Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is quoted as saying, “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long,” and there is no doubt among those that knew Ian Novacek that his flame burned brighter than most – and that his memory is still inspiring people to make the world a brighter place for all.

The North Providence resident passed away suddenly at age 12 on Aug. 6, 2018 due to complications from achondroplasia, a rare genetic disorder that causes dwarfism and leads to other health complications as the person ages.

Other stories have covered Ian’s incomparable resilience and positivity, and how the North Providence community (and its mayor, Charles Lombardi) rallied around him to provide the family with a handicap van to provide him better access to his favorite places.

However, this is the unique story of a motorcycle enthusiast group who took Ian in as one of their own, and now look to honor his memory during a charity ride on Saturday, June 29.

It all started with a staircase. The stairs located in Ian’s house, specifically, which due to his inability to walk required his father, Michael, to carry him up and down the stairs to go to school, doctor appointments or go anywhere else. Ian’s mother, Heather Callanan, recalled spending about four years trying to find help in purchasing a $10,000 stair climber that would ease the burden.

They found that help from a friend, who recommended the Hometown Foundation, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that puts on an annual fundraiser called Dream Ride – which strives to provide unforgettable experiences to those living with mental and physical disabilities through providing police-escorted rides in exotic sports cars. Through the foundation’s work, Ian was gifted the stair climber.

Through a separate fundraising initiative, Ian was also introduced to the Ocean State Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Chapter, an interest group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts that meet at Russ’ Ocean State Harley on Albany Road in Warwick. The group took to Ian immediately, and proclaimed him a member for life – giving him riding accessories and other gifts of love.

Nobody knew it at the time, but Ian would spend the last weekend of his life celebrating at the Dream Ride event in Connecticut during the summer of 2018, playing with K-9 officers and gawking at the dream vehicles and “having the time of his life,” Callanan said.

Ian contracted the flu, and developed a hole in his heart. He deteriorated quickly, to the shock of his family and friends. After he passed, Ian was escorted home by Dream Riders and members of the H.O.G. chapter that claimed him as one of their own.

Now, benevolent actors from around New England have converged to make a positive difference in honor of Ian. The Ride for Ian will kick off on Saturday, June 29 with kickstands going up at 10 a.m., and riders proceeding on an approximately 50-mile, escorted ride. Interested riders and passengers can learn more and register or provide an online donation at app.mobilecause.com/form/se7tMA, or visit the Ocean State Harley Davidson website for more information.

The fundraising ride will split its money raised to benefit the Hometown Foundation (and its corresponding Dream Ride) and the Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

Although he was bound to a wheelchair and experienced many challenges due to his disorder, Ian’s infectiously happy personality and spirit for life knew no bounds. He was dubbed “The Mayor” from friends and family due to his ability to compliment anybody and everybody he met – and for his charming smile and bubbly personality.

“He has touched lives all over the world,” said Callanan. “He touched more lives in 12 years than some people will touch in a whole lifetime.”