The National Katelynn Stinnett Memorial Ride will be June 13. One of four participating rides in Georgia will head from Dalton to Rome and finish in LaFayette at Cherokee Farms.
While the ride is planned to roll through the picturesque Georgia countryside, the reason behind the event is a gruesome story and something organizers also want people to remember.
Two-year-old Katelynn Stinnett of Lexington, Ky., was raped and brutally beaten, allegedly by an 18-year-old that was babysitting her Nov. 25. With nearly every bone in her body broken and more than 400 staples or stitches, she was listed in extreme critical condition and died Dec. 3.
A group of friends nicknamed the Steel Horse Cowgirls stepped forward to provide a proper burial and an honor guard for the funeral, even becoming pallbearers that did not leave the child’s side. They slept in church pews overnight to ensure she would not be left alone.
Interest in the cause grew to a point where a nationwide ride was possible, and currently 42 states are involved. Georgia has the most planning to ride that day. The ride, which will be held annually, has even drawn international interest, with events planned in Germany and Australia.
Cathy Hopper of Chatsworth signed on as the organizer of the Dalton-to-LaFayette ride. She was emotionally drawn to the cause after having been abused as a child.
She was even inspired to become a volunteer for CASA, or Court-Appointed Special Advocate, which will benefit from the ride.
“I have walked in the same shoes as these kids,” Hopper said.
The trip will be approximately 123 miles, and will start at 12:30 p.m. at the Dalton Mountain Creek Harley Davidson location. Hopper anticipates more than 300 riders to participate. Riders will donate $15 to participate, and more money will be raised through vendor and auction items.
Overnight camping will be available at Cherokee Farms. Several local bands will perform that evening, including Chad Lewis, Jeff Rogers, the Fly Brothers and the Molly McGuires.
Pre-registration will be possible June 12. For campers that ride in and set up, the gates will open at 1 p.m.
To learn more about CASA, visit www.nationalcasa.org. For more on the ride or to register, call (706) 280-3218 or visit www.orgsites.com/ga/katelynnride2009.
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