Motorcyclists to participate in rally, parade

[totalmotorcycle]

Motorcyclists to participate in rally, parade
Christian Motorcyclists Association, church organize event.
April 21, 2005 By Vickie Welborn - gannett.com









MANSFIELD -- Hundreds of motorcyclists from throughout Louisiana, East Texas and south Arkansas are expected to descend upon Mansfield on Saturday to participate in a one-day event that's been dubbed DeSoto Dynamite Motorcycle Rally 2005.

The DeSoto Disciples, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association of Louisiana, is organizing the event in conjunction with Southside Baptist Church, which will hold the various activities on its property on state Highway 509. The event is not limited to the CMA, however. Other motorcycle groups and individuals are expected to attend.

Money raised through various food sales and carnival games will benefit Dynamite Basketball, a ministry of Southside Baptist and its pastor, the Rev. Troy Terrell, and allow some DeSoto Parish children to attend basketball camps this summer at no cost.

The rally is also open to the public, said the Rev. Wesley Dunn, Southside's associate pastor and DeSoto Disciples member.

"We are anticipating 250 to 300 bikers ... so we expect a good crowd," Dunn said.

The bikers will participate in a bike run starting at 8:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., the entire group will form a parade from the Wal-Mart shopping center, travel through town and end at the church. The Red River Mustang Club also will participate and will have a display at the church.

For $5 each, children can take part in the day's activities, which will include games and face painting.

"We've invited every CMA chapter in the state, along with other clubs in the area and from Barksdale Air Force Base and even Waskom, Texas," said member Clayton Davis, "I just think it's going to be a lot of fun. We really want the kids to come out."

Sunday morning has been declared Biker Sunday at the church. A blessing of the bikes will follow the 11 a.m. worship service.