On the surface, an event like the Riverland Foundation’s annual BOSS (Bikers of Student Success) Ride, seems like nothing more than a ride across southeastern Minnesota.

Each year, bikers gather in the parking lot of the RCC east campus, exchange hellos, admire the bikes themselves and then hit the pavement for a ride lasting late into the afternoon.

However, under the surface the ride is far more than that. It is a year-round work load of a devoted few that want to see students get the education they need.

It’s so comprehensive that eyes are already being turned to next year and the 10th annual ride, with ideas already being suggested for smaller events throughout the year leading up to the ride.

“We meet all year round,” said Ron Wangen, who along with Al Bush first brainstormed the idea that has steadily grown since its first ride in 2001.

“When we get a little closer, we go to businesses and collect prizes,” Wangen said.

The idea came from the success of other rides the two had been part of.

“We had been part of cancer rides; we thought we could do the same thing for scholarships,” Bush said.

The first meeting of the year is actually a look back.

“The first meeting is a review of how it came out, flaws and how we can remedy them,” Bush said. “Then we start talking about where we’re going the next year.”

As the year progresses, the ride comes a little closer to the final result. Around the end of May or beginning of June is when committee members start visiting businesses hoping to get gifts given out during a raffle.

It’s a testament to the ride’s popularity when committee members are instantly recognized.

“It’s gotten to where they see you come in and they say, ‘must be BOSS time,’” Wangen said, and then added that even with the harsh economic times, there is ample giving.

“I thought it would be down because of the economic situation, but people have been very good about donating,” he said.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the ride is the ride itself. Riders taking part in BOSS have told Wangen and Bush that the more enjoyable trips have been east, to Bluff Country and the Mississippi River, rounding out to around 200 miles.

“We try to make it scenic,” Bush said.

Again, it seems like a fairly simple task, but the task becomes a little more interesting when you’re trying to maneuver between 40 and 50 bikes through cities.

“We try to miss cities,” Bush, who organizes the routes, said. “When you hit a town, you just try to keep everybody moving.”

Before a route is determined, Bush will make the trip himself at least twice.

“I’ll get a feel for the route, see if there is any construction or detours,” he said. “Fine tune it, before taking it to the committee.”

The work put into each BOSS Ride certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I see a lot of generosity,” Riverland President Terrence Leas said. “I see a group of individuals, focusing on this college to achieve a mission.”

The success so far has resulted in the foundation looking at adding a second scholarship. It also comes from feedback from the riders themselves.

“I enjoy it,” said Jim Johnson, president of Southeastern Tech out of Red Wing and Winona, who also takes part in the ride. “Anytime you can take something recreational and turn it into a scholarship, that’s a good thing.”