A RIDE WITH A MESSAGE
Tyler’s Ride a memorial, fundraiser and push for motorcycle safety
NEW HANOVER >> Their engines growling in a singular, ear-rattling voice, dozens of motorcycles headed down the lane that leads from the back of New Hanover United Methodist Church.
The drivers turned left at the stop sign, heading two-by-two on Reifsnyder Road in New Hanover Township. The sun bright above the riders’ heads, it promised to be quite a lovely ride.
And a great opportunity to get out a message.
The motorcyclists, and a handful of people following in cars or on bicycles, were taking part in the fourth annual Tyler’s Ride.
The event — which aims to promote motorcycle safety and raise money for the families of victims of tragedies — is held in memory of Tyler Dierolf, who died in 2015 at age 25 in a crash while riding his motorcycle on Route 100 in Colebrookedale Township.
The July 13 ride was actually the fifth held in Dierolf’s memory. The first, held only six days after his death and before his family created the nonprofit that now runs the event, saw hundreds of Dierolf’s friends, family and community members turn out to honor his memory.
“Tyler was a friend to everyone,” his mother, Brenda, said moments before the start of the ride.
If a buddy was short on cash for lunch, Tyler would pay, his mom said. If someone needed help fixing something around the house, he’d volunteer. He had even offered his home to people who needed a place to stay.
“He’d give you the shirt off his back,” she said. “His loss was a loss to the whole community.”
Brenda Dierolf said the idea behind Tyler’s Ride is to help prevent similar losses, and to reach out to others who have experienced the same pain.
“We want to share the message that we can share the road and be safe about it,” she said.
Dierolf said she also meets with family members of others who have lost their lives tragically, sharing stories and offer
ing support.
“When it first happens the whole community comes out,” she said. “But after a while they go back to their lives. Months and years down the road you’re still dealing with your loss, your new normal.
“The grief is a long, ongoing process.”
The money raised by Tyler’s Ride supports families who have lost or had someone severely injured in an accident, usually a vehicle accident.
“Insurance doesn’t cover everything,” Dierolf said.
Dierolf said she expected about 200 people for Saturday’s event, which included a minifestival at the church following the ride. That part of the event included a car show, food trucks and a silent auction.
She said she didn’t have any idea how much money the event would raise.
“My goal is to just do better than last year,” she said. “And to get the awareness out.” Contact David Mekeel: 610-371-5014 or dmekeel@readingeagle. com.