Motorcyclists know what’s required for a safe ride: adherence to the rules of the road along with a well-maintained bike.
However, they believe that divine protection is just as essential.
Members of the Villages’ Nomads Motorcycle Club benefited from that spiritual assistance during their annual Blessing of the Motorcycles, Saturday, at Summerfield’s St. Mark Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.
“The Christian-based service focused on the importance of Jesus in our lives; and also recalled those members who passed – from illness or accident – during the previous year,” said club Secretary Rebecca Chianese.
The ceremony was co-sponsored by the local chapter of Christian Motorcycle Association that distributed blessing decals and pins. Other clubs, including the American Legion Riders Lady Lake Chapter, also were represented.
“All too often, the public’s perception of bikers is that they are ‘rough and renegades’ but that’s only a small percentage,” said Ricky Flack, chaplain of the CMA’ Leesburg chapter. “This morning brings bikers together in a positive atmosphere. And, who wouldn’t want some blessings while traveling on roads that could be dangerous places?”
One of the Nomads was George Kuiper, of the Village of Belvedere.
“I was raised in the church and grounded in its faith,” said the four-year past president of the Nomads. “I am a believer.”
During spring, numerous motorcycle clubs throughout the country conduct similar events.
The first “mass blessings” was in 1999 at New York City’s Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.
In order to accommodate the large crowds, the house of worship must open its three-ton portal – the only two other times during the year: Easter and the Feast of Saint Francis.
“The Nomads have participated in these events since 2001,” said John Rumplasch, chapter chaplain and a deacon at St. Mark’s, who organized and presided during the ceremony. “Today is special. We come together to enjoy God’s blessings and to have safe journeys.”
