God has bikers’ back

PALMER — It doesn’t hurt to have the Lord along for the ride.

That’s the sentiment many of the more than 200 motorcyclists who rumbled into the Palmer Depot to have their bikes blessed Saturday. Along with another 200 family and friends, the riders were in hog heaven, chowing down on free burgers and hot dogs before members of the local Christian Motorcyclist Association blessed owners and their motorcycles to have a save riding season.

“I’m a devout Christian and I believe any blessing from the Lord has got to be a good thing,” said Jeff Reichel, a Palmer resident and CMA member.

Whether a serious or recreational rider, motorcyclists are at a safety disadvantage on the road, Reichel said. Which is why the record turnout for the 10th annual Bike Blessing was encouraging.

“We want to give a little extra measure of attention on the road,” he said. “The Lord’s blessings can help with that.”

Reichel’s faith was bolstered Saturday when he saw someone he sold a motorcycle to a couple of years ago show up. The man didn’t start last season with a bike blessing and dumped his ride a couple times and had someone drop a heavy object on the fender.

“He came through here earlier and was like, ‘Man, I missed it last year and see what happened?’” Reichel said.

Patrick Felthauser doesn’t necessarily believe having his motorcycle blessed on Saturday will keep him safe for the coming year, “but it sure doesn’t hurt,” he said.

Two of the driving forces behind establishing the bike blessing in the Valley were Pastor Chris Savino and “Preacher” Ron Elerick. The event has matured into a celebration of safety and their lives. Savino passed way in 2008 and Elerick in 2003. Elerick’s wife, Cindy, said her husband — all 6-foot-10 and 385 pounds of him — would have been thrilled to see the hundreds gathered at the Palmer Depot.

“As big as he was, his heart was that big too,” she said. “He never wanted to get into anyone’s face about religion. He just always wanted to be normal, a normal size. Well, now he is, because I hear those angels are pretty big dudes.”

Ron Harvey, owner of Ron Harvey’s Classic Motorcycles, also has been involved in organizing the blessing since its inception. He spent much of his time Saturday grilling hot dogs and catching up with old riding buddies.

“This is just awesome,” he said “No. 1, this is to bring God into someone’s life. It’s also to bless the motorcycles and riders for a safe riding season. I think it does make a difference, because God has control.”

Mike Albee of Chugiak agrees. He makes a ride to the Valley each year specifically for the blessing.

“I probably already have 800 miles of riding so far this year,” he said, adding that the blessing “always gives you a good psychological boost.”

As the riders saddled up to put some more miles under their tires, Sheryl Walker and Willie Kunesh rolled in with their new ride.

“We want our bike blessed,” Walker exclaimed, because, “there’s too many weirdoes out there.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnsn@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.