The identify themselves as simply “A group of friends that share the passion for helping one another, helping others, and enjoying the wind in our hair.” Reality is they are far more than that…and they continue to make a remarkable difference in the community of Michigan’s Great Southwest. They are the Berrien County Riders and ten days from now they will their motorcycles large and small, of multiple vintages, and of varying speeds and capabilities. But, on that day…as is often the case…they ride with a singular purpose…to remember.
On Sunday, September 9th, 2018, the Berrien County Riders will gather and fill the parking lot of the Berrien County Courthouse, preparatory to venturing into the countryside “riding circles through beautiful Berrien and Cass Counties” on their 18th Annual Ride to Remember. The ride is slated to conclude later that day at Hidden Pointe at 1062 Nickerson Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Since the turn of the century the loose knit camaraderie of hundreds or even thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts have gathered just off the corner of Main and Port Streets in St. Joseph to venture onto their Ride to Remember Our Fallen Heroes with all proceeds from their efforts going to the Berrien County Chapter of the Southwest Michigan unit of the American Red Cross to benefit local disaster relief.
The Berrien County Riders welcome all biker fans and ask a $15 entry fee from each to fund the campaign for the Red Cross. In fact, riders are asked to make checks payable to the American Red Cross to simplify the process.
Registration will begin at 10am on that Sunday morning with send-off ceremonies timed to conclude with a “kickstands up” at noon for the afternoon ride throughout the region. Its the perfect opportunity for any rider to turn out and show support and pride for America and the fallen heroes who have protected our nation over the years.
Anybody desiring additional information is invited to reach out to organizer Joe Young at 269-449-2015.
Berrien County Rider’s purpose is to promote a positive public image of safe motorcycling and community service by way of education, charity support and community involvement, and their Ride to Remember is one of several events they host each year in the region.
The Riders also host a Kids MDA Summer Camp and poker run each year, and an annual Toys for Tots run each December.
Even those who are not directly involved are encouraged to turn out for the Ride to Remember for the sheer spectacle of the beginning of the ride as bikers merge onto the ride route under a massive American flag suspended from two aerial fire trucks from local firefighting teams getting the ride underway.
The photo of pre-ride ceremonies at the Berrien County Courthouse from the 2017 event accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of the Berrien County Riders.
