An estimated 300 bikers thundered off on blessed rides Saturday.

Bike Blessing organizer Dana Croxton said the purpose of the Euclid Avenue event was to pray with motorcycle riders at the beginning of the season. The event has been held in Helena five times previously.

A former bike gang member and now a member of Crossroads Christian Church, Croxton said you don't have to be a Hells Angel to stray from the word of God. He now works with the disabled in Helena and in ministries all over the world, including Cuba, Pakistan and India.

"I've been called everything from scumbag to reprobate," Croxton said. "I wrecked my last bike in 1983. My life (now) focusses on other stuff."

As dozens ate hamburgers, listened to an evangelical band and admired each other's bikes on a warm afternoon, riders prayed for good road conditions, few deer, and safe travel during the upcoming riding season.

Saturday's event, which was also sponsored by New Life Lutheran Church, the First Baptist Church, Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministry and the Christian Motorcyclists Association, was "neutral turf," meaning rivals would have to tolerate each other. Members of the Bandidos and Hermanos motorcycle clubs, who aren't rivals, were present early Saturday afternoon.

R.C. Murchie of St. Ignatius did much of the blessing, with the help of other ministers.

Murchie, a chaplin for the Hermanos, says he puts up to 20,000 miles on his motorcycle, riding as far away as Alaska and Tennessee. Tomorrow he'll head to a blessing in Missoula; in two weeks he'll be on the road to Arizona.

The front of Murchie's bike is painted with an image of Jesus helping a fallen biker. Murchie, who has ridden for 40 years and was "saved" 14 years ago, said he rides with many who may have done him ill in the past. He was "mean, ornery, bitter and cold," he said, but the Lord taught him to forgive.

"Bikers have a real bad rap," Murchie said, who also works as a drywall installer. "For the best part, you'll find that the Hermanos are clean and sober."

Christian Motorcyclist Association member Jeff Lapham of East Helena said the association has 600 riders in Montana.

Reporter Jason Mohr can be reached at 447-4075 or jason.mohr@helenair.com.