Knotty Pine Leather & Lace student fundraiser ponies up food, fun, $500

The rows of parked bikes, neatly arranged in perfect formation, spanned multiple blocks of W. Birch Street in Glenrock. But the street was quiet. Inside the Knotty Pine Saloon was where the action was.

On May 1, over one hundred Wyoming Central ABATE riders and supporters gathered at the Knotty Pine for the culminating event of their annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Run, now in its 40th year.

The day was kicked off in Casper, as roughly 1,000 riders gathered for the blessing of the bikes by the Christian Motorcyclists Association at the River of Life Church, followed by an informal gathering at the Walmart on East 2nd Street.

From there the riders made their way south to Douglas, stopping at the Broken Wheel Truck Stop, before making their final leg back up to Glenrock and the Knotty Pine.

At the saloon, owned by longtime Glenrock resident Rusty Henderson, a college scholarship fundraiser and auction was held by Rock Springs-based Leather & Lace Foundation, now in its 10th year of supporting various local businesses and individuals.

The auction raised $500 for one Glenrock Junior/Senior High School graduating senior.

A variety of Americana-themed items like framed prints of the American flag and bald eagle, wildlife photos and gift baskets were auctioned off.

Attendees, whether they were bidding on items or not, simply enjoyed each other’s company, and the ability to spend time together after a challenging year.

“It’s a brotherhood. We’re all family here,” said Nelo Griffin, who has been partipating in the ABATE safety awareness ride for the past 10 years.

Many of the ABATE riders and supporters at the Knotty Pine event spoke highly of the importance of the annual ride.

ABATE has held the ride every spring, typically from Casper to Douglas and back up to Glenrock, to promote awareness for both rider and automobile driver safety as the warmer months arrive and more motorcyclists are on the roads.

“We do this so people are aware of the safety issues,” Wyoming Central ABATE President Allen Dike said proudly.

Others praised the turnout, saying that the energy at the bar was better this year compared to last, perhaps because of the pandemic.

“The turnout is definitely better,” said Glenrock resident Tammy Ward. “It’s a beautiful day, and a great cause.”

The Leather & Lace scholarship will be awarded to the student who is deemed most deserving on the basis of an essay they submit.

The student has yet to be selected.

The essay should address the student’s short- and long-term goals, the biggest influences in their life, the impact the funds would have on their financial situation, their leadership qualities and why they deserve the scholarship.

Essays can be emailed to leatherandlacefund@outlook.com. The deadline to submit is May 20.

The rows of parked bikes, neatly arranged in perfect formation, spanned multiple blocks of W. Birch Street in Glenrock. But the street was quiet. Inside the Knotty Pine Saloon was where the action was.

On May 1, over one hundred Wyoming Central ABATE riders and supporters gathered at the Knotty Pine for the culminating event of their annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Run, now in its 40th year.

The day was kicked off in Casper, as roughly 1,000 riders gathered for the blessing of the bikes by the Christian Motorcyclists Association at the River of Life Church, followed by an informal gathering at the Walmart on East 2nd Street.

From there the riders made their way south to Douglas, stopping at the Broken Wheel Truck Stop, before making their final leg back up to Glenrock and the Knotty Pine.

At the saloon, owned by longtime Glenrock resident Rusty Henderson, a college scholarship fundraiser and auction was held by Rock Springs-based Leather & Lace Foundation, now in its 10th year of supporting various local businesses and individuals.

The auction raised $500 for one Glenrock Junior/Senior High School graduating senior.

A variety of Americana-themed items like framed prints of the American flag and bald eagle, wildlife photos and gift baskets were auctioned off.

Attendees, whether they were bidding on items or not, simply enjoyed each other’s company, and the ability to spend time together after a challenging year.

“It’s a brotherhood. We’re all family here,” said Nelo Griffin, who has been partipating in the ABATE safety awareness ride for the past 10 years.

Many of the ABATE riders and supporters at the Knotty Pine event spoke highly of the importance of the annual ride.

ABATE has held the ride every spring, typically from Casper to Douglas and back up to Glenrock, to promote awareness for both rider and automobile driver safety as the warmer months arrive and more motorcyclists are on the roads.

“We do this so people are aware of the safety issues,” Wyoming Central ABATE President Allen Dike said proudly.

Others praised the turnout, saying that the energy at the bar was better this year compared to last, perhaps because of the pandemic.

“The turnout is definitely better,” said Glenrock resident Tammy Ward. “It’s a beautiful day, and a great cause.”

The Leather & Lace scholarship will be awarded to the student who is deemed most deserving on the basis of an essay they submit.

The student has yet to be selected.

The essay should address the student’s short- and long-term goals, the biggest influences in their life, the impact the funds would have on their financial situation, their leadership qualities and why they deserve the scholarship.

Essays can be emailed to leatherandlacefund@outlook.com. The deadline to submit is May 20.