Motorcycle riders once again have the chance to get their bikes blessed before heading out on the road this year. Kersting’s Cycle Center’s annual Blessing of the Bikes takes place tomorrow.
Sales Manager Jason Kersting says the festivities kick off at noon Eastern. “We will have a band playing Christian rock music, and then the blessing will take place,” he says. “It’s just a short sermon that the reverend gives, and then they actually will sprinkle some holy water on the motorcycles before they leave.”
The event is filled with religious symbolism, but with a bit of a biker twist. “The Church of the Heartland put together what they call a “boot shine,” and it’s kind of symbolizing the foot washing that was done in early years,” Kersting explains. “So they will shine boots out here.”
Kersting says if the weather’s nice, he expects about 400 bikers to take part. However, he says that even with rain in the forecast, many of them will still show up, and Kersting’s is prepared to move the Blessing of the Bikes indoors, if necessary. “The people just seem to really enjoy it,” he says. “We have one couple that have not missed a single one, no matter how bad the weather has been.”
In addition to the bike blessing and the live music, food will also be available. Kersting’s Cycle Center is located south of North Judson on State Road 39.
