By STACY MILLBERG
Staff Writer
smillberg@starbeacon.com
There is nothing quite like being out on the open road with the wind rushing past and the sound of motorcycles rumbling.
Approximately 100 bikes motored across 120 miles throughout Ashtabula and Lake counties in the brisk spring air Saturday for the Northcoast Motorcycle Safety ride. The event, sponsored by various local organizations, was part of an effort to promote motorcycle safety and education in the county.
The ride was a memorial tribute to 12 individuals who lost their lives in motorcycle related crashes last year. Participants rode past most of the crash sites, where memorial wreaths were placed to honor crash victims.
Lt. Jim Sivak, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said the event was very much a success.
"I'm extremely pleased with the support we had from all the local businesses," he said. "It was a complete success."
Mother Nature threatened the ride early on, but the sky cleared up and aside from the chill in the air it was a safe smooth ride for everyone.
"I think everyone really enjoyed themselves," Sivak said.
Jim "Doc" Steiner, who also helped coordinate the event, said the ride turned out to be a safe run, which was the ultimate goal.
"I'm very pleased with the outcome, especially being the first year with law enforcement officials," he said.
Steiner has been diligently working to bring the Motorcycle Ohio safety class to the area. He said the run serves as a proven fact that the class would be very beneficial in the county.
"I definitely want to bring the class here," he said. "There is enough community support and hundreds of people asking about it."
At the conclusion of the ride, participants enjoyed a picnic style lunch at the Ashtabula County Moose Family Center, which served as the starting and ending point for the run. About 30 prizes were raffled off along with a 50/50 drawing, burning of the pole and three-card poker pay out.
"The pole burning went well," Steiner said.
Val Steiner said the ride was very well organized, very safe and very friendly.
"It was supposed to be a safety ride and that's just what it was," she said.
Sivak said due to the overwhelming response, the ride will probably become an annual event.
"With the support of the riders and the community, it's safe to say it will be a repeat next year," he said.
All of the proceeds from the run will benefit the Ashtabula County Victims of Crime Fund. The run was sponsored by OHP, the Star Beacon, Clear Channel Radio, Ashtabula County Safe Communities, the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office, Concerned Motorcycle Riders of Ohio, Red Knights, Blue Knights, the Ashtabula County Prosecutor's Office, and local law enforcement agencies. The event was sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association.
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