The Annual Blessing

Of The Bikes

By Steve Bigham

More than 60 area bikers showed up at the Newtown United Methodist Church Saturday morning under sunny skies for the sixth annual “Blessing of the Bikes.”

One by one, the motorcyclists received their blessings for safety, health, happiness, and peace as they set out on a summer full of riding. The Rev Terry Pfeiffer provided the prayers with the help of organizers Marty Maciag and Don Cavanaugh.

Among those blessed was 77-year-old Joe Crocco of Sherman. For eldest rider honors, he beat out Kit Hall, 70, who was among several members of the Hat City Riders on hand. There were also several members of the Christina Motorcycle Association who took part.

The blessing also included a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage, and coffee and the riders showed up early. For some, it was a reunion of sorts, many of whom only see each other as their Harley’s pass on the streets and roads of western Connecticut.

The oldest bike at the event was 1978 Harley Sportster ridden by Carol Stoppel of Danbury.

The youngest biker award went to 7-year-old Tami Corsi, who rode a bicycle with her name across the front. The furthest distance traveled award went to Bob Gundinol of Adelphi, Md.

As church officials point out, reaching out to others has always been a part of their church’s Anglican heritage. Helping to keep bikers safe is simply a part of the mission.

“Lots of people ask, what is a bike blessing. I guess one definition would be a group of like-minded people getting together for a special, spiritual bonding,” Mr Maciag said.

The event always brings in a few hard-core riders, but there are others, like Rick and April Arnold, for example, who simply derive great joy from touring on their motorcycles. The Newtown couple often enjoys taking their bikes on peaceful trips to northern New England. Rick has been riding for 51 years. When not thundering down the open road, April enjoys playing tennis.