Fort Rucker community bikers ride for faith, fun

By Emily Brainard, Army Flier StaffJune 17, 2010

Fort Rucker community bikers ride for faith, fun
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Community bikers bonded together over faith and motorcycles during the post chapel's first fellowship ride June 5.

Several chaplains' assistants and avid bikers formulated the idea and opened the event to Soldiers and community members, according to 1st Aviation Brigade Chaplain (Maj.) David Trogdon.

He said riders left Fort Rucker through the Ozark Gate, traveled to Fort Gaines, Ga., stopped for lunch in Eufaula and took country roads back home.

"It was a time to fellowship, get together and have fun," Trogdon said. "Bikers have a lot of respect for one another and interest in each other's bikes."

Faith and fun weren't the only important elements to the event. Prior to the ride, experienced motorcyclist Dave Peterson briefed participants on safety equipment and good riding practices.

He said he uses his riding knowledge to regularly mentor younger Christians, bikers and fellow Fort Rucker employees and Soldiers.

"Because we share so much in common, it bonds us. We live out our faith. We enjoy motorcycle riding and we enjoy being together and building those bonds of friendship and sharing the things that mean the most to us," said the Department of the Army civilian logistics management specialist with Aviation Center Logistics Command.

Peterson said the group hopes to host another ride this summer, possibly traveling to Fort Benning, Ga.

For more information, call the chaplain's office at 255-2989.