When last I wrote we were in the planning stage of our Blessing of the Bikes Homecoming Party, today I am happy to report that this event was a huge success, not only for the Moose Riders, but for Lombard Lodge 2350. Our Homecoming Party was attended by over 170 local and out-of-state guests.    Great fun was had by everyone who was there.    Knucklehead Bob and Rita did a phenomenal job on dinner and the raffle. Special thanks goes out to Bob the D.J., President of the Batavia Chapter of the Moose Riders, for donating his services for the listening pleasure of all.

On Saturday, the breakfast crew served a wonderful buffet to 60 plus bikers and the Downers Grove Chapter of the Moose Riders helped organize the parking and provided the State Police escort to help us arrive safely for our
“normal” grand entrance into Mooseheart for the Blessing of the Bikes. This event was attended by 500 motorcycles, based on registration totals, but there were more who didnot register for the scheduled ride and activities.

As we rode thru Mooseheart to the House of God, we were cheered on by the children and their house parents. But the most memorable moment of this short ride, was as we passed one of the houses, we were greeted with a sign made by the children out of a bed sheet that simply said “Moose Riders We Love You”. This simple sign brought a tear to even the most grizzled riders’ eye. As if this was not enough reason to support this event, we were then presented with a wonderful speech from Susan, the National Spokesperson for the Special Olympics and gifted with her own special prayer for a safe and bug-free riding season.

After the ride and the after-party hosted by the Elgin Moose Lodge, many riders returned to Lombard for beef sandwiches provided by the LOOM and served by Dan Quaid and KC, our Senior Regent. This party again lasted well into the night. On “Sunday, Bill Winborn and Diane Yochem provided breakfast for the remaining guests prior to their leaving for home.

I would personally like to thank everyone involved in the planning, organizing and execution of this event. We all worked hard to make this a huge success. If you ever had any questions, this is what the Moose is all about! Finally, I would like to extend additional thanks to Greg Push for taking care of the special needs of some of our guests and to Tom Campos for making the lodge sparkle.

Last but not least, thank you Knucklehead for stepping up and stepping in as President of this motley crew and for taking care of Moose Rider business while I was taking care of my own.