Blind Leading The Blind Ride

On July 9th 2022 Chapter 184 had the honor of joining forces with ALR Chapter 133 (Huntington Beach) and the LA/OC CVMA to take some lucky blind veterans from the Long Beach VA Medical Center on a ride along the coast to Newport for lunch. Going with the spirit of TOGETHER we were notified by the Area 6 Vice that Chapter 133 was looking for some help with an event so we reached out. This began a great couple of weeks of coordination and communication. Chapter 184 rolling out in force including one new prospective member and two tag-alongs. We even had the injured Big Stu bringing up the rear in a cage. Only missing one member due to sickness was huge for our chapter. Once we arrived at the VA we saw that this was going to be a good size event. In all I think there were at least 30 riders present. We went kickstands up with I think 7 blind veterans including one riding with our Chapter 184 Director, Justin Garcia. From the VA we took a route down to PCH with Chapter 133 leading the pack and CVMA and Chapter 184 providing blocking and rear guard. It was an amazing ride along the coast through Huntington Beach to the American Legion Newport Post 291 where we were welcomed and escorted into their private parking lot. Unfortunately, we had our Director’s bike go down due to the heat but everyone enjoyed an amazing BBQ lunch provided by Post 291. I (Gucci) had to step in and take our Director’s rider (Ron) on the ride back. I am grateful for that opportunity as it turned out to be such an honor as we were fist bumping the 93 year old veteran beside us on the way back. This was an amazing ride and we look forward to being a part of it next year and the coming years. It was amazing for the Beach City ALR Chapters to join forces to do a great thing to support our veterans. - Gucci