SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, OH (WLIO) - A local church and bikers continued a decades-long tradition to kickstart summer.
For many, it's not riding season until they've had their motorcycle blessed. Some bikers attend Shawnee UMC's service inside before the blessing, while others just enjoy hanging out with everyone and checking out all the different makes and models of motorcycles that filled the parking lot. This year's Blessing of the Bikes saw over 800 bikers come out to receive a prayer for their safety as they ride this summer.
"They want to be blessed. They won't start the season without it. We all need the covering of Jesus Christ over our lives, and when we're out there riding, it's kind of just an extra little thing to say, 'Okay, we know that God is with us while we're riding down the road', and it makes us feel very comfortable," said Mary Gilbert, who has been riding motorcycles for around 33 years.
Many people get their bikes blessed every year, and they say that the day feels like a big family reunion.
