HUNTINGTON – May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and even though the month was nearly over, the Wild Bunch Bike Family wanted to send it off with one last ride to commemorate the awareness this month brings. On May 30, the gang started their ride at Huntington City Park in Emery County and ended at the Price Fair Grounds in Carbon County for a good cause.
The organization kicked off its first Mental Health Awareness run in hopes of keeping it going each year. Don “Bunch” Gardner, President of the Wild Bunch Bike Family, said, “We’re not just a bunch of motorcycle gangs; we’re here to help the community. That’s our whole mission.”
The Wild Bunch officially came together as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in February 2025, dedicated to supporting children, first responders, veterans and others in need. Their hope is to bring awareness to those in need and to let struggling individuals know that there is always someone to talk to in times of crisis.
The event started off with Amanda McIntosh, the suicide prevention liaison with Four Corners Community Behavioral Health and the board secretary for the Utah chapter of the AFSP, who welcomed everyone to the event and thanked the riders for having these vital conversations that are hard to start.
“Everybody has mental health just the same way that everybody has physical health,” McIntosh told the crowd. “We need to have more conversations… and seize those awkward moments where we’re checking in with one another and really making sure that we are on a good mental health journey.”
Gardner, who is also the post commander for the American Legion out of Orangeville, gave some eye-opening statistics about veteran suicide rates, stating the national statistic of over 22 veterans taking their lives each day. “If you know somebody who’s in crisis or having problems, talk with them. Just be a friend,” Gardner urged the riders. “Sometimes letting them know that they are not alone makes the whole difference.”
With the unpredictable spring weather, the riders had to change their originally planned route. The 108-mile ride kicked off in Huntington, making its first stop at the city park in Elmo. From there, riders took Upper Miller Creek Road to Ridge Road, making their way to Miller’s in Wellington to warm up, grab fuel and participate in a poker run to keep the atmosphere light and fun.
The group then rode up the scenic Nine Mile Canyon for their next stop before heading back down Highway 6 to finish the day at the Carbon County Events Center in Price for the final card draw and wrap-up.
The group operates directly out of the community, with most of its members living in Emery and Carbon counties. Looking to the future, they hope to eventually establish a permanent headquarters and event center to continue their outreach.
To learn more about the Wild Bunch Bike Family, see upcoming events or find out how to support their mission, you can reach them via: