By TIM PRESTON - The Independent
ASHLAND — Rusty Bellomy’s mission rolled on Saturday as motorcycle enthusiasts from several states gathered under sunny skies for a tour through the area.
Most of the riders reached into their own pockets to add a little something extra to the collection plate as members of the Bikers for Christ organization worked to raise money to help pay medical bills for Kristoffer Callaway.
“Kristoffer had a lot of medical bills,” said Bikers for Christ Elder Ron “Fatdad” Rucker as a steady stream of rumbling machines pulled into the parking lot at First Church of the Nazarene Saturday morning. “If we only raise $5, then that’s $5 they didn’t have.”
Callaway was severely injured in the motorcycle accident that took Bellomy’s life. Police said Bellomy was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle with Callaway, his grandson, as his passenger when a Ford pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Billy Barker crossed the center line and collided with the motorcycle. Barker was later sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault charges. Authorities said Barker’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit and that he had been smoking marijuana and ingested the prescription narcotic Vicodin before the accident.
Saturday’s rally was organized in the church parking lot where Bellomy and Kristoffer began their last ride together.
“Rusty was a missionary — a Christian man,” Rucker said, explaining fellow Bikers for Christ members from the Tri-State as well as Tennessee and North Carolina made a point to join Saturday’s memorial benefit. “We’re hoping for 200 bikes.”
Rucker said he became aware of the Callaway family’s needs after meeting Kristoffer and his father during a church service. He drafted an e-mail explaining the situation to members of the international club’s members, and seemed humbled by their overwhelming response.
“We are unified as far as our cause,” he said, adding “Who better to help him than us, his brothers in Christ and his brothers in motorcycles?”
Riders Bubba Blair, Joe Drake and Rowdy Raber came from the Tennessee cities of Nashville, Alexandria and Pikeville, to do their part.
“Kristoffer is the reason we’re here,” said Blair, as Drake and Raber nodded in agreement.
Information about Bikers for Christ is available on the Internet, and contributions to the local effort can be mailed to BFC, P.O. Box 244, Ashland KY 41105. Rucker asks supporters to note the name “Rusty Bellomy” with any donations to help Callaway.
“Whatever people send donations for, we honor it,” said Rucker.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
