Southern Illinois Bike Blessing : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

franksam · 02-23-2005, 06:13 PM

The Lord's Paheece chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association will hold the 13th Annual Blessing of the Bikes at Bald Knob Cross on Sunday, April 24, 2005. Bald Knob Cross is located near Alto Pass, IL which is south of Murphysboro, IL off Illinois Route 127...look for the signs. The Blessing is an awesome experience with almost 2000 bikes showing up...all motorcycles welcome, as are all modes of transportation. Road Kill Stew and Chili served at noon. Message at 1:00 p.m. Show up anytime from 10:00 a.m. on into the afternoon. Rain or Shine. This is a family oriented event, so bring the kids too!

Any questions can be directed sent via private message or email to me. Hope to see you there!!!

Crazy Larry · 02-24-2005, 10:42 AM

Great place to ride.. May make it this year as I am off that day.. Thanks..

wayne1967 · 03-06-2005, 01:59 PM

Isn't that close to Cedar Lake? I'm from SEMO.

wayne1967 · 03-06-2005, 02:00 PM

I always see the cross from the MO. side of Trail of Tears but can't ever figure out how to get there.

franksam · 03-08-2005, 04:33 PM

If you're coming from Cape, take IL 3 north to IL 146 east at Ware. Take IL 146 to IL 127 north before Jonesboro. Once you're on IL 127, you should see the Bike Blessing signs. Take IL 127 to the Alto Pass / Bald Knob Cross exit (go under an overpass on IL 127, and turn right immediately...the road loops back over IL 127...follow the signs).

If you're coming from another direction, let me know. If you can get to Murphysboro from the north, you take IL 127 south to the same Alto Pass / Bald Knob Cross exit...signs along IL 127.

Hope you can make it.

68chappy · 03-22-2005, 09:10 PM

hey brother, glad to see this posted...we will be leaving the lafayette indiana area on saturday before the blessing and ride down to the cross. we will then camp. anyone who would like to join in hte ride down is more than welcome just pm me or e-mail. see you all at the top of the hill.

Love in Christ
Chappy

Throttleon · 03-31-2005, 01:22 AM

Thanks for the info Franksam. I have been looking around the web for info about the blessing and was having no luck. I've seen the cross from a distance many times while consulting at the State Hospital at Anna,IL but have never been to the site. The opportunity to participate in the blessing and to meet others sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day. We'll plan to leave Mount Carmel,IL in time to be there by around 10 anticipating a great day of fellowship and worship. Must say Southern Illinois is one of my favorite places to ride with Garden of the Gods being a trip I try to make every season for it's beauty.

franksam · 04-01-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Throttleon

Thanks for the info Franksam. I have been looking around the web for info about the blessing and was having no luck. I've seen the cross from a distance many times while consulting at the State Hospital at Anna,IL but have never been to the site. The opportunity to participate in the blessing and to meet others sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day. We'll plan to leave Mount Carmel,IL in time to be there by around 10 anticipating a great day of fellowship and worship. Must say Southern Illinois is one of my favorite places to ride with Garden of the Gods being a trip I try to make every season for it's beauty.

GREAT !!! Glad to hear you're bringing a group. By the way, we always have a few of us spend the night at the Cross on Saturday, just to get an early start on Sunday. Some of us camp in tents, cars, campers, or we can stay inside in sleeping bags. You, of course, are welcome to come down then, too.

Do you have your trip plan made? Let me know if you need any directions.

Also, what kind of consulting??? I'm in healthcare administration down here... been in healthcare many years.

Throttleon · 04-03-2005, 04:27 AM

Your previously posted directions will do. We may ride down Highway 1 then cut over to the site. If you have any suggestions as to the best way from Route 1, they would be appreciated. Thanks for the invite Sat night, we'll have to see what the schedule permits.

I have a private counseling practice in Mt. Carmel. Prior to establishing my practice, I worked in a community mental health center and made many trips to Anna State Hospital, now called Choate, to consult on patients from our catchment area. In private practice since 1988. One of my best moments was when my father-in-law, new to our area, was getting a haircut and was asked about his family. When he mentioned my name he was told "he's that Christian psychologist". Made my day.

Looking forward to the gathering on the 24th.

franksam · 04-15-2005, 01:47 PM

The most scenic route to take and avoid traffic is Route 1 south to US-45 south through Harrisburg to Vienna ... take Route 146 west out of Vienna through Anna / Jonesboro to Route 127 north...follow the signs to the Cross. You'll actually see the cross on your left occasionally as you ride up Route 127.

There are quicker ways, but they involve cities/towns/traffic/interstate. Might be the best way to go home and make time!

I'll be directing traffic / parking just as you get to the hill. Be sure to ask for me... "Stoney" or Frank.

Throttleon · 04-19-2005, 01:04 PM

Will do. Have a safe ride there and hope to see you Sunday.

Throttleon · 04-26-2005, 01:54 PM

franksam:

Well, I made it. Wasn't the best day for riding 6 hours but I was determined to go. Ended up riding there alone but still glad for the experience.

Any idea of the total number attended?

salukidawg · 04-28-2005, 05:54 PM

The news here said over 3000. Yes very cold and blustery day.

franksam · 04-28-2005, 07:05 PM

The final tally was close to 1,800 bikes (give or take a little), more cars than last year, and over 2,700 people. While very windy, the day was beautiful with sun. Glad you all made it down.

Some unfortunate tragedies though.....

One guy with a side car had mechanical problems at the corner of IL 127 and old 13 (southside of Murphysboro). Someone turned in front of a car on 13, and the lady swerved to miss the car and hit the biker, while he was standing on the road side. Broke a leg, but otherwise okay.

A CMA member from Springfield apparently caught a big gust of wind on the way home (IL 4 or I-55) and went down. Broken legs, arm, and head injuries. Currently still at Barnes in St. Louis.

A 32-year old from the Sparta area went off the road on a curve near his home on the way back home, and he wasn't found til Monday morning. Married, but no children.

And we lost a local CMA Paheece member. Richard Jack made it to the Blessing and visited with folks. He went home and to church Sunday night. On Monday, his day off from working as a prison guard, he had a massive heart attack at home, and died instantly. Only 52 years old. The visitation was last night and the funeral was today. At least we know he's riding strong with Jesus...and NO WIND!!!!! and perfect temperatures!!!

franksam · 04-29-2005, 10:48 AM

[quote=franksam]A CMA member from Springfield apparently caught a big gust of wind on the way home (IL 4 or I-55) and went down. Broken legs, arm, and head injuries. Currently still at Barnes in St. Louis....

Just found out the name of the CMA member...Bonnie Fleming. And just found out she has slipped into a coma. Please keep Bonnie, family, and friends in prayer.