Motorcyclists Turn Out For Fallen Rider Memorial Ride
SYRACUSE — It was a perfect day for a motorcycle ride. The parking lot at Chubbies Pub & Grub, Syracuse, was filled with motorcycles of every make and model Saturday morning, April 15, for the Fallen Rider Memorial Ride.
Riders from all over the area arrived at 10 a.m. for registration before the noon 58-mile ride began. The air roared with the sound of motorcycle engines moments before the 160 bikes took off south on SR 13, escorted by a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy. The ride will end at the North Webster American Legion Post 253, where there will be live music, food, drinks and more.
Wawasee High School Principal Kim Nguyen, WHS Vice Principal Vince Beasley and driver’s training instructor Kayle Woodard were on hand to collect the entry fees. They were assisted by a few high school students. Over 150 people had signed up by 11 a.m.
A brief gathering of the riders was held prior to the start of the ride. Ken Mounsey, who along with Steve Keim, organized the event expressed appreciation for those coming out to support the Fallen Rider Memorial Ride and to those companies and organizations who helped with the event. North Webster American Legion Post 253 Commander Mark Hazelet gave the blessings of the bike before the event took off.
The ride is a remembrance for fallen motorcycle riders everywhere and in memory of Erik (Doc) Mounsey who was killed in a motorcycle accident last year.
Proceeds from the event will go to Wawasee Community Schools toward its driver’s education program and a fund at Goshen High School to purchase student letterman’s jackets. Keim stated “Doc” Mounsey attended Goshen High School, while he never received a letterman’s jacket, the fund will go to help those who cannot afford to purchased the earned attire.
Nguyen and Beasley stated the high school will use the funds for drivers education awareness and supplement the curriculum in the driver’s education program concerning motorcycle safety. A fund will also be set up to assist those students taking driver’s education, but who cannot afford the full amount. Funds may also be used to help with costs of students interested in motorcycle mechanics attend a technical school.
Will there be a ride next year? Keim stated “let’s get through this year first.”
A taped message from U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski was shown.