By Cheryl McDonald News Review Staff Writer–
The 17th Annual Calvary Chapel Biker Blessing will the held on the second Saturday, May the 13th, at 210 E. Springer Ave., Ridgecrest, with open registration beginning at 9:00 am for all street legal motorcycles who wish to be part of the parade. Everyone is invited to a non-denominational devotional and blessing at 10:15 am, which will be followed by a parade at 11:00 am up China Lake Blvd from the church, where fans are invited to watch from the sidelines as the Ridgecrest Police Department escorts the motorcycles through town with riders continuing around the Indian Wells Valley.
The Chapel will provide coffee and donuts. Riders from near and far are expected to attend the event, often riding from as far as Arizona and Nevada.
At the end of the ride, a free BBQ luncheon with live blues by the Eric Turner Band will be provided starting at 11:40 am and catered by Caseys Steaks & Barbecue with an assist by the Disturbed Souls Motorcycle Club and the Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club who are also providing some of the food.
This Calvary Chapel outreach event invites all those who love to enjoy the open road on their two and three-wheel motorcycles.
Started 17 years ago by a pastor named Scooter, it is now carried forward by the current pastor Terry Morrison.
“This event was almost a casualty of the pandemic because of a lack of funds. However, some too many people wanted it to happen,” said Mike Kinkennon, one of the organizers. This event is being put together by Mike and Harley Williams, who are from different motorcycle clubs. Mike Kinkennon of the Disturbed Souls MC and Harley Williams of the Soldiers for Jesus MC has brought together support from private local sources, Casey’s Steaks and Barbecue, and the Ridgecrest Police Department.
This event is held in May every year to promote motorcycle awareness and to remind all of us automobile drivers to be mindful of those on bikes. Mike and Harley also felt this was an excellent way to unite people for a good time as a community celebration.
Both men are happy this event will continue, and they appreciate all the support they are getting.
Donations for supporting future Biker Blessings will be accepted at Calvary Chapel, 210 E. Springer Ave. For more info, contact Mike Kinkennon at 760-793-2909 or Terry Morrison at 760-977-0484.
