Hair of the Dog benefits homeless pets

The Tri-County Motorcycle Club’s motto may be “ride until you drop,” but this weekend, motorcycle enthusiasts, dog lovers and the community at large can come together to support animal rescue groups.

The Hair of the Dog Motorcycle Run and Barbecue will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The motorcycle run will begin at Rockaway River Barn. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $20 per rider, which includes the barbecue. The restaurant will be open early for sit-down breakfast and take-out orders.

The ride will conclude with an event at the VFW in Morris Plains from noon to 5 p.m. The cost for non-riders is $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and children under 12 are free.

“We thought it would be a nice way to bring together bikers with dog lovers to support such an important cause,” said Dave Melsom, event organizer.

This weekend’s run is an American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned lime-dot ride; participants can ride at their own pace and with their own group on a suggested route.

“We do this for fun anyway, so a few times a year we like to get together to support a charity,”

said Carl Jenkins, president of the Tri-County Motorcycle Club.

The event is open to the public, and participants don’t have to ride to attend. A family-friendly barbecue will feature vendors and a tricky tray raffle.

Attendees can also enjoy live music from Street Hassle, a horn band that plays renditions of 1960s and 1970s rock and disco classics ranging from Chicago to the Rolling Stones.

“They’re this really great 12-piece band that were nice enough to donate their time and talent to the cause,” Jenkins said. “You definitely don’t have to own a motorcycle to enjoy some great music and food, and have fun.”

Proceeds from the event will be divided among four local animal rescue groups: Eleventh Hour Rescue; Diamonds in a Ruff Rescue; German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of New Jersey; and Second Chance Pet Adoption League. The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) is helping to promote the event.

Representatives from all four organizations will be on hand to answer questions, supply information, and help facilitate pet adoptions.

“Everyone is welcome,” Melsom said. “You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to learn more about these organizations or enjoy the barbecue.”

The Tri-County Motorcycle Club was founded in 1958, and today has approximately 60 members, Jenkins said. The organization regularly hosts motorcycle runs and other events to support local charities and causes, including Larry’s Legacy, Wounded Warrior Project and Saint Peter’s Orphanage in Denville.

“We’re like brothers, and when one of us has a problem, we do whatever we can to help out,” Jenkins said.

HAIR OF THE DOG MOTORCYCLE RUN AND BARBECUE

WHEN: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24; registration, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; ride and barbecue,

noon to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Rockaway River Barn, 11 Green Pond Road, Rockaway; VFW, 45 Tabor Road,

Morris Plains

COST: $20 per rider; non-riders, $20, adults; $10, kids; children under 12, free

INFORMATION:www.gsprescuenj.com or www.tri-countymc.com; 973-580-3997