Riders for Children's Mental Health Awareness Stop in Sidney

It was black leather vests, helmets, and the roar of motorcycles that had the children's attention on Thursday at the Kids Korner daycare center. The kids were filled with joy and excitement watching the chrome-splashed motorcycles line up and start their journey, not fully aware due to their young age of the seriousness of the issue of which these riders were traveling to raise awareness.

The group of volunteer motorcyclists stopped in Sidney on Thursday as they traveled through the state raising awareness of children's mental health issues by gathering signatures on petitions that will be delivered to the State Capitol Building at the end of the ride.

It's called the Pony Express, and for the 11th year in a row the group which is made up of riders from various organizations like the Fraternal Order of Eagles, stopped in Sidney on Thursday at the Kids Korner at the Cheyenne County Community Center, then traveled on to North Platte, Gothenburg, then Kearney on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday they continued east, eventually ending their journey at the Nebraska State Capitol Building at 1:30pm to deliver the petition letters signed by citizens all across the state.

Stan Bills of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Eagle Riders is in his 11th year organizing the ride.

"The Eagle Riders started this Pony Express ride, but anyone is welcome to ride with us. We're all volunteers", Bills said.

"Last year when we went through our expenses, it was about 30 thousand dollars when it was said and done...all out of our own pockets", he explained.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so the Eagle Riders participate in the Pony Express ride to help raise awareness of children's mental health issues.

The riders journeyed nearly 900 miles from west to east, re-enacting the the route of the Pony Express, picking up petition letters concerning children's mental health issues and delivering them to legislators in Lincoln. In previous years, they've enduring driving rainstorms and even snow to get their message heard throughout Nebraska.

"Our record is 3000 letters to the Governor delivered, and we're hoping to beat it this year. We're picking up letters and riders as we travel through Ogallala, North Plate, and eastbound. We're trying to get people to open their eyes and understand what an important issue this is", said Bills.

The Department of Health and Human Services provides many resources and information concerning mental health issues. The Nebraska Family Helpline can assist with with questions about children's mental health confidentially by calling 888-866-8660.