Approaching the group of people outside Meridian High Desert Harley-Davidson on April 25, I wondered how on earth I would fit in. I wasn’t wearing leather pants or patches, I didn’t have hair past my shoulders or (thankfully) facial hair, and the only time I had ever operated a motorcycle was when I almost crashed my brother’s dirt bike into a fence. However, determined to find a story about the local Road Riders for Jesus ministry group, I clenched my notebook tighter and approached the clusters of bikers who were gathered for the first ever “Biker Blessing.”
Road Riders members Terry Bowden, the Northwest Regional Director, and Monroe Matthews, the Idaho State Coordinator, welcomed me with big goatee-clad smiles. The group’s openness and laughter eased my stiff shoulders. Soon I was listening to stories of Road Riders reaching out to needy families and sharing Jesus with fellow bikers.
“Someone said to me today, ‘This is the closest I’ve been to church in 25 years,’” Bowden said as he sat on his 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.
Members from HOG (Harley-Davidson Owners Group) also gathered to socialize and receive a prayer of blessing and safe travels over their motorcycles. HOG members Sean and Joy Hughes said they are thinking about joining Road Riders because of the group’s down-to-earth and sociable personality.
“A lot of people are put off with religion because most of the people at regular churches look at things differently,” Sean said. “These guys [in Road Riders] can relate.”
Sean explained that stressful work schedules had almost broken-up his marriage, but when he and Joy got a motorcycle three years ago, they started spending more time together on the bike. “Getting the bike has really helped our marriage. It brought us a lot closer,” Sean said.
Lori Sheppard of Road Riders said she loves the diverse, yet close-knit dynamic of the group. “We all come from different churches and backgrounds, but we’re one big family,” she said.
Road Riders member Wayne Brewer ministering with fellow bikers has been awesome, whether it be helping mow lawns for people who are hurt, praying over people in the hospital, or putting up kitchen cabinets for a family in need. “No matter where we are or what we’re doing – whether we’re wearing our patches or not – we’re representing Road Riders,” Brewer said.
The Nampa and Boise chapters of Road Riders both have several events coming up this month, including a Chrome Rally in John Day, Ore., and a Ride for the Rescue with the Boise Rescue Mission.
High Desert Harley-Davidson in Meridian.
An assortment of colors and models filled the parking lot.
Carlyle King, Chaplin of the Boise chapter of Road Riders, offers a prayer over all the bikers. Members of HOG (Harley Owners Group) and Road Riders gather at the "Biker Blessing."
I wish my hair would grow as fast as Terry Bowden's. That's his license picture from three years ago.
Sean and Joy Hughes say this motorcycle, a 2000 Harley Road King Custom, helped save their marriage by giving them a new excuse to hang out together. 
It's not all tough-guy leather jackets and boots. Even bikers have a soft spot.
Monroe Matthews, the Road Riders Idaho State Coordinator, gets to talk with bikers like this all the time through the groups ministry.
Lori Sheppard proudly shows her array of patches. She rides in Road Riders along with her husband, Mark.
Bikers gather around to pray for safe travels.
Wayne Brewer has served with Road Riders in various projects around the community, from mowing lawns to painting cupboards.
Road Riders Rod Tidmarsk and his wife Linda do all their adventuring on a black Suzuki Boulevard, and they're all decked out for the road, patches included.
