ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMP

Our health, jobs, family, possessions and more are things in front of our noses all day and most of us take a breath and appreciate how beneficial to life having those things are.  But it is the out of sight things we take for granted.

This week’s ride was very special and allowed one of those out of sight, out of mind issues to be brought to the front and remind a great group of riders that we should never take the safety of our youth for granted.

This week was also marked a change where I lead the group to our destination as Big Rick was already there lending his time to the kids.  Rolling out at 6:15 we headed south on 19 where we split off onto 97 and eventually onto Route 6.  Cutting through Corry we ventured down the scenic country roads of 426 and 27 where we arrived (somewhat dry) in Grand Valley at Wesley Woods Camp.

The habitants of camp this week were the kids of the Royal Family Kids Camp program.  All of these foster kids have suffered neglect or abuse and this week was a ray of sunshine to show them how great life can be and that there are people out there who love them and want to support them.

The cheer from the kids as we rolled by them single file was enough to bring a tear to your eye.  After letting the kids see the bikes and sit on some of them we headed up to the mess hall where the camp put on a nice dinner for us and Pastor Dan Young and Big Rick explained the importance of riders like us, and the support Cycle City has given to the program.

With not a dry eye at the dinner blessing, we were fortunate to be reminded of how simple it is to help out another life.  The ride back gave ample solitude to think about what just happened and the awe-inspiring efforts Royal Family Kids Camp puts forward.  It is just the tip of the iceberg and I hope those who read this that may not ride with us will take a minute to learn about Royal Family Kids Camp and support it.

The bike review portion of this week is easy, I am still on the ST1100.  It continues to surprise me every time out.  I am also surprised this unit is still on our floor, for the miles and condition it is in I would expect this bike to go fast.

I will miss the ride next week but Rick is back in the saddle and looking forward to the grub at the Dutch Treat.