Storms stall out blessing of the bikes

June 9, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

WARREN

The annual Blessing of the Bikes and Riders at Christ Episcopal Church was limited to one cycle and one rider as on-again, off-again storms washed out the event Sunday. It’s rescheduled for June 22.

“We expected perhaps 40 cycles and riders, but we’re here to pray for their safety, and it’s not safe to ride when there are thunderstorms,” said the Rev. J. Jeffrey Baker in the parking lot of the Atlantic Street Northeast church where only one rider and cycle showed up. The owner, Brian Begg of Warren, is a member of the church and the organizer of the bike blessing.

“We’re bringing God’s blessing into their life and this is one way to do it, especially for people who don’t come to church,” Baker said. The Episcopal priest said he has never ridden a motorcycle.

“Only a moped,” said Baker who wore a black bandanna, jeans and a black T-shirt under his white clerical collar

Nonetheless, Baker offered a blessing to Begg and his Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. The priest prayed for a safe riding season, and Begg was grateful.

Begg said that after the rescheduled blessing ceremony later this month, the cyclists will return to the church Aug. 31 to offer prayers for what they hope will have been a safe riding season.

“For us, it will be a thanksgiving service,” Begg said.