The Sergeant Ron Helus Ride For The Blue is an annual event which brings motorcycle riders together from all over Southern California to honor those that protect and serve. We are Honoring All The First Responders of Ventura County.
The Sergeant Ron Helus Ride For The Blue supports the First Responders of Ventura County. First Responders are the first on the scene when an emergency strikes. They run towards danger when other run away from danger. These individuals go to work every day knowing they may not return home to their families. The Sergeant Ron Helus Ride For The Blue provides resources to help our First Responders be the best that they can be through funding for equipment, wellness training and support.
The Ride for the Blue was founded in 2016 when I decided to honor all the law enforcement agencies throughout Ventura County. The first ride was simple. A group of my friends who ride motorcycles met at a shopping center in Simi Valley and headed off to the local police stations to say, “thank you for your service to our community.” Over the next several years the Ride for the Blue continued to grow.
On November 7th, 2018, my hometown Thousand Oaks would forever change. A local Country Western bar, “Borderline”, was the scene of a mass shooting that took the lives of 12 innocent friends from our community, including Sgt. Ron Helus who responded to the “shots fired call”.
Upon arrival, he confronted a lone shooter and engaged in a gun battle. In doing so, he was able to save the lives of over 200 patrons that evening. Unfortunately, Sgt. Helus was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries the next day.
To honor Sgt. Helus for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice, in 2019 I changed the name of the ride to The Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue. I [John Short] spoke with Karen Helus (Ron’s Wife) and she mentioned that she would like to start the ride at Borderline to honor her husband because “my husband did not back down from danger and we as Americans do not back down from danger as well.” That year we had 150 riders participate!
In 2020 after Covid 19 spread throughout the United States, I realized that all First Responders (Fire, Police, Dr.’s, Nurses, EMS) should all be honored and recognized. After postponing the 2020 ride due to the pandemic, in 2021 I renamed the ride to the Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue – Honoring All First Responders of Ventura County.
On July 10, 2021, we had over 275 riders participating in the ride, visiting 10 police stations throughout the county in one day, honoring our first responders (Police, Fire, Dr.’s Nurses, and EMS).
The 2022 Sgt. Ron Helus Ride was another success with over 400 riders participating. This event was almost 50% larger than 2021. I added several additions to the event this year including Starbucks in the morning with coffee drinks and pastries. Our lunch break was at Oxnard PD where lunch was provided by Firehouse subs and drinks were provided by Starbucks. We also had a DJ that provided music while we had lunch.
For the first time in the 7 years, we had the Ventura County California Highway Patrol Participate in the event which was a welcomed addition.
I look forward to seeing all the volunteers, sponsors and the riders again in 2023.
2023 Ride for the Blue was one for the history books. This was the biggest event EVER with over 400 riders participating from 66 cities across California and 3 states.
We raised over $30,000 to help provide Wellness Training for the First Responders of Ventura County. In 2023, I had the pleasure of accepting a proclamation from the County of Ventura – honoring the Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue. I accepted this proclamation on behalf of the 100 Volunteers, Corporate Sponsors, and the hundreds of riders that show up each year to make this event happen. For this I am truly humbled and grateful.
We will see you all again on Saturday May 4th, 2024 for the 9th annual Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue – Honoring ALL the First Responders of Ventura County…
Sincerely,
John Short III
Founder
The Sgt. Ron Helus – Ride for the Blue
Honoring All First Responders of Ventura County