Traditional Blessing of the Bikes goes Sunday at Gordon Memorial United Church in Redcliff

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 3, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

An unofficial start to riding season in Medicine Hat and area, Sunday will honour bikers who have been lost over the past year and wish those still here well for the year to come.

Starting at 11 a.m. at Gordon Memorial United Church in Redcliff, the Blessing of the Bikes is a firmly entrenched tradition in the area for the motorcycle community that has been happening for more than 30 years.

“It’s a non-denominational church service that honours those riders that have lost their lives for various reasons over the last year, and it offers a blessing to protect the bikers over riding season,” says local bike enthusiast Heather McCaig. “Just that special touch to keep them safe.”

The event is open to anyone who rides, says McCaig, and is a good way to see all the different riders in the local community, be they independent or part of clubs, though many riders from other cities are welcome and do visit for this event each year.

McCaig also expressed gratitude to the congregation of Gordon Memorial United Church, as “their congregation is not usually 100 bikers. They are the cutest little congregation and the nicest people, and they make room for us.”

The blessing will happen regardless of weather, says McCaig, and is put on by the Harley Owners group. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call McCaig at 403-528-0562.

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