They rumbled in from Wooster. They thundered in from Coshocton. Motorcycles in all shapes, colors and sizes roared into Millersburg to Burger King on Sunday, June 5, where the riders took part in the annual Ron Emmons Memorial Cruise-In & Bike Show. The event is headlined by Gold Wing, with the sponsoring club being the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Ohio Chapter 1, but as is always the case with the brethren of the motorcycles, all brands were welcomed to the show, which honored Emmons, a Millersburg auxiliary policeman and well-known tow truck operator who had a great passion for motorcycles and was heavily involved with the Gold Wing club, and actually set up the show at the Millersburg Burger King three years ago.

There, with a perfect parking lot for travelers to get a glimpse of the beautiful bikes and trikes, anyone wishing to participate could register, and those who did register were able to vote for the top prizes.

While they did dole out three awards for both bikes and trikes, the main reason for the gathering was much more than possibly earning a piece of hardware.

“Biking is a passion for all of the members of the Gold Wing chapter, and we get together every year here for a number of reasons,” said member Greg Smith. “First, Ron was such a big part of our club that we wanted to do something in his memory. He was very passionate about biking, as all of us are who are involved. One of the best things about this event is the fellowship that takes place. We all have that common bond, and whenever we get together it is always fun to talk and check out each other’s rides. It’s also a chance to talk about bike safety with other people, so this event has a lot of different purposes.”

Chapter I of Ohio has been doing the benefit motorcycle show-cruise in for the past 10 years. However, when Emmons passed away in March of 2009, because of his tremendous involvement in the benefit, it was renamed the Ron Emmons Memorial Cruise-In & Motorcycle Show.

Another purpose is to raise funds for Holmes County Hospice, which cared for Emmons in his latter days. Through the event, the Gold Wing chapter raised $437 for Hospice.

While the group members enjoy getting together and comparing bikes, they really enjoy the chance to talk to people passing through who stop by. Smith said that there is never any shortage of bikers willing to talk about their club, their bikes or the event to those whose eyes are caught by the colorful collection of bikes in the Burger King parking lot.

Smith added that there is an ever-growing number of trikes — three-wheeled motorcycles — on the road, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the club, too.

“Trikes are growing in popularity like crazy right now,” said Smith. “About one-third of our members ride them, both men and women. They offer a lot more stability, while still allowing that same freedom of the open road. And, people can pull trailers behind them with a lot less risk.”

The bike show featured 30 riders, with the top prize in two-wheelers going to Bob Benjamin, with second place won by Linda Smith and third place awarded to Jerry Stalnaker. The top spot in the three-wheeler category went to Steven Jones, with second place going to Rosemary Campbell and third-place bestowed upon Joe Ricci.

Door prizes were also given to those registered, with all of the donations coming from local businesses, many of whom knew Emmons personally.

“People gave very generously,” said Smith. “A lot of the people I talked with knew Ron, and respected him, so it wasn’t hard to get people to give. His name means a lot to people around here, and we very much appreciate the community support that we get each year for this event.”