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Motorcycle Club Riding For A Cause
Wednesday, August 29, 2007(NC Fraternal Order of Police)
Stress is something we all have to live with. Whether it comes from the job or our home life is irrelevant. It's how we manage it that ultimately matters.
That's why it's not uncommon to find an off-duty police officer on his motorcycle in his spare time. It's just one way an officer can find peace and solace in between those demanding and stressful times that a career in law enforcement tends to create.
"My motorcycle is the one place where I can't be bothered," Officer Mike Hastings said. "Sometimes it's just nice to not have to talk to anyone. My bike provides that escape for me."
Officer Mike Watts recently traveled through southwest Virgina back from a special trip he and some friends made to New York City.
"A ride like that doesn't get any more peaceful than that", recalls Watts. "Between the mountain scenery, the clean air, and the open road, it made for a great ride. We deal with people in some of their worst moments on a day to day basis. There's something special about taking in some natural beauty while riding my motorcycle".
For Officers Hastings and Watts, motorcycling is more than just a hobby - it's a passion and a way of life. They are just two members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club - a national club for public safety personnel that has 35 active chapters in 15 states.
Their common bond doesn't just stop with their love of motorcycles. They also make it their mission to give back to other public safety personnel and their families that are in need - whether it's supporting a family of a fallen brother, or supporting someone who has been disabled by a catastrophic injury or illness.
Officer Reggie Hicks, President of the NC Chapter of the Renegade Pigs, is very aware of the trials and tribulations a career in public safety can entail.
"If we can help out a fellow police officer or public safety worker who is in need, then that's what we do," Hick's said. "Through our love and passion for motorcycles, we are able to give back to those public safety workers who put their life on the line each and every day."
Hicks and other club members make a point in giving back to various causes and charities. They recently took part in a ride benefiting a law enforcement officer in Jacksonville, NC who was injured on the job. The Renegade Pigs took time out of their schedule to visit with the injured officer and made a donation in his name.
They have also support non-public safety causes including Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Camp - a camp for kids with chronic health problems or serious illnesses. They also organize charity rides for events as needed.
The Renegade Pigs promote brotherhood, camaraderie, and safe riding. Along with other public safety motorcycle clubs, they are constantly battling negative perceptions associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"We try to promote a positive motorcycle image every chance we can," said Hastings. "If we can do that and give back to the community, then we feel like we have done our jobs."
NC Renegade Pigs honor Officer John Baker with Memorial Ride
For the last three years, the North Carolina Chapter of the Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club help kick off National Police Week by co-sponsoring the John Baker Memorial Ride each May. Officer Baker was an avid motorcycle rider who spent 21 years as a Gastonia police officer.
He died of a heart attack on July 10, 2001 in his patrol car while on duty. The Renegade Pigs wanted to do something to honor Baker, thus the Memorial Ride was born.
The ride starts at The Gaston County Sheriff's Department and finishes up at the Public Safety Memorial Wall at Gaston Memorial Park where they then hold a wreath laying ceremony to honor all fallen public safety personnel.
The 4th Annual John Baker Memorial will take place in May 2008.
For more information on this event and other Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club activities, call Reggie Hicks at (704) 674 - 3709 or email at ncrenegadepigsmc@yahoo.com.