The Story Behind Down for A Ride

If you pause and think about it, most of us know someone—family or close friends—who has a child with Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down Syndrome. For my family, that someone is a boy named Rhett. His joy, strength, and the love surrounding him inspired his parents to look for ways to raise awareness and support for individuals with Down Syndrome.

In 2021, that inspiration set something meaningful in motion. I met with Angela Pierce–Hedican, a member of the Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization in McLean County, Illinois. Together, we began brainstorming an idea that blended community, visibility, and heart: a motorcycle ride dedicated to raising awareness for Down Syndrome—something fueled by the spirit of Rhett and so many others like him.

We scheduled a meeting at Walters Brothers Harley-Davidson in Peoria, Illinois. It was there that we met Stan Wiebler for the first time. When we walked into his office, he didn’t speak right away. Instead, he quietly turned his computer screen toward us. On it was a photo of his niece, Quinn, a proud member of the Down Syndrome community. After a moment—and a few tears—Stan looked up and simply asked, “What can I do to help?”
That was the moment everything clicked.
Down for A Ride was born.