Eales takes motorcycle ride to celebrate 104th birthday

BELLA VISTA — Evelyn Eales, a Bella Vista resident who recently turned 104, requested a very unique birthday celebration — a motorcycle ride with the media present to witness it.

The ride, which took place Feb. 29, was eagerly attended by many including the Bella Vista Police Department, the Summer Fun Run motorcycle club, Circle of Life employees, Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn, Eales’ family and enthusiastic community members.

While waiting for Eales’ ride to begin, cold air bit the face of event attendees, many of whom were wearing gold party hats and blowing kazoos in celebration.

Nancy Desler, marketing and communications manager for Circle of Life, wrote in a press release, “In celebration of her birthday, she has requested a motorcycle ride through Bella Vista. The Summer Fun Run motorcycle club will escort Ms. Eales along a route that she has preplanned. She has requested that the media be present to capture this momentous ride and celebration.”

Desler said wishes such as this one are fulfilled through Circle of Life, a company that provides end-of-life wishes for hospice patients and is funded by Angels Paying It Forward, a group of 500 women who provide funds to support wishes for Circle of Life patients.

“We do a lot of special meals — lobster, milkshakes — we do lots of birthday celebrations, horse rides, fishing trips, riding in a super car,” Desler said, while noting there is “big difference” between a milkshake and a motorcycle, with a smile on her face.

Desler said Eales’ desire to ride in a motorcycle is a new one, with her deciding she wanted to go for the ride three short weeks ago. Desler said she, along with help of others, worked to make the wish come true.

“Our goal is to bring a smile to her face and fulfill the heart of that patient,” she said. “And just to provide those lasting memories for the family as they participate in it.”

At the celebration, Flynn offered a proclamation in Eales’ honor. The certificate presented to her, while she sat on the back of a motorcycle, read, “Congratulations — in recognition of Evelyn Eales, in honor of your 104th birthday.

Congratulations as you celebrate another remarkable year. May you enjoy your special motorcycle ride birthday celebration!”

Eales, a small white-haired woman, smiled from the motorcycle, with her windbreaker and sunglasses on.

“I’m not nervous — I love it,” she said, causing the crowd to laugh.

Eales said she has not been on a motorcycle in 75 years.

“I was on a motorcycle 75 years ago, when I was young and dumb,” she said, smiling.

When Eales was met with press taking photos, videos and notes she said, “This is outrageous!” with an excited squeal.

When Eales took off for her ride, police sirens on cars and motorcycles followed behind, as she grinned and held on tight.

(Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette/Alexus Underwood) Evelyn Eales waves as she arrives to her takeoff location, the parking lot of St. Theodore Episcopal Church. She grinned and laughed while waiting for her ride to begin, saying phrases like, “this is wild” to the crowd.

(Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette/Alexus Underwood) Health care workers and police officers cheer for Evelyn Eales as she begins her motorcycle ride celebrating her birthday. Eales rode with a member of the Summer Fun Run motorcycle club.

(Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette/Alexus Underwood) Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn reads a certificate of celebration to Eales as she grins from the back of a motorcycle, a place she looked very comfortable to be sitting.