More than 1,000 people from California to Illinois gathered at the Cache Country Fairgrounds this week for rousing, hand-clapping music and the "spoke-n" word - Christian Motorcyclists Association-style.
As part of the association's western region rally, members of the non-denominational group put their motorcycles aside for a few hours each day to proclaim their love for Jesus Christ in enthusiastic worship services.Just like the group's name indicates, said regional evangelist Wayne Henderson, the emphasis is on Christ first, motorcycles second. And, while many of the members donned the same leather biker vests, "It's our faith in Christ that unifies us, not the motorcycles," he said.
Dallas resident Curtis Clements, another regional evangelist, said people don't necessarily even need a motorcycle to be a member. "That's just a tool to get us here," he said.
Other "tools" were cars and vans used to bring nearly as many children as adults to the rally. The association, with 43,000 members nationwide, has no age requirements.
Herbie Shreve, president of the association and son of its founder, said organizers work hard to make sure the rallies are for families.
Herbie's father, Herb Shreve, formed the association in 1975 when he and his son went to a biker rally and saw a need to minister to the motorcyclists there. Since then, the Hartfield, Ark., group has expanded across the country and into Canada.
Stories of the people in the association range from Clements, a biker since age 10, to Henderson, a "three-piece-suit-and-tie Baptist minister" who read about the group in a magazine and decided, after open-heart surgery, that he'd rather minister with his motorcycle than inside a church.
"The church does a poor job of reaching bikers because they usually ride on the weekends," said Henderson, who lives near Walla Walla, Wash.
Even so, this trip Henderson and his wife had to resort to traveling by car because, as the story around camp goes, the motorcycle fell off its kickstand and landed on her toe before they left.
The emphasis on helping others is one reason why Debbie Shelton of Ogden said she, her husband and 15-year-old son enjoy being members. "Our thrust is really service to help people know the Lord," she said. "We love it."
Utah's participation in the Christian Motorcyclists Association is ever-increasing, she added, with two chapters: one in Ogden, with 35 members; and another in Price that has gained 20 members since it began six months ago. In addition, she said, a "ride group" - the step before a chapter - is forming in Salt Lake City, and about 15 people in southern Utah are part of a mailing list.
The association began services on Wednesday and will leave Logan on Sunday. A parade through downtown Logan is 2 p.m. today. People wanting more information about the group can call Shelton at 801-392-5227 or national headquarters at 501-389-6196.