18th Annual Bikers with a Mission Ride

I awoke the morning of May 6 to a driving rain and plenty of lightning. I had given my word to cover BWAM, and I knew people were counting on me to be there. I got up and asked Stephanie if she was coming with me and the look on her face answered my question without the need for words. I trudged down to the garage dodging the puddles in my yard, donned my rain suit and headed for signup at Kearney. Other than dodging gravel washed out of driveways across 92 Highway, my ride was uneventful.

Upon arrival at the VFW hall in Kearney I was advised by the Colonel of the Kansas City Cycle Disciples that this year’s route had been shortened due to road closures and hazardous conditions. All riders were being routed straight to the City Union Mission. I shot a few quick pictures of the volunteers and headed back out in the rain. I-35 on a Sunday morning about 9 o’clock at 70 mph surrounded by tractor trailers is not my idea of a good time, especially since my glasses kept fogging.

After a ride that seemed to take forever I arrived at the mission. Upon arrival I counted 11 bikes including mine; this was not good. Jody Jerrett provided us with musical entertainment as other riders began to trickle in. Several of the mission’s residents gave their testimony as to the positive changes in their lives brought about by their time at the mission.

This year’s program was shortened due to the weather, so raffle drawings began at 1:30 p.m. This year Ray Schneider was the rider turning in the most cash with $1507. His prize for the feat was two Midwest Airline tickets valued at $700. Jim Buchner received a custom knife made donated by Bill Miller for his second place money-raising effort of $1160. Another of the three custom knives donated by Bill Miller was auctioned off for $300.

The turnout for this year’s ride was approximately 125 riders. Normally the ride draws nearly 600. Last year $20,630 was raised; this year’s total was only $8500. The money raised yearly by this event goes towards non-budgeted items such as baby formula, nursery equipment, bus tokens for job interviews and utility payment assistance.

I know many of you would have attended the ride this year if not for the weather, so on behalf of the City Union Mission, you are asked to please to do the ride on your own or with your own group and then send any help you can to City Union Mission, 1100 E. 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64104. I know the huge drop in donations could cause a heavy burden on the mission and the people it helps, so please give what you can. If you have any questions please call Sandy at 816-329-1477 or e-mail her at sandy@cumission.org

By Loney Wilcoxson