goes off to them for their generosity and support,” Marshall said.

Anyone interested in participating in the Wounded Warrior Ride should show up a the high school parking lot at 9 a.m. this Saturday, or contact Dave or Judy Marshall, davejudym@gmail.com, 457-4510 or 221-7292.

Riders may be seen on Gum Springs Road, Whitehall Road, Route 6 between Colombia and Georges Tavern, and Rock Castle Road sometime between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11.

The riders would love to see community support from well wishers who wave as they pass by homes and churches and businesses.

There’s been one more adjustment to Marshall’s original dream regarding the ride. His mother has offered her clerical and monetary support, but informed her son she would not be on the back of his motorcycle.