Blessing the Bikers at the annual Blessing of the Bikes 2014
The 38th annual blessing of the bikes in Colebrook, New Hampshire is held at the end of June. It is the climax of a three day ride in called the Great North Woods Ride In. Unfortnateley, it was announced at this year’s event that the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace on Route 3 on the Colebrook/Columbia town line is to close. Next years event will take place but not at the shrine. The Blessing of the Bikes is performed on Sunday by the priests of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the order that maintains the Shrine. Following a short Mass, the motorcyclists line up in two aisles depending on whether they are heading north or south to home. Each motorcycle and rider is blessed. The blessing is believed to provide divine protection for another year of safe bike riding.
For more information, go to nhblessingofthebikes.tripod.com.