United Methodist Church Celebrates Blessing Of The Bikes

By Larissa Lytwyn

The United Methodist Church commemorated its annual “Blessing of the Bikes” ceremony on June 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 am with its usually joy and excitement, including a full breakfast for riders and their families.

Parishioners prepared all the pancakes, bacon, eggs, bagels, and other mouth-watering trimmings.

Riders had the choice to offer a freewill donation.

While the majority of the cyclists were motorcycle aficionados, 3-year-old Jennie Sprung was blessed standing along her tricycle.

“We’ve had a great turnout this year,” said the Rev Terry Pfeiffer. “A lot of people ranging in age, too. It’s been great — especially, since it rained last year!”

All together, he estimated that about 75 riders had come by that morning, “a fair number of them from Newtown.”

The blessing, he continued, largely consisted of prayers for good health, “traveling mercies,” and happiness.

“This was our first year coming,” said Nancy Kokoski, who accompanied her sons Harrison Schreiner and Robert Kokoski. “We drove by a few days ago and saw the sign in the parking lot advertising it. The boys were really excited!”

“I just thought it would be a cool thing to do,” said Robert.

Both boys brought their mountain bikes.

“The idea for Blessing of the Bikes came from one of our parishioners, Alice Saxton, a few years ago,” said another organizer, Marty Maciag.

He shared a log in which riders had written their names and the kinds of wheels they had brought to the blessing.

“We’ve had a great range of ages, from 3-year-old Jennie to a 70-year-old motorcyclist,” Mr Maciag said.

A lot of the motorcycles, he continued, were classic and collectible models, including a 1948 Harley FL owned by Tim Conley and 2002 Police Road King, as well as a 1995 Super Glide.

Parishioners Richard Perry and Richard Caruso also brought their motorcycles. Mr Perry owns a Triumph ST; Mr Caruso has both a BMW RGS and RT.

“It’s a great way for us to do community outreach,” said the Rev Pfeiffer.

New Fairfield residents Marty and Diane Guker and Paul Lindblom of Danbury, all members of the Hat City Riders of Danbury, also brought their motorcycles.

All had attended the event for at least the last year or two.

“It’s a great event,” said Ms Guker. “We call each other up every year to remind each other to come.”