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Chester County Press

Editorial: Kick stands up for a cause

04/16/2019 11:55AM ● By Richard Gaw
On Saturday, May 4, beginning at 10 a.m., a local motorcycle group called the Keystone Cruisers for Christ – a local chapter of the Fellowship Riders -- will be embarking on a tour of the Chester County area and beyond that will take them on a 70-mile trip through several covered bridges and along miles of countryside that announce the beginning of spring.

It’s the riding group’s 7th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Missions.

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, or if there is anyone you may know who is, here is an invitation to join them on that journey, one that will not only traverse the infrequently traveled roads of our part of the world, but raise funds for the Manna Ministry at the New London Baptist Church in West Grove, that provides nearly 300 families in the community with access to food, clothing and personal items, free of charge.

The sight of riding headlong into a pack of motorcyclists is an often intimidating one, and the full-throttle sound of dozens of engines all whirling at once can interrupt our conversation, our peace of mind or pop any small bubble of tranquility, but if you ever encounter such a group coming at you, Keystone Cruisers for Christ President Johnny Tucker said that it’s a sure indicator that it’s a ride being done for a charitable organization. It’s the roaring noise of selflessness, and for the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, these rides – joined by others – have become their spiritual calling.

For the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, it’s a case of ‘Have cause, will ride,’ and their thunderous sound of compassion can be heard from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Members have participated in charitable rides that have raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Delaware; Unsheltered International, which provides eyeglasses for underprivileged individuals; and for the last several years, the group has participated in the Angel Tree Program, by delivering Christmas gifts to 19 children whose parents are currently incarcerated.

Registration for the 7th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Missions on May 4 will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the New London Baptist Church, and the ride will start at 10 a.m. The suggestion donation will be $15 for a single rider and $25 for each couple. All riders will receive a complimentary lunch, and door prizes and a silent auction will be featured after the ride. Contributions have been provided by Chester County Tire & Auto, Motorcycle Outpost, Hannum’s Harley-Davidson, New London Auto Repair and many other local businesses.

Tucker recently told the Chester County Press that not every motorcyclist seen on the road belongs to a band of outlaws, and the continued dedication of groups like the Keystone Cruisers for Christ and others like them is proof positive that Tucker’s comment is spot-on correct. On May 4, along 70 miles of a journey, there will be a thunderous sound made by a motorcycle group – and their friends who join them – that will ring joyously in the spirit of giving.

To learn more about the New London Baptist Church and the 7th Annual Ride for Missions, visit www.newlondonbaptist.org. New London Baptist Church is located at 226 Pennocks Bridge Road in West Grove. To learn more about the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, visit them on Facebook, or email them at [email protected].