Not all of our rides were planned, but of those that were, there was one that was planned by a complete stranger. As odd as this may sound, it made perfect sense. A Toronto HOG chapter member contacted us one year with a very special request. He would be getting married soon in Ottawa and asked us if we would like to escort him to the church - on our bikes, of course. The question was put to the membership and was enthusiastically accepted by all. After all, who could resist a biker's last wish prior to his walking down the long aisle to accept his ball and chain? The plan had only one instruction; to assemble at his brother's house and then at the appointed time, follow him to the church. Hey, we could handle that. And so we did. We got there with plenty of time to spare, and while waiting for the procession to begin, we recorded the event with a group photo.
We arrived at the church after a 20 minute ride through the city and parked our bikes in a long line of chrome along an adjacent road. Dressed in acres of black and leather, we contrasted sharply with the friends and family of the soon to be wedded couple. As we loitered about outside making jokes about our new friend, guests would walk past us, sometimes rather quickly and with eyes averted, to enter the church and sanctuary. A few of us peered in on the blessed event, but most of us were more than happy to remain outdoors. The bells rang out to announce that the deed was done, and the bride and groom emerged to ringing bells, flashing bulbs and confetti. That was our cue to start up the bikes and make some noise of our own as a final salute to the couple. We left them then and went our separate ways safe in the knowledge that we had fulfilled our obligation in grand style. I'm confident the groom was very pleased with our participation, but I'm not so sure about his new bride. Apparently her family was not too crazy about motorcycles to begin with, so our presence may not have helped matters in that regard. Oh well, I guess you can't please everyone. |
