Six...

Approximately 100 bikes [and riders] showed up for the annual Blessing Of The Bikes at our church today. We see a great collection roll in every year and this year was no exception, from normal trikes to the Can-Am trike (with two front wheels and one rear), Harleys to Kaws [pronounced "cows"], and everything in between. There were scooters and enduros, new and old - well, you get the idea. The one thing we all had in common was an interest to have our bikes blessed for the upcoming riding season, praying for safety throughout the season and an opportunity to appreciate all of God's great creation that surrounds us.


Since Dawn and I are down to six days before blasting into the Great Adventure, it was even more meaningful to us [of course, we wouldn't miss it even if we weren't leaving this weekend!]. Over the years we have seen rain, sleet and snow at these events but once in a while, we actually have really nice weather. This year was windy and cold so as you can see in the pictures, leather was the fashion for the day.

After lunch, which was provided, we had some heartfelt words and a brief moment of silence for Ron Nickerson, a member of a local Gold Wing riders club who recently unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. There was prayer for all who were there, then prayers over each of the bikes and riders.

After a brief time of fellowship, some of us hit the road for a ride to Ashtabula, Ohio, were we stopped in at the E-comm Cafe for some great coffee and fellowship. Then, on our way home we stopped to see the longest covered bridge in the U.S. [and it is the second longest covered bridge in the world!], the new Smolen-Gulf Bridge, located in Ashtabula, Ohio on Highway 25.





This turned out to be another blessed weekend as we once again got to see a lot of friends and family. Will was able to come in for the weekend and spend some more time with Jackie. It has been a real pleasure getting to know him and watch the two of them foster a relationship. Jackie was doubly blessed because she got to show him her new car (a 2001 Ford Escort, ZX2), which I continue to correct her by pointing out that my name is on the title. Haha Jackie, sorry, but it is true! She is psyched because it is red and has a sunroof! That makes it a good car, you know!