Bikers Ride To Help Thy Neighbor

by: len “3 Wheel” montgomery

he mcDowell family Got up the morninG of march

2, 2021 like any other day, prepared for work and headed out. A typical Tuesday meant that Matthew and Jessica went off to earn for the family while Matthew’s mother, Mary McDowell, would stay behind to care for her granddaughter Payton. But as fate would have it, on this day, the entire family headed out together not realizing that this would be the last time they would be able to enjoy their home. About an hour or so later a neighbor called to share some unfortunate news: their home was engulfed in flames.

Matthew and Jessica had purchased an old farmhouse a mere two years earlier. The home was originally built in 1910. Having relocated to the area, they had focused on getting settled in. Between work and a new child, they had not met a lot of people in their new community. Over the past few years, they had remodeled their home. A roof leak had prompted a new roof the previous September. The kitchen and living room had been completely remodeled and flooring throughout the home had been replaced. They had spent time and money building both a home and a future for their family. But their fortune changed that morning just thirty minutes after they left.

Firefighters responded about 9:15 to the call. Twenty-two firetrucks from four or five firehouses responded, constantly bringing in water to contain the fire as the home was not on a public water system. Despite the efforts, the home was destroyed. The new roof collapsed as the supporting structure beneath it gave way to the flames. Surrounding trees were also burnt, though no other homes were close enough to be affected.

Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire had come from either the meter box or breaker box. This put the fire starting right at the head of Mary’s bed and a mere ten feet from where Payton slept. Had Mary and Payton stayed behind that morning, this story could have taken an even uglier turn. As it was, the family lost their three dogs to the fire. And the family cat has not been seen since.

The McDowell’s home and its content were all damaged with a few exceptions. They were able to pick up a few things that, though damaged, still held sentimental value. Matthew was able to recover three books that his grandfather had written that were in his nightstand. The outside of the nightstand was charred, the contents of the drawer was miraculously undamaged.

They did have homeowner’s insurance. However, the policy only covered the basics for the mortgage. And due to the increasing costs of lumber and other building materials, the estimated cost of rebuilding far exceeded the limits of the policy by about $120,000. (Note to self: check my own policy coverage). The McDowell’s are currently staying a mile from their land in a farmhouse owned by a man they had not previously met. Given that was not in use at the time, the owner graciously offered them the place as a short-term solution until they can figure things out and rebuild. They are close enough to keep the chickens fed and

still sift through to salvage a few things. The community has donated many items for necessities. They still need to clear the land and the debris to prepare for a new home. Plans are to put a manufactured or modular home back on the lot soon.

And that brings us to May 1st when Help Thy Neighbor Johnston County had put together a benefit ride for the McDowell’s, a family that no one in the organization had met previously. The ride began at Tart’s Grocery in Garner. By the time they were giving ride instructions and praying for a safe ride, 91 bikes had gathered. And by the time they reached the final stop at Plan B in Smithfield, the group had increased to over 100 bikes. Coming through town, the Smithfield Police Department blocked intersections for the riders, which were now led by a Smithfield Fire Engine. Everyone arrived safe and the festivities began.

There was plenty of food to feed everyone. Fourteen shoulders had been pulled for some fantastic barbecue with baked beans, green beans and bread. A slice of cake completed the meal. The heaping plates were more than this guy could eat. If anyone left hungry, that was on them. While folks were eating, Adam Hill keep everyone entertained with music (this guy does a great one man show). There was a booth set up for axe throwing, a 50/50 raffle and a table full of donated items being raffled off, and a knife custom made by Anvil to Edge specifically for this event was auctioned. The proceeds, totaling $3,807, went to the McDowell family to help rebuild their future.