Kingston’s hometown motorcycle club might be small but it has a big heart. Born from the ashes, traumatic loss and patriotic fervor of Sept. 11, 2001, the Northwest Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club emerged from a tight group of commuters on the Kingston to Edmonds ferry run as a statement of freedom and remembrance for those who had fallen.
Nearly 10 years later, they still ride hard in memory of that infamous day but have broadened their mission to uniquely support their local community. In this spirit on a sunny May 14 the seventh annual Ride for Fallen Riders rumbled through north county back roads on a winding route from Silverdale through Bainbridge Island to Kingston, all to raise support for Hospice of Kitsap County. It was a great day to be on two wheels with my motorcycle family.
“This is our chance to give back to the community while still celebrating the memories of those who have fallen,” Club President Rodney Toepfer of Kingston remarked.
The truth behind Teopfer’s few words; however, is a reality more personal and than many would guess. According to charter member Chris Neil, also of Kingston, the tragic motorcycle accident and death of associate member Charles “Chuck” Virdell on April 6, 2004, was the first catalyst. Because Chuck was also a member of the Ambassadors for Christ No. 162 in Silverdale, representatives of the two clubs helped organized the first benefit ride to honor their fallen friend in the spring of 2005. Chuck’s widow, Joan, was the one who initially chose Hospice of Kitsap County to benefit from the charity ride, but overall support of hospice care soon developed from even more trials.
A new and imminent loss touched the Freedom Riders again in 2005 as their president and charter member Herb “Lumpy” Otis was besieged by a persistent cancer. Too weak to ride in the benefit that year, Herb rested at his Kingston home while the others rode on. Herb closed his eyes for the last time on May 25, 2005, but the pain did not stop there. Within weeks, associate member Penny Lawson, a very young 41, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and succumbed quickly on Sept. 20. As the Freedom Riders recovered from their loss, they formalized a cause to support that remains dear to them to this day.
Rich O’Connor is a motorcycle enthusiast, five-year sponsor and owner of Rich’s Custom Seats in Kingston.
“In this business I lose a couple of friends or acquaintances every year to an accident or some other cause,” O’Connor said. “Motorcycle riding isn’t about burying friends but about caring for and remembering them, and the hospice is a good cause that cares for our friends and family with dignity.”
The owner of Kingston’s Jumpin’ Java, Corky Otis, said, she “gets excited every year to sponsor the Ride for Fallen Riders because it is all about supporting the Hospice. I know Hospice.” While the loving memories of her late husband have never faded, she continues to celebrate with others to share and help keep all of their memories alive. “We are family,” she said.
Though new to Hospice of Kitsap County, coordinator Raelynn Rosenquist grew up on the back of a Gold Wing and shares a special affinity with motorcyclists. She said that “motorcyclists are a very caring people… but it’s not just a certain type of person that benefits from hospice care.” When a family needs help, the Hospice can be there for them with dignity, compassion and comfort.
The Northwest Freedom Riders have traveled a far distance since the 1955 stereotype of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. Yes, many still prefer the big twin cruisers and there are those that like to ride hard, but its pretty clear they have a cause. They also ride to support their community and to remember all those who have ridden the hard miles before them.
Johnny Walker posts regularly at http://blogs.kingstoncommunitynews.com/johnny. His photos can be viewed at Cuppa Bella Coffee in Kingston and at www.almostcandid.net.
