Some 500 motorcycle riders from Connecticut and Rhode Island converged on Sunday under blue skies and blustery breezes for the Blessing of the Bikes sponsored by the New London Motorcycle Club. Many of the riders, who came from across Connecticut as well as Rhode Island, arrived well before the event to socialize and visit vendors of motorcycle leather garb, T-shirts and jewelry.
On signal, the two wheeled riders motored single file past Rev. Michel Belt to receive a blessing and drops of holy water cast from an evergreen branch.
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Rev. Belt of in New London has offered the blessing at the annual event for nine consecutive years. According to Rev. Belt, the event began when parishioners who were also motorcycle riders wanted to have a fundraiser for the as well as celebrate the start of the spring riding season. The Covenant Shelter has received funds from the event ever since.
Rev. Belt told us “So often bikers have a reputation of being obnoxious or being big burly guys who don’t care about anything else. That’s simply not true. They are a part of our community. They’re involved in it and they seek to do good. They seek to enjoy God’s creation”
