HOLLIS – Nick Jennings was 16 years old and attended Hollis Brookline High School when he died in a car rollover in Hollis in November 2004.

Nick’s motto: “Life’s short, ride hard” inspired friends and family to create Nicholas “Nick” Jennings Memorial Ride.

On July 28, motorcyclists will ride in his honor in the eighth annual Nicholas “Nick” Jennings Memorial Ride. Money from the ride and poker run will go to the Nicholas Jennings Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports scholarships for local high school graduates.

The ride leaves Nashua Harley-Davidson, at 717 Route 101A in Merrimack, at 9:30 a.m., arrives at Alpine Grove in Hollis, 19 South Depot Road, Route 11A, at about 1 p.m.

“We map out a scenic route where we can provide safe rest stops for large groups of bikes, where poker hands are drawn and riders can take a break,” said David Jennings, Nick’s father.

Those who want to participate in the poker run can pick up three cards, one at each stop along the route with the last at Alpine Grove. At the end, the riders with the highest and lowest poker hands will receive gift certificates. There will also be a cash drawing for those who finish the poker run.

Money from the ride goes toward three scholarships, each worth $1,000, awarded to high school seniors from Hollis, Brookline, Merrimack or Nashua.

“We look for the middle-of-the-road student that works hard academically and participates in one or more sports, music, arts and involved in school team leadership,” Jennings said.

According to the scholarship website, the money goes to students who have “been accepted to an institution of higher learning” and “been involved in athletics and/or the theatrical or musical arts.”

“The most amazing feeling is when you receive the letters from the scholarship recipients expressing their gratitude and appreciation, then you truly understand the true meaning of the benefit,” Jennings said.

Before the ride, Nashua Harley-Davidson will offer participants 15 percent off full-priced motorcycle clothing and parts.

At Alpine Grove, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will provide lunch and dessert, and Marty’s Ice Cream will provide ice cream. During lunch, two bands – “The Slakas” and “Done by 9” – will provide live entertainment.

Registration for the ride is from 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m. at Nashua Harley-Davidson, and costs $30 per operator and $20 per passenger. The first 100 registered riders will also receive T-shirts.

According to Jennings, the number of riders depends on the weather, but usually the ride draws in around 150 bikes with 250 riders and passengers.

“It is amazing and very overwhelming to see this all come together each year, our support continues to grow,” Jennings said. “When it all comes together, and you see it all happen in front of your eyes, it is very humbling.”

For more information and a registration form, visit www.lifesshortridehard.com. Make checks payable to “Nicholas Jennings Memorial Fund.” Donations are accepted.

“Our goal is for the memorial funds continued growth of becoming a perpetual fund in each community,” Jennings said. “I’m very humbled and blessed to be part of our children’s continued education.”