A group of about 50 motorcycles roared out of the parking lot at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor on June 10 and turned east onto Tyler Boulevard as HOG Chapter 2818 Director Rich Nygof stood watch with his orange flag.
But this was not just any leisurely joy ride on a beautiful Saturday morning.
The group of motorcycle enthusiasts was taking the American flag on an approximately 90-mile ride to Erie, Pa., as part of the Nation of Patriots Ride in support of veterans and their families.
Started 14 years ago by Bill Sherer, the Nation of Patriots Ride carries the flag across the country, hitting every state and even being flown to Hawaii and Alaska and ridden by motorcyclists in all 50.
“Most of our members are veterans and we have been doing charity events for the veterans and this is something that is close to our hearts and we all believe in,” Nygof said. “We are here to help any way we can and have some fun on the ride out there.”
Nygof credited the hard work of Chapter 2818 Safety Officer and Road Captain Bud Crouser for the success of the event in Mentor. Crouser, a veteran of the marine corps, had the honor of riding the motorcycle that carried the flag to Erie, Pa.
Crouser said there is no cost to ride in the event, but donations are accepted to help veterans and their families.
“You don’t have to be a veteran to ride, but a lot of us are and this means a lot to us and 100 percent of the donations we take in go to veterans and their families,” Crouser said. “It is hard to explain the feeling when you take that flag and ride down the street and cars will honk their horns and people wave and root you on.”
Chapter 2818 Treasurer Winston Bailey led the group out of the parking lot with Crouser following close behind with the flag.
There were three groups of riders who left in succession for Erie, Pa., with kickstands up at 10 a.m. and a stop at Ashtabula Lakeside High School on the way. Veterans led the way followed by HOG Chapter 2818 members and rounded out by anyone who just wanted to support the veterans and participate in the ride.
Prior to leaving, there was a blessing of the bikes delivered by Angela Sanson, an ordained minister with Universal Life Church and a HOG Chapter 2818 member.
“Safety of the riders is so important and you can never have enough prayer in your life, so I feel this is a good thing for this event,” Sanson said. “It is nice to see so many people and members of other dealerships participating, not just ours. And I feel it is very important for people to realize that not every person who owns a Harley Davidson is a Hell’s Angel. That is a stereotype that has to go.”
The Western Reserve Harley Davidson HOG Chapter 2818 meets on the second Thursday every month. Nygof said while the Nation of Patriots Ride is among the biggest events of the year, the group does other fundraisers to benefit veterans and host bike nights with entertainment as well.
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