A sad day

It is nearly a month since the biker community I belong to was shakken by a horrific incindent. The reaction from the bikers were overwhelming. Within days bikers from all over Gauteng "mobilized" and messages of condolences, anger, disbelief and support 'flooded' the forum . Permissiom was requested and granted from the family that we could attend the funeral and ride a gaurd of honour for a fallen fellow biker. (Just writting about this now, still brings a lump in my throut) This was one occassion that I wanted to attend. Not just because Bernadien was a fellow biker, but also because she was a fellow scooter rider.


Having been granted a day's leave, I left for Pretoria shortly after 5am to avoid the condense traffic on the Ben Schoeman Highway to Pretoria, conscious the whole way of the purpose of the day. A group of us arranged to attend a wreath laying ceremony and a minute of silence at school. Meeting up at an agreed venue, where we could form up and have the marshalls secure the roads for us. The owner of the garage, where we gathered, kindly offered us coffee and flowers for free. After a safety and formation debrief, we set off for the school.

Early morning traffic came to a virtual standstill as motorist simply made way for 80 bikers. Everyone very aware of the reason for our presence. I was chocking back floods of emotions, putting every effort into concentrating to keep formation. Outside the school many parents dropping off their children were openly crying when we arrived. School children were crying. Sad emotion visible all around. After a tribute from the Head Master, we were given permission to give a bikers salute (reving of engines for 20 seconds). The reving of the engines also caused a flow of tears. The minute of silence that followed immediately afterwards was even more deafening. A number of us laid flowers on the podium and we reformed to join more bikers that were comming through for the funeral service. Again the traffic just came to a halt.

Arriving at the pre-arranged meeting spot it was rather funny when the owner of the restaurant came out to take our order and we said: "80 Coffees please". The amazement / shock on his face was priceless. As a number of us got up very early to come through from Johannesburg, breakfast was also very welcome. At the agreed time, we left to go to the church. By now our numbers had grown substantially. Arriving at church there was already a huge gathering of bikers. Various biker clubs joined to partake in this sad special day. In total 200 bikers joined the funeral. By now most people could not hold back anymore and tears were shed openly. Bikers, family and friends were united in sadness. Although most of us did not know Bernadien at all, bikers has a comaraderie that is special.


(Photo taken by Dragon Love)
The Think Bike Marshalls were granted permission by the Metro Police to marshall the procession from the church to the cemetary. Moving 200 bikers and funeral procession through a dense area of the Capital takes some doing. The Marshalls did an excellent job and the motorist were co-operative as well. Many motorist simply pulled off the road to allow us through and show their respects. People came out of their houses and lined the streets and cried openly. Keeping the tears out of one's eyes and riding formation safe in such circumstances is pretty difficult.

The bikers were allowed to line up not far from the grave side. Most of us kept our distance, allowing friends and family their privacy to lay Bernadien to rest. As the casket was lowered, the bikers returned to their bikes and gave Bernadien a final "Biker's Salute". For me it was an honour to be part of this event. So sad that such a young life was taken so brutaly and unecessary. Keep riding the skyways Bernadien.