And no, Louie was not a biker.

The real history is more extraordinary. Back in the days when bikers sparked images of badly behaved vagabonds who created general havoc whenever they roared into town, Louie Ivcovic, owner of the Pepppermint Stick Lounge, saw something different and welcomed them into his Willoughby, Ohio tavern. He saw beyond the leather and the chrome. He saw spirited human beings who were friendly and just wanted to have a good time. He also saw that they were loyal.

That loyalty was emphasized when those biker patrons rode in his funeral procession in April 1983 to honor a man who didn’t turn them away. That same loyalty continues today with steadfast allegiance to the mission statement written when the Louie Run Foundation was established:

"To preserve the memory of those Brothers and Sisters (motorcycle riders and supporters) who have lost their lives on the highway, in service to our country or otherwise."

And so, that original motorcycle run that began with an intimate group of friends has become a much-anticipated tradition in Northeast Ohio. After that first year, those who knew Louie decided to band together and make it an annual memorial ride that touched the hearts of every biker. The number of participants increased each year, and ultimately reached a record 9,000 in 2001. These thousands of bikers—as well as those on four wheels—gather from across the nation the first Sunday each May.

They come not only to honor lost loved ones, but also to help others in need. Because compassion, too, is what friends are all about. The Louie Run is not just any motorcycle run, but a fundraiser that has amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations for notable Northeast Ohio charities.

In addition, with so many motorcycles emerging on the highways as spring hits the air, the Louie Run also serves as a gleaming reminder that bikers are on the road, and that all must be aware and alert, and respectfully use safe road practices.

Like any growing, successful organization, there have been a number of changes for the Louie Run since its inception. With the steady increase of participants each year, the run long ago outnumbered its original meeting place. As bikers swelled into the thousands, the starting points were forced to be divided into a number of different sites. Former gatherings at the Great Lakes Mall, Lakeland Community College, Towmotor and Cleveland Municipal parking lots—and after-parties at Geneva-on-the-Lake and the old Antioch Inn—have been replaced by more than 20 pull-out locations throughout the North Coast. The ultimate destination, however, has been the same since 1995—The Lake County Fairgrounds, where the festivities truly begin.

The opening ceremony is the most significant event of the day. It begins in fine, patriotic fashion at @1:00 p.m. with America-made motorcycles lining up like trophies in front of the 20’ x 30’ American flag, the attendance of the Marines Corps League Color Guard, and the singing of the National

Anthem.

There is the opening address, and then the Roll Call— a solemn reciting of fallen friends and loved ones. Then Mike "Redbeard" Warren, one of the Louie Run founders, steps out from behind the Harley V-Twin engine podium for a tradition he began in 1986. He pulls out a knife, hold his hands high above his head, and proceeds to slice his thumb. He squeezes out a drop of blood, then bends down to rub it into the dirt ground while proclaiming: "May this be the only drop of blood shed on Ohio’s highways this year."

And while that hopeful desire is more optimistic than reality would suggest, Redbeard feels it’s a goal that’s worth a few scars. And anyone at the Fairgrounds who visits the Memorial Wall featuring photos of loved ones now gone, will undeniably agree.

Yet along with the somber memorial, there is plenty of joy throughout the day as well, especially when Burnt River—the only band that has played each of the now 26 years of Louie Run’s existence—takes the stage. While there are always several different bands that perform (this year will be The Fabulous Thunderbirds!), there’s no denying that The Burnt River Band is synonymous with the Louie Run.

Through the years the Louie Run has hosted a marriage ceremony, been featured in The New York Times and paid tribute to war veterans with a Live Vietnam Memorial Statue (now an annual ritual). It has indeed honored its original objective of raising money for many causes, and of touching many lives. And along the way, the event has earned the respect of those who no longer see bikers as troublemakers, but as they truly are: Mechanics. Doctors. Factory workers. Waitresses. Lawyers. Company presidents. Construction workers. Welders. Wives. Husbands. Sons. Daughters. . . .. People who merely want to make a difference—and have fun doing it.

Last year was the Silver Anniversary of the Louie Run. It is an accomplishment worth celebrating, honoring and appreciating. Because when it comes to "Brothers and Sisters Lost" through the years, the Louie Run makes sure they are never forgotten.