We attended the first Mystery Ride in New Hampshire over the weekend where we joined the Alton, NH American Legion Riders, Chapter 8, a charitable veterans group, to solve a murder mystery and raise funds for The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Participants followed the clue map to each stop around scenic Lake Winnipesaukee and picked up clues to solve the mystery of who murdered Hugh Mann Body.

Dave and I were in charge of the last stop (and clue) on the map and set up our Brain Aneurysm tent. It was a beautiful day out and we welcomed the bikers and some other civilians in their cars as they went in search of clues for a wonderful story written by an aneurysm survivor (and event organizer), Julie.

We have to admit hearing and seeing the 15 or so motorcycles turn into our stop all at once was quite a sight. As much as we wanted more to participate, it was still pretty exciting to see those that DID participate. They all seemed to enjoy the mystery and their help in bringing awareness and money to Brain Aneurysm was greatly appreciated.

The Silent Auction was a huge hit and all of the money raised from that, as well as individual donations, and a 50/50 raffle will go to genetic research for familiar aneurysms. Julie decided to give that money to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in my sister Dori’s name. I was very moved and touched she did that.

They were also able to connect with at least two other survivors and that is really what part of the events like this is about. The more people you can connect with, the more of a community you can build. One woman had survived a pretty awful rupture just a couple of months ago. She was doing GREAT! And an older woman discovered she had 3 brain aneurysm and an aortic aneurysm, but was there ready to to kick butt in the silent auction!

As with our KAT-Walk event, in some years it’s not about the quantity of the people who participate, but the quality of the people and I’d say we had some top-notch, salt-of-the-earth folks who cared about a cause that was very near and dear to their friend.

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated, contributed, and cared. For a few PHOTOS from the event, CLICK HERE>>