The Fullmoon ride leaves from the First National Bank parking lot, located at the corner of State Highway 6 and Bypass 35 at 6:30 p.m. each month on the Saturday night most near the full moon. The July ride last Saturday helped Pastor Harry Stafford celebrate his 68th birthday.
Stafford, organizer of the ride, proudly admits that this ride has been in existence for 14 years.
“As far as we know, our ride is the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in the world. The ride is open to all bikes, bikers, patches, no patches, trikes, cars, trucks and all street legal vehicles. It is a very safe ride as we meander along the back roads of Brazoria County. All rides always end up some restaurant where they serve great food,” he laughed.
At one point, Stafford laid claim to his hosting the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in Texas. “I wondered if perhaps we might not be the longest ride in the world. Digger O’Dell and I have e-mails lists that include former co-workers and friends all around the world. When I would send out e-mails, I began listing our ride as the longest running monthly motorcycle ride in the world and thus far, no one has disputed my claim, so it must be accurate,” he laughed.
There were approximately 30 riders last Saturday evening. Often, there are 20 - 100 riders in the monthly event.
Stafford is a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association and the Texas Motorcycle RoadRiders Association. He also serves as the Chaplain for the Blue Knights Chapter Seven Motorcycle Club and the Chapter 3 Red Knights.
Stafford is the Pastor for the Road of Life Community Church, 29788 Highway 6 East in Santa Fe. Bike blessings are an integral part of his motorcycle ministry. “We have a double-sided banner on display for this service which reads ‘Bike Blessing’. We have crosses which we present to the riders. These crosses represent the Cross of Cavalry and the riders normally hang them on their handle bars to remind them to place their faith in Christ, who died upon the cross for us. He can keep them safe as they ride,” Stafford explained.
The ministry also includes other church visitations, third Sunday Devotion and Ride (leaving the church with kickstands up at 11:30 a.m.), occasional rides to Lakewood Church to hear Joe Osteen, ladies only rides, hospital visits, weddings, assist with funerals. The group also has a ministry that is devoted to older residents. In 2011, they rode to Winchester Lodge in Alvin. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the residents while the group was there. There was also a special singing, caroling and plenty of Christmas music.
During Sunday morning worship at the Road of Life Fellowship Church, attendees join in with the special praise/worship, hear special speakers, receive salvation, miracles are performed and healings are received. There are also blessings and special prayer for all needs. Each Thursday night at 7 p.m., an Overcomers meeting is held at the church for those who are trying to overcome anything or to anyone who has overcome and is willing to share their experience with others.
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Source: Alvin (Zavalla, 7/26)
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