‘Keep the shiny sides up’: Motorcyclists blessed ahead of riding season

More than 30 bikers attended the annual Blessing of the Bikes at First Lutheran Church Kingsville on May 4, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Motorcycle riders across Windsor-Essex marked an unofficial start to the riding season on Sunday afternoon.

Following a church service at the First Lutheran Church Kingsville, riders received a blessing for good health and safety.

“You just bless their season, bless their life, protect them, guide them, keep the shiny sides up and enjoy the journey,” said a chaplain for the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Held annually, the Blessing of the Bikes was organized by the church and Hogs For Hospice.

Despite wet and windy conditions, more than 30 bikes were propped on kickstands outside the church.

Cody Kraus, a member of the First Lutheran Church Kingsville, said the ceremony comes as the “rumbles of tailpipes” make their way across the region.

“Just let everybody know that we’re praying for them, that we want them to stay safe while they’re out there,” Kraus told CTV News.

In addition to bikers, local elected officials, including Dennis Rogers, the mayor of Kingsville, and Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, attended the event.

Dave Hodare, a member of the Hogs For Hospice team, said riders often look forward to the blessing each year.

“It means that little bit of faith is going to maybe get you home at the end of the day,” Hodare said.

Hogs For Hospice is a three-day-long motorcycle rally featuring shows, concerts, and of course, bikes to raise money for the Erie Shores Hospice.

“Hogs For Hospice has grown significantly, and we’re going to continue on raising money and maybe look at some other things that we can help out [with] in different areas of the health care system,” Hodare added.

Hodare said they’re expecting to release details for the performers of this year’s hospice event in the coming weeks.