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They ‘Ride to Live, Live to Ride’
(by Lisa Kintish - July 02, 2008)
Being the lone motorcycle rider out on the open road is not all it is cracked up to be; at least that was what John Alexander quickly learned. Upon taking his chopper out for those initial trips, the novice biker realized that there was strength in numbers and started the Montville Motorcycle Riders’ Club, MMRC, finding other residents of a similar mind. In the year since its first meeting, the group has grown in membership by leaps and bounds.
Alexander, who bought his first motorcycle two years ago and began taking it out for rides last year, explained the factors surrounding the founding of the club.
“The reason I decided to form a riding club was based on two things,” he said. “The first being that I quickly found that riding a motorcycle as part of a group decreases the risk of being involved in a vehicular accident considerably since it’s a lot easier for a group of motorcycle riders to be seen and heard, as opposed to a single rider who’s cruising along a local street or highway. The other reason was that as I came across other solo riders within the township, either at the high school’s sporting or community events, or merely while stopping at the 7 Eleven on a Sunday morning for a cup of coffee, they all shared that opinion as well and had expressed an interest in uniting under the auspices of a club.”
The first meeting was held last June and attracted eight riders. There are now about 60 members, which Alexander describes as being of all ages, experiences, and occupations.
“The only prerequisite for joining the MMRC is that you must be a resident of Montville Township, or otherwise be sponsored by someone who is already a member,” said Alexander.
Beyond this one rule, the club maintains a relaxed attitude. There are no membership dues or regular meetings to attend. This does not mean that the club is without structure, just that it’s focus is on riding. With the motto, “Ride to Live, Live to Ride,” the MMRC tries to get together during the week to participate in one of the many “bike nights” held in the area and on Sunday mornings for longer rides and sponsored events.
Among those events that the group participates in is the “Elvis Run” held in late summer in memory of what happened on September 11, 2001 and the fallen firefighters. Another event that is quickly becoming a mainstay on the MMRC’s calendar took place on June 22, the 13th annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies ride. Escorted by the Blue Knights, Chapter 13, several MMRC members and others rode 70 miles, from Pine Brook to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta.
In between, the bikers’ route took them through Passaic County, up to Warwick, NY, and back down to Vernon before the final destination and an awaiting barbecue.
Because of inclement weather, only 250 riders participated, four from MMRC, as compared with 850 last year. With its mission: “To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality,” the March of Dimes’ supporters have not let rain put a damper on the importance of the ride. It is still expected that the goal of $30,000 will be met, according to Helen LeFrois, executive director of the North Jersey division of March of Dimes, which is based in Pine Brook.
Calling the ride a “premier event” for bikers, LeFrois said it is a popular run because it both takes in beautiful scenery and with an escort, there is no need to stop along the way.
“It is safe and well organized,” she said.
Alexander described the day, saying, “There was a torrential downpour shortly after the ride began, and then the rest of the afternoon there were intermittent showers, and continuous thunderstorm activity throughout the afternoon.”
Of this ride and such events in general, Alexander said, “The atmosphere is terrific! To see so many bikers turnout for these types of charitable events is truly rewarding. Those who don’t ride can’t begin to understand or appreciate the comradery that exists amongst those that do. Regardless of a person’s family, financial, or social background, everyone unites as one for these types of motorcycle events. Myself, being a Vietnam veteran, I particularly enjoy seeing so many of my fellow brethren coming together, which affords a very nice avenue to meet those of whom I may have served with during the same timeframe.”
He continued, “Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the participation of various law enforcement officers who ride, particularly when an event of this significance and size is safely escorted by members of the Blue Knights. They do a phenomenal job!”
When asked for his favorite MMRC moment, Alexander responded, “I think the best way to address this question is to simply share with you the following e-mail I had received from a new member, following a ride I had put together for the club on Memorial Day weekend: ‘Please allow me to express to you what an honor and privilege it was for me to ride with you guys on Sunday Memorial Day weekend. It was an awesome experience!!! … As a resident of Montville I have to say that I am proud to know that Montville has a great leader and that is you, John. After this ride I realized how much fun and companionship I have missed in my life…This will be one Memorial Day weekend which I will always remember.’”
When the open road beckons a rider, there is nothing to do but get on your motorcycle and go. And of course, bring along a friend or two, or 60. As the members of MMRC have found, there is truth in the saying, “the more, the merrier.”
Lisa Kintish can be contacted at kintish@northjersey.com.
Photos by David Vnencak
Photo 1: March of Dimes Bikers for Babies rolled out from Pine Brook on Sunday, June 22, escorted by the Blue Knights.
Photo 2: Anthony is ready to get going on the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies.
Photo 3: Kyle Bachman gets on his bike, after ensuring that his pal, Hunter, is safe and secure in the sidecar.
Photo 4:March of Dimes Bikers for Babies departed from Pine Brook on Sunday, June 22, on their 70-mile journey to Augusta.
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