Earlier this month thousands of motorcycle riders converged on the small borough of Andover Township, New Jersey for the annual Gooch's Garlic Run. The ride is sponsored by the Blue Knights Chapter IX to benefit needy individuals suffering from serious medical conditions. It's a way to raise money for those in need while also enjoying the fellowship of a leisurely ride with fellow bikers. During its 25 year run the annual ride has raised some $600,000 through the sale of T-shirts, pins, and other items.
This year's ride began in the Rockaway Town Square Mall parking lot and eventually worked his way to Ferry Street in Newark. For the first 23 years bikers would ride through the Holland Tunnel into New York City where the ride concluded. But the sheer volume of bikers along with the traffic headaches of the tunnel prompted organizers to change the route up to Newark. The change hasn't affected the enthusiasm of riders; some of whom have been coming for more than a decade.
When asked about the event one biker, a retired police officer, said "that's what motorcyclists do, they just want to help out."
That's a common theme among Blue Knights members, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who are also active duty or re-tired police officers. They exist as a civic organization designed to support the nation's law enforcement community, their families, and their communities as a whole. Their custom club patch reflects that commitment with the image of a night in blue armor on a white horse. The imagery provokes thoughts of an ancient warrior fighting to protect his home and provide safety for his loved ones.
