Published: April 26, 2009 11:57 pm      

Cruisin’ for the troops

More than 1,600 cycles participate in the seventh annual ride.

What started out seven years ago as a group of veterans, hooking up for a motorcycle ride to honor those serving our country, has grown into one of the largest bike rides in the U.S.

“We started this for the guys fighting for our country,” said Yacky Byers, an ABATE member who helped organize the seventh annual Ride for the Troops.

“It doesn’t matter whether you believe in the war or not, it’s about the troops on the ground,” he said of the ride.

Bikes of all shapes, designs, makes and models began rolling into Darrough Chapel Park at about 11 a.m. Sunday.

Just before 1:30 p.m., Yacky and other volunteers directing traffic at the park entrance yelled out, “1,646,” as the last riders made their way inside.

“This is bigger than I’ve ever seen,” Byers said.

“Four hundred more, and we’ll set a record,” one volunteer shouted.

A thunderous roar came over the park seconds later, as Byers shouted out, “Saddle up,” telling the bikers to start their engines and line up.

With a motorcycle police escort, one by one the bikes roared out of the park south on Goyer Road.

“I just enjoy being able to support the troops,” Larry Boughton, a Marine Corps veteran with the Albert E. Shockey Detachment in Kokomo, said before the ride.

“People need to more respectful of our guys in the military,” he said.

The bikers, old and young, some draped in red, white and blue, rolled out of Darrough Chapel Park. The bikers then headed south to Tipton, where Byers said they would pick up a few hundred more participants, then ride to Greentown and back to Darrough Chapel Park.

Onlookers and other supporters waved flags and cheered the riders on as the convey of bikes made its way down Goyer Road.

“It’s about getting out, riding with friends and supporting the ones who are still serving,” Army veteran Tim Grantham said before hopping on his 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.

Since he returned from serving in the Army, Grantham, of Kokomo, hasn’t missed a ride.

“This is big,” he said.

For Wayne Jackson, it’s a chance to hit the open road with fellow bikers and support those he knows serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s just so awesome when they all take off,” he said of the roar of the bikes. “Plus, I’m here to support the troops. I know some people whose kids are over there. It’s important we show them our support. I’ve always had a lot of respect for the veterans.”