FARMINGTON – Motorcycle riders have a chance to receive a blessing on Sunday when the first Blessing of the Bikes is held at Old South First Congregational Church, UCC, on Main Street.

Blessing ceremonies are held throughout the country and draw thousands, said former Presbyterian pastor Stu Cameron, who will give the blessing.

“The blessing is calling for the presence of God … to encourage safety and a responsible lifestyle and challenge riders to ride safely and politely,” he said Monday.

The riders are also encouraged to take on community responsibility by bringing a non-perishable food or personal care item to donate to the Care and Share Food Closet where Cameron serves as chairman.

Cameron, a biker himself who has done some long-trip riding, is expected to give a group blessing of the bikes followed by a blessing of each rider and motorcycle individually, said Debbie Davis-Robinson, an organizer of the event.

The blessing will begin at 11 a.m., rain or shine, but bikers are invited to join the congregation for morning worship at 9:30 a.m. or they can come for just the blessing and ride, she said. The parking lot next to the church will be reserved for motorcycles.

Following the blessing, a ride will be held from Farmington to Rangeley, down the Height of Land to Mexico then back to Farmington, she said. Riders can either pack a lunch or stop at a restaurant along the way.

Cameron has been riding for about 53 years, he said.

“The blessing is also about an image-polishing thing,” he said. “Some of us have tattoos that wash off and are productive members of society who just like riding, while some bikers may look bad but have hearts of gold,” he said.

For more information about the blessing, call 778-5948.