Dedicated

Looking in the dictionary under the word dedicated you will find: "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal."

I think that along side this definition should be a picture of today. Over 30 motorcyclists came from all over Michigan for the annual Ride4Sam which brings awareness to the problem of domestic violence. The ride is named after Sam Babb. His mother Mary was murderd by her estranged husband in the parking lot of the Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

I refer to these riders as some of the most dedicated people that I have ever met for two reasons. First, year after year we see new faces, but more importantly we see many of the same faces over and over. Second, it rained today. And I don't mean a little sprinkle or light rain. When I arrived to help with registration ( the ride leaves from the Morning Sun) it was pouring rain. And the radar didn't look good. These riders wouldn't be wet at the end of this ride – they would be soaked.

Usually by the time I arrive (1/2 hour before registration) the parking lot has several bikes already there. This year ... no one. We all wondered how many would there be. Would anyone show up? And then within 5 minutes one lonely biker arrived. He was drenched, but ready to registered so he could continue his ride. The next bike that arrived was that of Shel Fox, Mary's godfather, and the founder of this event. He works with Beth Mills of Mary's Dream: Living Without Fear to help pull this event off. He is from the U.P. and brings several Grey Dragons down with him every year. He and the Dragons work tirelessly throughout the year on this event. They are wet, but ready to get the show on the road. Right behind them ... three more bikes pull in. Yup ... it was gonna happen ... and it was gonna be good. Our numbers were down quite a bit from years past, but these dedicated individuals wouldn't dream of letting us down. Before registration was over the rain had lightened up to an occasional sprinkle but there was more rain to come.

Danielle Brennan, along with her husband Alan and kids Deryn and Tim, were the lead vehicle. Danielle worked with us at the Morning Sun when Mary was killed. Carrie (Mills) Eaton and her husband Aaron and their son Brayden were in last vehicle. I am proud that both of these women involve their families in helping with this event. Raising your children to know that domestic violence is wrong is a good thing.

This year the route took a short spin through Mt. Pleasant before heading north throuth Clare, out to Jay's, across Surrey Road and over US10 to Evart. I left right behind them so I could be in Clare when they arrived. Since they were going through my hometown, I wanted to be able to be there when they passed through. Coming up old US-27 I was pleased to see the Clare City Police waiting a mile south of town to escort the ride through Clare. I wasn't sure I'd find the right spot to get some pictures from, but right in front of the Doherty the first parking spot was open – no cars would be blocking my view. As I settled into my spot I looked up I saw the sign at the Doherty Hotel welcoming the riders as they passed through. Just one more reason I love the town I live in. People here stand up for what is right in the world.

While I was sitting there I noticed a few people coming out from business and looking up the street. They were waiting for the ride go by too. Just as I saw the ride coming down the hill at the south end of Clare it started to rain lightly. One police officer went by on his bike to get ahead of the ride while another blocked traffic with his vehicle and got out to clear traffic out of the way.

I hate that this ride happens every year but I can't imagine not being there. I would much rather us plan a ride to celebrate that domestic violence no longer happens. That abuse has stopped. That would also be Mary's dream.

If you don't ride or can't, please know that you can still be involved. Stop by the Morning Sun and watch the riders leave, show your support along the route, volunteer your time helping to get donations and prizes for the raffles or stop down and make a donation.

Proceeds to go to area organizations that help domestic violence victims. They do the work that so many of us aren't capable of doing.

 If you lucky enough to have a bike, or know someone who you can hitch a ride with, put next year's Ride4Sam on your calendar now. I look forward to meeting you on Saturday, July 30, 2011. I'll be waiting for you at the registration tent. And hopefully the rain will stay away. And even if it doesn't, please join this group of people who are "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal." 

Memorial site at the Morning Sun where Mary Babb is remembered every day.