OAKFIELD, Maine — The second annual Memorial Ride and Walk — Remembering Mike and Heidi held Saturday was a success by all standards.
On Sept. 23, 2013, Mike Kitchen, 51, and Heidi Pratt, 49, were killed in their Oakfield home before it was set ablaze. A 32-year-old Houlton man, Matthew Davis, was charged with those murders. He has remained in prison, awaiting trial, for the past two years.
A large group of 245 people registered, and those individuals were joined by many walk ins who came just to socialize. A total of 86 motorcycles left the parking lot, and were joined by a dozen riders throughout the route. Bikers were present from throughout Maine, from the Pine State Motorcycle Club, United Vets, Combat Vets, Christian Crusaders, Patriot Guard Riders, Tribunal, Aroostook Chapter Harley Owners Group of Maine and the Mattawamkeag Motorcycle Club.
“The second anniversary ride was greatly enhanced by an increased involvement of various law enforcement agencies,” said Ken Bustard, one of the event organizers. “Lt. Tim Delucca of the Old Orchard Police Department coordinated the escort for the entire route. He was assisted patrolman Scott Corbett of South Portland; Deputy Vance Palmer of Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office; Sgt. Chad Fuller from Troop F Maine State Police; and patrolman Doug Bell of the Caribou Police Department. They provide both front and rear coverage as well as intersection blocking.”
Many people were able to participate by riding in vintage automobiles as the North Country Cruisers, as well as a few vintage autos that were not club affiliated, joined the event this year. This added opportunity, which was not present in the first year, allowed more adults as well as children to be directly involved.
The bikers and vintage autos went the same 65 mile route, but opposite directions. The bikes began on Rte 212 , took Rte 11 to Patten , going past The Hanger, which was a favorite stop for Mike and Heidi when riding, Bustard said. They then went back through Sherman Station, Sherman, Silver Ridge, Island Falls, Dyer Brook, and Oakfield, riding past Mike and Heidi’s house lot as well.
“The entire day was filled with nothing but positive comments, high octane enthusiasm and a blanket of genuine camaraderie and friendship,” Bustard said. “Following the opening dedications, the focus was on maintaining an upbeat, fun atmosphere. Raffles were held almost continuously, giving the early registrations an advantage. This day was, without question, a day of further healing. Many participants personally expressed their appreciation for holding the event. Even many volunteers, some who were at the park by 7 a.m., expressed their gratitude for being able to help out.”
There were many volunteers, many who showed up Saturday morning. Curtis Lewin kept the coffee pot full. Volunteers on “Team Keith” assisted Keith Hersey expertly cooking approximately 200 italian sausage with peppers and onion, 100 hot dogs and approximately 100 hamburgers.
“Team Shannon” (Shannon Lloyd) sold raffle tickets, patches and T-shirts through the morning. “Team Pearl” (Pearl Bustard) manned the registration tables, efficiently getting each participant signed in and on their way. “Team Brenda” (Brenda Hersey) organized the food service area, resulting in fairly minimal wait time for hot food, even given the large influx of hungry riders all at once.
