Kent Rohe is inviting motorcyclists on an 11-mile ride to raise money for Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties in Ottawa. Sounds easy, right? This 11-mile stretch has 318 curves.

The ride is in the Knoxville/Gatlinburg area in Tennessee, particularly the "Tail of the Dragon." Participants will see the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohola, Skyway and the Foothills Parkway.

Rohe has taken the ride before and finds it beautiful.

"It's a very nice ride," he told The Times. "It takes you through the Smoky Mountains."

Rohe, who has ridden motorcycles since he was 15, said the experience in a car isn't the same as being out in the open and experiencing the same scenery.

"I wanted to go south. Go warm. Get riding and kick the season off," he said.

Currently, about nine people, including Al Renkosik of Sheridan, have agreed to go. Rohe would be pleased with 20 participants. He hopes to raise $1,500. If successful, Rohe would like to make this an annual fundraiser for Easter Seals.

Riders will leave Saturday, May 15. Prior to their departure, a hog roast is planned for Thursday, May 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ottawa. Meal tickets, a 50-50 drawing, silent auction and door prizes will be available. In addition, T-shirts, can coolers and ride pins will be for sale. The cost is $10 to attend. All proceeds will benefit Easter Seals.

A short orientation will take place Friday, May 14.

Rohe chose Easter Seals because his mother used to volunteer there and he feels it's an asset to Ottawa, where he grew up.

"They do a lot for the community I'm sure people don't know about," he said.

Shelley Threadgill, director of marketing and development at Easter Seals, said Easter Seals is excited about the event.

"We're always looking for something different," Threadgill said. "It's really going to be beautiful. We're just really excited about it."

For more information, visit http://springridesouth.com/2010 or call Rohe at 815-228-9383. Rohe will continue to update his Web site as more information becomes available, such as times, hotel options and fees. A nominal fee will be required to participate. Anyone wishing to sponsor the ride is asked to call Rohe.

For more information about Easter Seals, visit www.illinoisvalley.easterseals.com.