Blessing of the Bikes kicks off local riding season

Skies cleared Sunday morning, May 5, to make way for warm sunny weather and the perfect day to “start those engines” for hundreds of local motorcycles, as they hit the pavement for what was a first ride of the season for many into Kingsville. 

The 8th annual Blessing of the Bikes, by Hogs for Hospice — in partnership with the First Lutheran Church Kingsville, the Town of Kingsville and many volunteers and sponsors — made for a full family community event with a free barbecue, live music, fellowship and the annual prayer and blessing over the riders and bikes for a safe riding season.

“This is our official kick-off to the riding season,” said Joe Oswald, member of the board for H4H,  to the crowd gathered in front of the church. “So today is celebration. A celebration without segregation, but it is also a celebration of education and about rider safety. We have already had more than one fatality this very, very young riding season.”

He said, this is a chance to remind people of the need to focus on road safety for all – be it riding motorcycles or in vehicles that share area roadways. 

“Education saves lives,” he said.  He also thanked the community for the tremendous support over the years.

“We are beyond humbled that the riding community has embraced the Hogs for Hospice charity work since its inception over the past 9-10 years,” said Oswald.

“I can tell you – Hogs for Hospice – you guys are as good as it gets,” added Mayor Dennis Rogers. “The Town of Kingsville is here to help support in whatever way we can for such an incredible cause.”

MPP Dave Epp was also on hand to thank the community for its support and the caring shown by coming together as a community to support Hogs for Hospice. 

Visiting Pastor Terry Tieman of Grace Celebration Church in Memphis, Tennessee, performed the blessing following a prayer scripture reading, and one minute of silence to remember those lives lost in road accidents. 

Hogs for Hospice is a three-day motorcycle rally to raise awareness and funds for Erie Shores Hospice. This year’s rally will be August 2-5 at Seacliff Park in Leamington.