By BETTY F. JONES
News Correspondent

WOODLAND – Cancer patients experience many potholes in their road to recovery.

Perhaps it was fitting that a short, one-day journey here April 30 represented the road Linwood Morris and Elizabeth Parker have traveled hand-in-hand during their battle vs. cancer.

Despite overcast skies and cool temperatures, the kickstands went up at 10 a.m. singling the start of a 71-mile ride by several motorcycle clubs that served a fundraiser for the two cancer survivors. The event raised $3,675.

After those motorcycles roared to life, Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith escorted the riders as they journeyed to Aulander, a short break at Oak City, then on to Scotland Neck, Rich Square and back to Woodland.

Lead by police escort and Woodland’s Lost Riders Motorcycle Club Road Captain Roger “Trigger” Byrum, the bikers returned to Woodland to enjoy a prepared southern style buffet fit for a king at the famous Grapevine Café.

Lost Riders Vice President Frank “T-Bone” Timberlake expressed his appreciation to everyone who made this event possible. He then turned the floor over to Morris and Parker. They were so overwhelmed they could not read their speech. Barbara Outland, the Grapevine owner, came to the rescue and did the honors.

“The last couple of months have been long and rough,” Outland read from the notes. “We would not have made it without the help of family and friends. Today, we wish to thank the motorcyclists, The Grapevine Restaurant’s staff, and others who made today’s event a success. You will never know how much your support means to us. We are grateful to the people we know and some we don’t know who came out to ride and eat buffet today. We will always remember this day and the support we have received.”

Timberlake, the owner of the Rich Square Market chain, thanked everyone for their support. He expressed his thanks to everyone and saying The Lost Riders’ members are also members of the community. He thanked the other riding clubs taking part in the event – The Roanoke River Chapter Motorcycle Club, Potecasi’s Free Spirits Riding Club, and individual riders.

“Our number one goal for founding our club is to help our community members by sponsoring rides to help them financially,” Timberlake said, then inviting everyone to the clubhouse.

At the clubhouse, people got to meet club members and their families. Johnnie “Redman” Davis, the club’s president said the club was founded by six riders January 1, 2016. The other three club officers are Charles “Tow Man” Timberlake (Treasurer), William “Hotsy” Askew (Secretary) and Ernest “Earth” Lassiter (Sergeant At Arms).

“We have grown to 12 strong. Our club is family and community oriented,” Davis said. “Even our kids, called brats, are given nicknames and are members.”

Members wives or sufficient others are called “Maiden.” Davis said there are plans to convert a room at the clubhouse into a children’s playroom and have an area set up outside for a play area.

The main upcoming project for the club is a fundraiser for the Pinetops Rest Home in Potecasi. There is a $20 donation per bike (plus $10 if there is an additional passenger). That price incudes a buffet at the Grapevine. Those not taking part in the ride can enjoy the buffet for $20 per person.

“Our first club sponsored ride will be for the rest home. We will meet at the Grapevine at 9 a.m. on July 2 for registration; kick stands up at 10 a.m. and end at the Grapevine for a lunch buffet,” Davis said.

Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Lost Riders’ Clubhouse, 5309 US Hwy 258, Woodland, to enjoy entertainment by Lucus Ireland with refreshments served.

For more information on the July 2 fundraiser, call 252-587-0345.