Knights on Bikes, MC
Southwestern Ontario
Our History
The story of the “Knights on
Bikes” started back in the summer of 2002. It began with two people, Kelly
Michaelis and Paul Pignal. Both Kelly and Paul were Knights of Columbus members
and parishioners of St. Anne’s Parish in Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada,
and both loved riding.
That summer they had the wonderful
idea of combining their Faith and their participation in the Knights of Columbus with their great passion for motorcycles. They thought it would be a great idea to form a motorcycle club for Knights of Columbus
members. It would be a club that was open to all Knights of Columbus members
who ride bikes; bikes of all kinds.
At the suggestion of their Grand Knight
(Council 4375) Kelly and Paul wrote to Supreme Council to get their approval. Supreme
Council responded very positively to the proposed Knights of Columbus Motorcycle Club, and by September of 2002, Kelly and
Paul were ready to begin.
In September, Kelly and Paul approached
Fr. Ray Lawhead, the Associate Pastor at that time, of St. Anne’s Church in Tecumseh,
Ontario, and asked if he would like to be a part of this new endeavor. Fr. Ray rides a Harley Davidson, Road King Classic. When he
heard of the proposed Motorcycle Club, Fr. Ray thought it was a tremendous idea. He
was very excited to be the club’s first Chaplain.
The Motorcycle Club was now three members
strong and growing, but, one thing was missing; a name. After a lot of possibilities
and suggestions were thrown out, we decided upon the name “Knights on Bikes”, and anticipating growth, we would
be the “South Western Ontario Chapter”. Thus, Knights on Bikes was
officially born.
Over the next year or so we grew to 12
members, and today we are still growing. We have our own logo, T-shirts, hats,
banners and membership cards. Most importantly we have enjoyed the fellowship
of a number of rides. We have shared our Faith, our friendship and our love of
the open road. God has certainly blessed us.
May he continue to pour out his love upon us and on all who ride.
Knights on Bikes: An International
Club
Back in August of 2005, Kelly Michaelis,
one of the founders of Knights on Bikes, had a surprise e-mail. This e-mail mentioned
that a Motorcycle Club for Knights of Columbus members was started in April of 2005, in Ft Worth, Texas. Its founder is Raymond C. Medina. They
call their club the “Knights on Bikes”. I guess great minds do think
alike.
Who would have thought that two clubs
would form, independently of one another and in different countries, and yet would have the same goal in mind, and even the
same name. But that’s exactly what happened. Call it fate or call it God’s Will. We now have a “Knights
on Bikes” Chapter in South Western Ontario, and in Ft. Worth Texas. “Knights on Bikes” is now an International Club.
“Knights on Bikes” continues
to grow each year. In fact, there has even been some Knights of Columbus members
expressing an interest in starting up a chapter of “Knights on Bikes” in the Ottawa
area in Canada.
Who knows, maybe they are already up and running, or should I say ‘riding’.
Everyone Welcome
The “Knights on Bikes”
Motorcycle Club, though young, has a lot of potential. When it comes to motorcycles,
the only thing better than riding, is riding with friends. And being able to
share our Faith and love for Christ is just icing on the cake. All Knights of
Columbus members are welcome. If you have a bike and are looking to ride with
friends, come on out. We are fairly informal.
There are no expectations or commitments that you have to make. It’s
just an opportunity to ride. Spouses and friends too, often accompany us
on our rides.
If you are looking to become a member of
“Knights on Bikes” feel free to contact us.
Click here to check out our web site http://www.knightsonbikes.com
