In spite of the daily hustle and bustle of working at a busy hospital, a few employees at Cartersville Medical Center have found a way to connect and bond through their love for hitting the open road by motorbike.

Though they wear scrubs, uniforms and business attire by day, many take time away from work to slap on a helmet, rev up their engines and take a leisurely ride through Bartow County and beyond its borders.

Sometimes they even mount up to ride to work (there are special parking spaces for motorcycles at the hospital.)

About four years ago, motorcycle enthusiasts who at the hospital began riding for a cause, thus giving birth to the Relay Ride for Life motorcycle ride.

Organized by Barbara Belew, a nurse at the hospital, Relay Ride for Life, combines a love for motorcycle riding with a fundraiser to raise money for Relay for Life.

“We’re just folks who like to ride and want to raise money,” said Jeff Barwick, administrative director for the hospital and spokesperson for the ride. “We hope that people will come on board with us to help us with a good cause.”

Barwick said the ride draws bikers from Cartersville and beyond and takes a scenic route through Northwest Georgia.

As many as 80 bikers are expected to participate, including Barwick and co-workers Joe Tiller, Michael Van Horn, Chad Lavigne, Robbie Tatum and Bob Goodner.

The ride is not only a way to raise money but also a way to remember family and friends who have battled cancer said Mindy Houston, senior accountant at the hospital.

“I think everyone is affected by cancer, whether they’ve fought it know someone who went through it,” said Houston.

Houston, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare cancer in April 2011, said it is inspiring to see her co-workers and the community come together to show their support.

“It’s important to participate in the Relay Ride for Life because that’s how we can help the American Cancer Society fund research to find a cure,” Houston said.

The ride will be held Aug. 25, beginning at 9 a.m. at The Hope Center. After a scenic bike ride that travels as far as Waleska, it ends with food, entertainment and even door prizes. Barwick said there also will be diabetes screenings as well.

Registration is $25 per bike, which includes a t-shirt and meal for one passenger. Additional passengers may purchase a t-shirt for $10 and a meal for $5.

To register or for more information call (800)242-5662. Credit cards are accepted.