Patriot Guard Riders

Last Sunday was motorcycle Sunday. After meeting Ken and his Harley, Tall Husband and I were leaving Dry Creek Cafe in the Houston Heights when we spotted two interesting looking bikers having breakfast on the patio. We struck up a conversation with them and learned that they are members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Jimmie of the Houston Heights

Richard of Houston Sharpstown

Motorcycle eye candy

Richard explained the function of the Patriot Guard Riders, stressing "by invitation from family" and "respect." He had some poignant stories about the rides in which he had participated.

According to their national website, the Patriot Guard Riders were originally organized to shield the families of deceased U.S. Military men and women from anti-war demonstrators who showed up at their funerals. This is accomplished through their flag lines, a "legal, non-violent and respectful" approach. Their mission, taken from their national website:

“

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us. We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means. To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

”

Mark Hancock, a photo journalist, has some impressive coverage of the Patriot Guard Riders on his blog.

My eyes weren't dry after these two guys rode away with Texas and U.S. flags flying.

A Harley in the Heights

Ken Beckmann and his 1994 custom Harley

Everyone knows that in the Houston Heights there are more interesting people per square yard than in any other neighborhood. And there is just something about a quiet guy on a Harley. Tall Husband and I were having breakfast at Dry Creek Cafe in the Heights when we heard the familiar potato-potato-potato sound of a Harley engine, then saw Ken walk in. As I once rode passenger on a Harley from Houston to California and back, I just can't resist eliciting another Harley rider's stories. So I struck up a conversation. It turns out that Ken was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was a child and that his wife rides a "scooter." We hope to meet up with her some Saturday at Dry Creek.

I didn't mention this to Ken but I no longer ride a bike. After a dramatic spill with the Harley on a rainslick, cobblestone hill in San Francisco, I lost my nerve. Besides, mature guys look cool on a bike but somehow we grandmas don't effect an equivalent image. Ah but I have memories and can live vicariously whenever I run into a Ken.

All the Right Stuff!

(Ken is an intelligent man and plans to remain that way: he wears a helmet when he rides. As a therapist who has had numerous patients who rode without helmets, I cringe when I see someone without appropriate head gear.)

Click on photos to enlarge.