About two dozen motorcycles were parked along the street in a quiet neighborhood just north of Bismarck High School on Sunday morning.

No, it wasn't the remnants of some Saturday night biker bash. These bikers all had something in common - a desire to help.

All the riders were women participating in the second annual Girls Wild Ride. This time they were riding for Tracy's Sanctuary, located at 908 N. Eighth St. They gathered at the hospitality house for families in medical crisis to tour the facility before hitting the highway for Totten Trail.

Leader of the pack, Tammy Henninger, started Girls Wild Ride last year, when they rode for the Ronald McDonald House. About 33 riders showed up for that trek.

"I got the idea from the North Dakota Ladies Run. I wanted to do something that would allow local girls who ride meet other girls," Henninger said.

Anne Leiseth said that she didn't realize so many other women rode their own bikes until she took part in this year's ride. She welcomed the opportunity to make a run up to Totten Trail for lunch, about a 130 mile round trip.

Aldeen Klain puts a lot of miles on her big Gold Wing, nearly 12,000 a year, and the odometer had just turned 90,000 on her way back from a Honda Hoot in Billings.

"I just put on 300 miles yesterday, so I wasn't that excited to make the trip, but it's a good cause and gives all the women riders in the area to get together," Klain said. "We're from all various walks of lives, nurses, accountants, state workers and we all drive different kinds of motorcycles."

Tracy's Sanctuary founder Bruce Rittel and his assistant Eden Mengosta welcomed the riders and gave them a tour of of the house before they departed. The women all provided a donation for the house, which was established in memory of Rittel's wife Tracy, who died in a van accident.

"We need groups like this," Rittel said. "I like seeing the community taking ownership in Tracy's Sanctuary. Through the actions of this group others will see the need for it. Tracy's Sanctuary belongs to the community."

In the two years since it was started, Tracy's Sanctuary has provided a place to stay for 150 families. Last week, there were three families staying at the house, which can handle up to six families.

Mengosta, who was asked to join along on the ride, says she gives presentations on what Tracy's Sanctuary has to offer and what it means to the families who use it and to the community. Fundraising is always a priority, and events such as Girls Wide Ride bring attention to the house and expose its needs to the community.

Henninger says next year another worthy cause will be chosen for the ride. The number of women riders continues to grow, and they enjoy getting out together for the bonding experience.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)