DAYTON &mdash It was a perfect Sunday for taking the bike out of the garage and onto the road, perhaps with a little divine
help. More than 5,000 Harleys, Suzukis, Hondas and others gathered May 17 in the parking lot of Welcome Stadium for the 9th annual Blessing of the Bikes. The riders stood silent on the sun-splashed asphalt as Rev. Dale Peterka prayed for the riders’ safety and that all remember those less fortunate. “All the money from the admission, program books, concession licenses and sale of trinkets is split evenly between A Special Wish Foundation and Greenbucs,” said Dick Stewart, who with his wife, Wanda, organized the event. Last year, Moose lodges throughout Ohio designated Greenebucs as their charity for that year, giving the Greene County-based group $120,000 to purchase and give away specially equipped tricycles for physically challenged children. “It’s hard to be here and not have tears in your eyes,” said Charlotte O’Meara of the charity. “We were able to give away hundreds of trikes all over the state.” Quincy Williams, a 15-year-old from Cincinnati, was on hand to show off his tricycle.
“It’s awesome,” he said.