Organizers of the 14th annual Rick Graham Diabetes Awareness Memorial Ride are preparing for the event this year without the son of the ride’s namesake.

The ride is held in memory of former Boston firefighter Rick Graham who suffered a diabetic-related heart attack while riding his motorcycle in 2001. It starts in Boston and ends at the Dudley L. Brown VFW in Onset.

Since it started, Rick’s son, Rich, had been an important part of the ride, which grew from just a few of Rick’s close friends to hundreds of motorcyclists who help raise money for the American Diabetes Association and the families of bikers who have passed away.

Rich passed away from leukemia earlier this year.

“It’s going to be difficult without him,” said Dave Hayes, one of the ride’s organizers. “Rich was one of the ride’s core members. And even though he was Rick’s son, we made sure he realized he had to work to help put this on.”

Like his father, Rich became an avid motorcyclist, but was too young to have gone on any rides with his father before Rick died.

“They never got to go on a ride with each other, but they’re together now,” said Hayes.

The ride will be held on Sept. 18 and begins at the Boston Firefighters Union Hall, 55 Hallet St., Boston. Registration starts at 9 a.m.

The ride begins at 11 a.m. Participants are expected to arrive in Onset between 12:30 and 1 p.m. where there will be music, raffles and food.

The donation fee for a rider and passenger is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under ride for $10.

The rain date is Sept. 25. For more information, call 617-293-7039, 617–908-6900 or 617-866-7217 or email rickgrahammemorialride@yahoo.com.