ROXANA — Blessing of the Bikes will be held at noon on Sunday at the Roxarena, sponsored by A.B.A.T.E. (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education).

The day is an opportunity for the blessings of safety for bikers.

The Roxana Park contains the “Bikers Memorial,” and is located just off Illinois Route 111, next to Roxana High School.

“Bikers Memorial,” was conceived at a chili cook-off in late 2006, was planned and built in 2007, and dedicated in March 2008. Every March there is a “rededication” of new memorial bricks.

There are 12 “charter” clubs/organizations and now 21 clubs/organizations are participating/voting members, and more would be welcome. Independent riders have a section as well.

It is the only working “Bikers Memorial,” not only in Illinois, but in any state from Colorado to Pennsylvania. The only rule for having a brick is that the individual was truly a biker and no longer living. It doesn’t matter if they lived a long beautiful life or were taken earlier than “we wanted to give them up.”

The tribute is open from sunrise to sundown seven days a week.

(Source: the telegraph)