ORANGE BEACH, Ala., -- The 9th annual Ride for Autism, an overnight motorcycle poker run, will take place March 23-24 and will depart from Cajun Harley-Davidson in Lafayette, La., and travel to Flora-Bama in Perdido Key.

Registration kicks off, as it does every year with an open house at Cajun Harley-Davidson on Thursday March 22, 6-8 p.m. with a complimentary meal. The event is a “ride as you will” ride, not a group ride and is open to all make and model motorcycle or other street-legal vehicle.

Registration will be open all day on Friday and until noon on Saturday.

A rider can also join us at the arrival party at the Happy Harbor Cantina and Grill at 17400 Perdido Key Drive at the Florida-Alabama state line. The rider (s) can draw their entire hand there, participate in the silent auction, play the 50-50 split and buy door prize tickets (some truly unique and interesting items). The Adam Holt Band, a favorite in the area, will be performing.

The American Psychiatric Association is currently evaluating the definition of autism with the intent of changing that definition. This change could result in many individuals in need being denied public services such as public education and other support.

For those of us dedicated to the cause of autism, this emphasizes the need for the public to better understand what the disorder is all about; a major focus of our annual ride has always been to increase public awareness about autism.

And yes, Alice Cooper has taken up our cause, promoting the ride on his syndicated radio program and donating some interesting items to be auctioned off; a pair of his pants-autographed-and one of his golf score cards. Cooper is a two-handicap golfer, something most people are not aware of.

All proceeds benefit Project Independence, a 501-C3 non-profit and tax-exempt entity. Registration is $45 per hand, which includes an event T-shirt, ride pin, event souvenir, door prize chance, complimentary meal and more.

Registration is available on-line via PayPal on the Project Independence web site (www.projectindependence.org). The web site also contains additional information about the ride (i.e., host hotels, etc.), past events, information about autism, resources and the work of the organization.

Incidentally, Project Independence is staffed entirely by volunteers which means that every single penny raised goes to help those dealing with autism.