Approximately 500 motorcycles will roll out of the Marketplace Foods parking lot on Sunday for the11th annual Ride for the Troops.

This year’s ride is in honor of Army Sgt. Matt Harmon, of Fosston, who was killed in action Aug. 14, 2011 while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. All proceeds of the event go toward Bemidji-area service members and their families.

There will be a pancake breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served at 4 p.m.

After an accident last year, the planning committee has put special emphasis on safety.

The 134-mile ride starts and ends at Marketplace Foods. The ride goes through Becida, Naytahwaush, Itasca State Park and Shevlin with two stops in Zerkle and the Rock Creek Convenience Store.

By — Josh Peterson

News Reporter in Bemidji | jpeterson@lptv.org