Bikers thank Eastern Townships village

With the connotation gangs of people in black leather on motorcycles can have, the sight may have been intimidating for some. But this was quite the contrary.

The bikers, all members of the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers (CMC) riding club, were heading toward Frelighsburg to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, and to thank citizens of the small Eastern Township village for saving the lives of three of their own.

On Aug. 5, three members of the CMC West Island Chapter, Conrad “Radman” Peeck, Paul “Chop” Gervasi, and Walter “Warrior” Menegazzo decided to take their bikes on a Sunday ride to Vermont, crossing the border at Frelighsburg.

“It was a beautiful day and we were just a bunch of buddies out for a ride,” said Peeck, 48, who lives in Roxboro. The three riders were going into a 90-degree corner at around 11 a.m., when all of a sudden the unthinkable happened. “As I looked forward, just at that moment, I hear screeching tires. An SUV is in our lane, and in a matter of seconds, he takes out all three of us.”

Peeck, who was riding at the back of the pack, said he did not know how long it took him to “come to” after the hit. “I was able to get up and turn around, and I saw the SUV, which was a complete disaster. And I turned around some more, and there are my buddies at the side of the road, motionless. I thought the worst,” said an emotional Peeck.

Both were in very serious condition: Gervasi had numerous bones broken throughout his body and a large gash on his throat; Menegazzo ended up losing one leg. Peeck said the outcome could have been worse, if it wasn’t for five “angels” — Betty, Jeannie, Louise, Constance, and Cindy — who witnessed the accident and came to help the injured men. As two of the women had nursing experience, they were able to provide first aid care and medical supplies, and directed the other women while they waited 30 minutes for the ambulance

to arrive.

“I believe they saved our lives,” Peeck said. “If it wasn’t for them, I dread to think what would have happened.”

The driver of the red Chevrolet Blazer, who has a court date in November, was charged with reckless driving and was also over the legal blood alcohol limited when police gave him a breathalyzer test. While his SUV sustained major damages from the impact with the three bikers, the driver walked away with no major injuries.

CMC members from numerous chapters all over Quebec and Ontario were in Frelighsburg on Saturday and presented a plaque to the village to show their appreciation. They also set up banners with the CMC logo, as well as MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and BADD’s (Bikers Against Drunk Drivers), to sensitize people to the dangers of drunk driving.

“We must, must, must create awareness,” Peeck said, adding people on motorcycles are even more affected because they are only on two wheels. “Our rule is, if you have a beer, you don’t ride. There is no drinking and riding.”?