New motorcycle club raises money for charities

The cool fall weather is bringing a close to motorcycle riding season for another year, but it isn't slowing the drive of a new local motorcycle club.

Edwina Bateman is a member of the Wreckhouse Riders Motorcycle Club. The group formed in the spring of 2008. It has now grown to 24 bikes and even more members. Mrs. Bateman said most riders have a co-rider, usually a spouse, who is also a member of the club.

"It's not just a boy's club," she said.

The club even has a logo, which most members wear on their jackets when riding.

The club's three objectives are to generate interest in the sport of motorcycling, to co-ordinate cycle activities inside and outside the region and to foster riding safety.

Mrs. Bateman said there is a certain stigma attached to motorcycles. She and other members of the club have found that the image of young, reckless riders could hardly be further from the truth.

The majority of the club members are parents with grown children. Most decided to purchase a bike once their children were out of the house and the mortgage was paid off, according to Mrs. Bateman.

Like any established community group, the Wreckhouse Riders have a constitution, an executive board and regular meetings.

At meetings they arrange upcoming events such as group excursions. Some of the past excursions have included an overnight tour of the Port aux Port Peninsula and a trip into the United States.

At least once a year they also hold a fundraising event. Their most recent event was a car wash. The group raised $1,000, which was donated to the LeGrow Health Centre Radiothon this past weekend. In 2008 they donated $800 to the Kids Eat Smart program.

On top of all their other activities, riders also meet once a week for an informal evening ride in the summer months, usually into the Codroy Valley or down Route 470 to Rose Blanche.

Mrs. Bateman herself does not own a bike. She is a co-rider with her husband, although she is thinking about getting her motorcycle licence and purchasing a bike in coming months. She knows she is not the only co-rider considering this.

Anyone looking to join the club has to pay an initial membership fee and yearly dues. The group is actively seeking new members. Mrs. Bateman said anyone interested in joining can contact her or group president Bill Francis.

reporter@gulfnews.ca