05/06/2024
It's Monday and I have been reflecting on the weekend. I want to thank the public - or who we MC'ers call "civilians" - who looked past the MC biker stereotypes and joined us for what has become more than an event to us.
This event was the brain-child of Bret "BLING" Jowers, an often loud and crazy, but always deeply compassionate, brother-to-my-soul who passed shortly before last year's event. Last year we blew up all previous achievements and truly had an event that honored his passion for the cause. We were all on a high at such a successful event.
Then just days later, another brother (GRIM) was killed by a truck. The deaths of our beloved brothers are not what we had hoped to bookend an incredible weekend. Then days later another brother from another state (OOMPA) was killed by a car.
These losses are devastating. The glory of the successful run was overshadowed and lost as we mourned. Planning for this year's event was tough too. After all, we are still wounded while we try to plan an event that honors our brothers, and takes care of those St Jude kids that Bling cared so much about.
The gloom started to lift as the weather forecast started to improve. It felt to me as if the sun was determined to shine on this event. God blessed us with a perfect riding day. So thanks be to Him!
We are honored to have had the continual support of many of the local clubs who show up, help where they can, spend what they can, and pour out brotherhood in great fashion. We are lucky in West Tennessee to have such a good club community, who get along well and support one another. It is a blessing for sure.
I am lucky to have what I think is the hardest working MC family in West Tennessee. The task always seems so large when planning starts, but they ALWAYS make me proud, and that includes this year. Our chapter patch-holders, prospect, associates, hangarounds, spouses, children, and close club-friends worked hard for months to bring this event to fruition. We couldn't do any of this without the team doing what it does. They blow me away every year.
But, like I said above, I really want to thank the civilians too. Y'all had no problem hanging with MC folks and helping us do what our hearts tell us to do for these kids. We are grateful and honored by your respectfulness and your support.
Finally, we are still counting but it looks like we are very close to meeting last year's record-breaking year! I will update everyone when the exact numbers are calculated.
MLLHR,
Rev
P.S. The family of our fallen have been a huge blessing as well, in many ways. Thank you.
