History
Several years ago, about twenty motorcycles ventured out on a Sunday to just “get away”. It was on that ride that someone said, “You should put a cause behind the ride”.
After careful consideration and a few conversations over the open road, the idea was developed to help raise money for the men and women who work so faithfully to provide us with the peace of mind that we have each day. Thus, the “peacekeepers” – dedicated to the men and women of law enforcement, the army guard and the air guard. Because the Springfield Fire Fighters had already established one of the most successful motorcycle rides in the area, this ride was designed not to exclude but rather not to infringe on their success.
Over the next couple years, what had begun with a few has now grown into one of the largest and exciting rides in Central Illinois. Each year has increased with the number of motorcycles, and it is the desire of the members of the peacekeepers to someday grow it to over five-hundred dedicated bikes.
Two-wheels or three, standards or street, every bike is welcome!
Special thanks goes out to the many sponsors who continue to make this ride possible. We especially thank Mr. David Nixon and Mr. Pat Davlin and ILEEF (Illinois Law Enforcement Education Foundation) for coordinating the money for the ride and Colonel Chris Lawson and Butch Pascoe of the Illinois Army Guard and the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) for their continued dedication and belief in our cause. We also continue to pray for the safe return of all the men and women not only of the guards, but also those of active duty that continue to place boots on foreign soil on our behalf.
As we ride this year in honor of the “peacekeepers”, we invite you to join us for a Sunday afternoon of adventure and wonderful spots on the open road.
We’ll see you on the blacktop!
Mylas Copeland
Ride Coordinator
