Blessing of the Bikes and International Female Ride Day: A celebration of community and inclusivity 

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

On Sunday, May 3, riders will gather at Gordon Memorial Church in Redcliff for the annual Blessing of the Bikes. This tradition has been championed for many years by Ken Forbes, a local rider now in his 90s, who still rides and serves on the planning committee. The event offers a moment of reflection and community support before the busy summer riding season begins.

“Riders are often in dangerous situations,” says Heather McCaig. She is helping with the transition of shifting the responsibilities of the annual Blessing as Forbes takes a step back. “So, you want to have just that little bit of extra protection.”

The day begins at 11 am with a non-denominational service focusing on the joy and freedom of riding. During this service, organizers read the names of community members who have passed away over the last year. These individuals do not need to have passed in motorcycle accidents; they simply need to be people who loved the ride as a driver or on the back of the bike. Their names are then added to a permanent memorial plaque at the back of the church. Last year, the community honoured 14 individuals this way.

Following the indoor service, a reverend heads outside to offer a small blessing over each individual rider and their motorcycle. The Gordon Memorial Church community then opens its doors to offer coffee, drinks, and snacks, giving everyone a chance to connect. If the weather cooperates, many attendees head out for a group ride afterward.

McCaig stresses that this event welcomes absolutely everyone.

“It is for all makes and models of bikes. There’s no discrimination there,” McCaig says. “Everyone is welcome – new riders and old riders alike. If your grandma rode in World War II and grandma wants to come, bring grandma. It’s for everybody.”

The Blessing of the Bikes is free to attend. Organizers gladly accept donations, which go toward the upkeep of the memorial plaque and covering the costs of the service.

The day before the blessing, the community will celebrate the 20th anniversary of International Female Ride Day. This event takes place on Saturday, May 2, and is open to all women and those who identify as female.

Riders will meet at Badlands Harley-Davidson in Medicine Hat before taking a scenic ride out to Hays for lunch. The group will make a stop at the Shell station in Brooks and Bassano at noon to pick up anyone who wants to join along the route. Friends from Lethbridge are also encouraged to ride out and meet the group directly in Hays.

Whether you want to remember lost friends, get a blessing for the miles ahead, or celebrate female ridership, this weekend offers a wonderful way to connect with your local motorcycle community.

To recap:

International Female Ride Day (20th Anniversary) 

• Date: Saturday, May 2

• Who: All women and those who identify as female

• Time & Location: Meet at Badlands Harley-Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

• Route Details: Riding to Hays for lunch. The group will pick up additional riders at the Brooks & Bassano Shell at noon. Lethbridge riders are welcome to meet the group directly at Hays.

Blessing of the Bikes 

• Date: Sunday, May 3

• Time: 11:00 a.m.

• Location: Gordon Memorial Church, Redcliff

• Cost: free (donations welcome)

• Who: Open to all makes and models of bikes, and riders of all experience levels.

For more information on either of these events, you can call Heather at 403-528-0562.