The Odenville Fire Department hosted the Heroes for the American Red Cross St Clair County Bike Ride on Saturday, March 13.

Registration began at 9 am at the Odenville Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot.  Kickstands were up by 10:15 am.  The 21 Bikes and 29 participants were followed by the Red Cross Director, Christine Arnold, and volunteer, Amy Cantrell from Moody, along the selected route. It was a cool, windy ride north on Hwy 411 to Hwy 231.  The riders headed back towards Pell City and connected onto Hwy 174 headed Westward.  Upon reaching Kelly Creek Road, all the bikers were full steam ahead to the Barber Motorsports Racetrack through Leeds. Leeds Police Department efficiently met riders at three intersections, guiding them through their town.

At Barber’s, the group took a rest break to warm their cold fingers and noses, grab a bottle of water and a pack of crackers.  Then it was time for the Disaster Services van to take the lead following the pace car around the lap leading the Heroes around one of the most scenic sports tracks in the South. The group completed their visit to Barber with a Commemorative group photo. Robert Sutton, Odenville Fire Department, committed to making this an annual benefit ride for the St Clair Red Cross Chapter, “We hope next year the weather is more friendly and that the rides in the future will grow with more riders.”

The tour ended at Dry Riders Saloon and Grill on Hwy 411 in Odenville.  Shortly after the bikers’ arrival, the rain began to settle the dust.  Mr. Jim Osborne provided complimentary homemade pizza for everyone.  The door prize give away concluded with an auction of two leather jackets donated by Riverside Outdoors. One jacket was purchased by Kimberly McDonald of Birmingham. The other was purchased by Harold and Kelly Brewer of Pro Wrench Automotive in Odenville.

The group raised $810 for the Red Cross St Clair Heroes campaign. Funds will be used to assist fire victims, provide service to the armed forces, and community education programs in St Clair County.

Special thanks to Robert Sutton, Ride Coordinator and Odenville Firefighter; Chase Coleman, Co-Coordinator; City of Leeds Police Department; City of Odenville Police Department; Barber Motorsports; Monograms, Etc, Odenville; Riverside Outdoor Sports, Riverside; Odenville Piggly Wiggly, and Jim Osborne and Dry Riders Saloon and Grill.