The sky threatened rain all day. A gray hue blanketed what is normally a blue canopy, and the wind had a bit of a chill to it, especially in the unconfined cockpit of a two-wheeled vehicle.
But, in spite of those conditions, more than five-dozen motorcycle riders put on their gear and rode to support March for Babies, an effort of March of Dimes.
The majority of people who ride motorcycles do so for the enjoyment and freedom of operating a two-wheeled vehicle as opposed to a four-wheeled version.
And their ranks include many community-minded people. Give them a reason to ride their motorcycle, while also helping the community in some form or fashion, and you have yourself a fundraiser.
Toys for Tykes, a Blue Knights ride and any number of Poker Runs, all raise money for some cause or effort with the hopes of making a family’s life a little better.
To put a hobby into an event that can help a cause or a group of people in need provides double the benefit.
Saturday’s Blue Knights spring ride raised about $1,000 that will help with efforts to curb premature births or birth defects.
When a family is expecting a new addition, to find out that complications have arisen can be devastating news.
While one effort to raise money will not be enough to end premature births or birth defects, any help this worthwhile organization receives is a step toward that end.
To me it was a novel idea for the Blue Knights Mississippi Chapter IX to use their spring ride to raise funds for an effort that ensures every family can look forward to bringing a healthy new addition to their home.