The important role of the 4-H youth program in New Mexico communities is the focus of the annual Ride for the 4-H Clover motorcycle tour Aug. 23 and 24, an awareness-building campaign first envisioned by New Mexico State University Regents Chair Mike Cheney as a way for people to learn about the many opportunities New Mexico’s youth can experience through the Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program.
This year’s ride has special significance as the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Extension Service is being celebrated, an anniversary that is being recognized by a proclamation from the Grant County Board of Commissioners.
“The New Mexico State University Grant County Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H program provide positive 4-H youth development through leadership, citizenship and personal growth,” says the proclamation. “Extension outreach programming provides the Grant County community with supportive resources in agriculture, home economics, community development and urban horticulture.”
Commissioners proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 23 – the day the ride will go through the county – as Ride for the 4-H Clover Day and encourages all Grant County residents and visitors to attend and participate in this year’s event.
That day, riders and other participants will gather for breakfast, a welcome and an overview of the ride from 7-8 a.m. at the Dona Ana County Extension Office, 530 N. Church St. in Las Cruces. They’ll leave Las Cruces and travel to Silver City, passing through scenic Hillsboro on the way.
From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., they’ll be involved in activities and a reception provided by the Grant County Extension Office, all at the Convention Center in Silver City, 3031 Highway 180 E. From 12:30-2:30 p.m., they’ll travel to Reserve, N.M., where they’ll visit the Catron County Fair.
From 3-6 p.m., riders and other participants will travel to Socorro, where a dinner, reception and activities are planned at Bodega Burger Co., 606 N. California St. Activities will be provided by the Socorro County Extension Office and the riders will stay overnight in Socorro.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, riders and other participants will leave Socorro at 9 a.m. for Ruidoso, arriving at 11. Lunch in Ruidoso will be provided at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca, 105 Sierra Blanca Drive. Lunch and activities will be provided by the Lincoln County Extension Office.
The group will leave Ruidoso at 1 p.m., traveling through the Mescalero Apache Reservation and Cloudcroft. They’ll continue to the Otero County Extension Office in Alamogordo, 401 Fairgrounds Road, where activities and an ice cream social will be provided by Otero County Extension from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
At 3:30 p.m., riders and other participants will leave Alamogordo, bound for Las Cruces where they will complete the ride.
NMSU President Garrey Carruthers plans to join in on the event, and anyone who wishes to participate, but is not a motorcycle rider, is also welcome. Carruthers accompanied the motorcyclists at last year’s event, led by Regent Cheney.
Three hotels have partnered with the Extension Service to offer overnight accommodations in Socorro: the Econo Lodge (575-835-1500), the Comfort Inn (575-838-4400) and the Best Western (575-838-0556).
Cost is just $75 per person, which includes lunches along the route and dinner in Socorro. Riders also will receive a pin commemorating this unique ride. Proceeds will benefit Extension 4-H youth programs.
For more information or to register, visit ridefortheclover.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-3015.
Information from NMSU