World of Soul Motorcycle Community Bike Blessing Despite Weather Concerns

With temperatures in the low 50’s and early morning rain, event organizers held out on faith clouds would give way to sunshine.

Bike Blessings are an annual tradition in which bikers are encouraged by a minister with the hope it will bring safety for the coming riding season. World of Soul Motorcycle Community as an organization adds the encouragement to continue being a blessing to others in the community – a family friendly affair.

As the rain stopped and the sun emerged to clear skies, the event opened with an hour of networking, World of Soul Motorcyclist Association free trial membership registration and coffee provided courtesy of World of Soul Premium Coffee featuring product from Ethiopia, Africa.

World of Soul Motorcycle Community’s founder, Terry Hardy served as host.

Hardy’s welcome message and opening monologue relayed organizational objectives including bringing the motorcycle community together with the community-at-large by way of collaboration on important issues such as education.

The group has been working the increase the amount of college tours departing Chicago in route to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

City Council’s 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins, Jr. presented comments on motorcycle safety. Specifically, the issue of riding while confronted by the problem of distracted drivers. Myrtis Smiley of Phormed Alliance Motorcycle Club won a new LS2 Helmet from a raffle held using the association’s onsite registration information gathered earlier. A live performance of “The Blessing Train” by song writer Vic Murray and rapper Zo moved the crowd with a thumping beat and encouraging lyrics. Fallen riders who are no longer with us were acknowledged before individual bikers recited “The Biker’s Prayer”. Guest speaker Max Kholodenko, Chaplain of Christ for Life Motorcycle Club spoke about the road to salvation followed by remarks, closing prayer and a bike blessing by Rev. J. Leon Thorn of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. Members of Gideons International offered bibles to attendees desiring to receive them.

“I am glad we were able to execute this first time event and look forward to planning for next year. I am thankful to Max Kholodenko, George Velazquez and the rest of the members of Christ for Life Motorcycle Club for their mentorship and support, the members of Gideons International, Lester Lewis’ Stage2show.tv for the great sound production, the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation, our leader in the city council 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins, Jr. and my friend in the neighborhood Pastor J. Leon Thorn of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church who has time and time again opened the church's doors to facilitate World of Soul Motorcycle Community's opportunities for all to receive a benefit”, said Hardy.

The group is next planning to produce a citywide motorcycle event to rally the community on support for Chicago’s youth and their pursuit of a post-secondary education.

More information about World of Soul Motorcycle Community is available at www.worldofsoulmc.com and www.rideforchangerideforhope.org or call Terry Hardy directly at 773-220-2602.

Rev. J. Leon Thorn enjoying the presentation along with members of Christ for Life Motorcycle Club.