Berts OCC Great American Bike Night

from Born To Ride Magazine #221 - Oct 2022

by Born To Ride TV & Magazine

Adrenaline Harley-Davidson Welcome to Sarasota

RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

Several years ago, at a bike rally, my wife and I volunteered to help with the parking detail. We were assigned what I felt was the best location to direct parking and traffic. There were a few roads that fed into the park-like setting in the center of the rally, like spokes in a wheel. What made this assignment so choice was the fact that our station was where the main feeder road came to our location and then the riders would ride around the circle to park on the circle, turn off onto a side street, or exit where they had come in. Not only were we able to direct the riders, but the bonus was being able to see every bike that turned into the circle. Yes, there were a few who ignored us, but by and large everyone seemed to realize that by having the traffic directed it was safer and more effective for all.

At another much larger rally we again found receptive riders who appreciated our presence and assistance. The riders were fine with the fact that it was a pay lot, and many commented that they liked the big smiles on the faces of the volunteers, and the care we took to keep all the bikes safe from getting scratched by unsafe spacing of the bikes. Due to cooperative riders, we were able to cluster groups riding together, and put trikes together. We even had several riders tell us that they always use that lot; they feel a genuine appreciation and welcome from the helpers!

Helpfulness is often a ticket to meeting new friends on the road. The Bible teaches us this in Romans 12 :13 where it says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” This is a great practice that leads to many new connections. It reminds me that if you want to get a friend you have to be a friend.

This was true after one rally when four of us walked into a little diner. It was around noon and the rally was shutting down, so we decided to get some food before riding home. The waitress was leading us to a table that was fairly close to an elderly couple who were wearing their church clothes. What a coincidence, we were in our church clothes as well! They took a brief glance at the four of us, with our black leather and patches, and they seemed a little concerned. We shot them some big smiles and they appeared to notice what our patches said, and they relaxed as they continued to read our patches that spoke of God and the Bible. In no time we began to chat with them, and they seemed to be happy that we had come to that diner to eat.