By LJ James
GREENE COUNTY — When I started planning out this story, I had a completely different direction in mind. I had heard about a family in our community that suffered a devastating fire and lost everything. A family that any help would be greatly appreciated. (More info at https://gofund.me/b482920cc ) I was going to focus on that one horrible incident, but then I heard about another, and another.
The reason I kept hearing about these stories is I am a member a group called Red Barn Riders RC. We are an AMA, 501c3 charity Riding Club. All year long we are helping people in the counties of Albany, Greene, Schoharie and beyond. While we mostly focus on the counties I mentioned, we do not limit ourselves and help out where we can.
The Red Barn Riders RC was started by 5 men in the town of Medusa, these men worked on motorcycles out of a big "Red Barn". One day when they heard of people in need they stepped up to help out. When they heard of others in need after, they stepped up again. People would ask, "Who are you guys?", and at some point, the name Red Barn Riders was mentioned and it stuck.
The men then took the proper steps and in May of 2017 they became an official Riding Club, sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association. These original 5 members came together for the love of riding motorcycles, but soon they found another love… helping those in their community in need.
Over the years the group has grown, but the mission has stayed the same: ride motorcycles and help out where they can.
I met the Red Barn Riders RC in the summer of 2021. Right off the bat I liked them (loved the name) and what they stood for. I started riding with them and helping out. In January of 2022 I became an official member.
In the years I have been with them, I have worked with them to help so many different people, for so many different reasons. We have done so many things, but I remember the thing that really got me was my first holiday season as a member. We were helping families make sure their children had the gifts they wanted on Christmas morning.
When you experience the feeling of helping out people that are genuinely appreciative, you get a feeling that gives you a "high" better than anything you can imagine. You become hooked on that feeling and you want more.
Imagine that a bunch of bikers hooked on the rush that they get from helping others. I can't think of any better way to spend your time. We as a group have found that there are so many people in need in our area.
We do four of our own events each year, and lend assistance to many others. We also do 3 Bike Nights during the summer, at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham. We do these events to raise money, so we can continue to help others in our communities.
One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Meed… "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Now, Red Barn Riders RC have not changed the world (yet), but we have helped change the lives of many in our area.
Now I don't write this article to pat the members of Red Barn Riders RC on the back. We get plenty of accolades all year long. I write this story hoping it will inspire others to step up and help out as well.
Many times, the reason people do not step up to help out is because the problems out there seem too numerous. I can tell you often the biggest thing you can do, especially during the holiday season, is to help out just one person/family. I promise you the feeling you will get is amazing; but be careful because it is addicting and you may find yourself wanting to help out people all the time.
For more information about the Red Barn Riders RC, or to look for a cause to help out with, go to RedBarnRiders.org.
I am LJ James and I will see you "Around The Mountain"
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