12th Annual · Sunday, October 4, 2026 · Wilmington, MA

The Trouble the Dog Motorcycle Ride.

Hundreds of riders, first responders, and comfort dogs come together for one day so that a child in crisis gets a friend to hold. Every mile helps put a Trouble dog in a cruiser, a firetruck, and an ambulance.

When
Sunday, October 4, 2026
12th Annual · kickstands up in the morning
Where
The Shriners' Auditorium
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Benefits
Trouble dogs for first responders
Comfort for kids who need hope and a hug
For the client: date, venue, and sponsor are confirmed. Still to add before launch: this year's registration fee, route, and exact start time. Schedule times below follow the usual run of show; confirm and adjust as needed.
Why we ride

One ride keeps Trouble dogs on the road all year.

The motorcycle ride is the foundation's signature fundraiser. Riders, police and fire departments, and motorcycle groups turn out together, and the funds raised go straight into producing and placing Trouble dogs with first responders across the region.

It is a day about the same idea the whole foundation runs on: the people who arrive first at a child's worst moment should have something gentle to give. The ride is how the community makes sure they do.

Open to all ridersFamily friendlyRain or shineFirst responders honored
Confirm the "open to all / family friendly / rain or shine" details reflect this year's plan.
Photo: riders lined up at the Shriners' Auditorium
The day

What to expect from start to finish.

A morning of registration and coffee, a police-escorted ride, and an afternoon back at the auditorium with food, raffles, and the moment that matters most: Trouble dogs handed out to the kids and departments there.

Sample schedule — replace the times below with this year's confirmed run of show.
8:30 AM · Registration & kickstands up coffee
Sign in, grab your ride packet, and meet the departments joining this year.
10:00 AM · Riders' meeting
Route briefing and a word on where the day's funds go.
10:30 AM · Ride departs
Police-escorted ride through the area, first responders leading.
12:30 PM · Return & lunch
Food, music, and raffles back at the Shriners' Auditorium.
2:00 PM · Trouble handoff & awards
Comfort dogs distributed to children and departments; thank-yous to sponsors.
Take part

Four ways to be part of the ride.

Whether or not you own a bike, there is a place for you on ride day.

Ride

Register your motorcycle and ride with first responders. Fee and this year's registration link to be added.

Register →

Sponsor

Put your name or business behind the ride and fund a season of Trouble dogs.

Sponsor options →

Volunteer

Help with registration, food, and the toy handoff. Departments and families welcome.

Volunteer →

Donate a toy or raffle item

Can't make it? Contribute to the raffle or sponsor toys for the kids on ride day.

Give →
On the scene

The ride, covered by local news.

Channel 7 (WHDH) covered the 2025 ride on its September 14 evening broadcast. Add photos and clips from past rides below.

Good to know

Ride day questions.

Do I need a motorcycle to take part?

No. The ride is the centerpiece, but you can sponsor, volunteer, or come for the afternoon at the auditorium with food, raffles, and the toy handoff. Families are welcome.

Where does the money go?

Funds raised produce and place Trouble dogs with first responders, so an officer, firefighter, or paramedic can hand one to a child in crisis. The Kennek Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

How much is registration?

This year's rider registration fee will be posted here along with the online sign-up link. (Client to confirm.)

When and where is the 2026 ride?

The 12th Annual ride is Sunday, October 4, 2026, based at the Shriners' Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. The exact start time and route will be posted here as they're confirmed.

Can my department or motorcycle group join as a group?

Yes. Police departments, fire departments, and motorcycle groups have long been part of the ride. Reach out and we'll help coordinate.

Mark your calendar: October 4, 2026.

Register to ride, sign up to sponsor, or add your name for route and registration details as they're finalized.