Thousands of motorcyclists will descend on Murrysville Sunday for the 29th annual Blessing of the Bikes at Murrysville Alliance Church.
Each year, the event draws a huge group for a morning service followed by fellowship, an official blessing of cyclists and their vehicles, and a massive ride.
Murrysville Alliance pastor Dan Lawrence, a bike enthusiast himself, began hosting the event in the late 1990s, eventually starting a biker ministry. According to the ministry’s website, the shared interest in motorcycles provides an opportunity for fellowship and is a way to help those who are looking for a new direction in their lives.
“Whether we have come from broken relationships, addictions, or a lack of direction in our lives, we believe that God’s intervention in our lives can give us hope, forgiveness, and a new meaning to live each day,” the site reads. “Swing your leg over the saddle, put your knees into the wind, stroke the throttle, and come ride with us. New roads may be on the horizon.”
During the event — which started with about four or five bikers — the group sings the national anthem and honors veterans and emergency service personnel.
Cyclists are invited to join the 11 a.m. service, bike leathers and all, with the ride leaving at 12:30 p.m. from the church, 4130 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.
Murrysville police advised drivers that traffic around the church will be heavy from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Police may also temporarily close Old William Penn Highway between Lillian Avenue and Antheo Court as the biker motorcade departs from the church parking lot.
For more, see MurrysvilleAllianceChurch.org.