Bikers as Community

It's all about community. Last Thursday the Maple Festival took over my hometown, coming back like a good ol' friend to spend the weekend. Today's the last day. This morning the runners run, the bathtubs race and the pancakes flip. In the afternoon the parade will weave through town as fire engines blast, bagpipes serenade and politicians wave, me included. I don't know if the camel will be in the parade again today but that was a sight yesterday - seeing a dromedary hoofing it down Main Street (pic below by Cindi Hido). Of course there's much more than what I listed filling Chardon Square but you get the idea. BTW - motorcycles park on Court Street at the top of the hill just off the Square. Access via Washington Street.

There's another community that's going into high gear. The motorcycle community is revving up for the 2010 riding season and in our area it starts off with the annual Louie Run, Sunday, May 2 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This event and its organizing foundation have many worthwhile goals including honoring fallen riders and building awareness of motorcycles on the roadway to help prevent more fallen riders. See their website for the day's schedule and for a list of starting locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Don't forget Geauga Powersports has its grand opening on May 1st. See Adventure Rider or their Facebook page for more info.

After the first weekend of May - the motorcycling world goes crazy with rides, events, etc. A lot of the events will benefit a good cause or a special need in the community. I've found some very capable calendars online - BikerPlaza, Let's Ride, and Motorcycle Monster that do a good job of listing local events. Also - when you visit your local bike shop, tattoo parlor or place where bikers might hang out - see if they have the latest print issue of Ridin' On. I talked with Darlene Bish, managing editor, a while back and was fascinated with her history of riding. The Ridin' On magazine includes classifieds, events and articles. And it's FREE.

If you have a favorite event or event resource - please let me know via email or post a comment. Otherwise -as riding season begins, may we ride safe, represent motorcycling well and help others whenever we can. See you on the road.