Eagle Riders take root in

A new chapter of Eagle Riders has been formed and is growing fast.

Eagle Riders is a group of Fraternal Order of Eagles member motorcyclists who promote the Eagles and its causes, while doing something that they love -- riding motorcycles.

"We started working on getting a charter and getting the national home here earlier this year," Scism said. "We got our charter in October at the bi-state convention, we started out with 22 charter members and we've already grown to 36 in less than a month. I just found out from Grand Worthy Jim Roberts, State President Rick Randall and South Central Regional President David Madox that the Bar H Boys' Ranch has been chosen as the national home."

The Eagle Riders are growing as fast nationally as they have in the local chapter and Scism envisions them playing a major role in upcoming events, especially Bushwhacker Days.

"We are working on having a meeting here during Bushwhacker Days," Scism said. "If we get it arranged I think we can expect to see 3,000 to 4,000 riders here during that time."

The group would use the occasion as a rally and fundraiser for charities, but not the only one.

"We want to do as much as we can to help out," Scism said. "This would be a big boost to Nevada and the businesses here to have so many people show up. We also plan on several rallies every year, spaced out over the whole year."

Saturday the local chapter met at the Bar H for a poker run to raise money for charity and a barbecue. Scism said it was just one of the functions of the club.

"Our goal is simply to have fun and raise money for charities," Scism said.

Jones agreed, "The reason we stated the club is to help the Eagles and Vernon County."

The rapid growth has caused the group to work extra hard to keep up with the rapid pace.

"It's growing so fast it has become steady work to keep it coordinated," Scism said. "The bikers are exceptional about raising money for charities."

Scism said he and Jones were not the only ones putting in time to make the new group work.

"Buddy Wilcox from Springfield, Jack Tyler from California, Mo., and I wrote the bylaws for the group," Scism said. "Dave Jones is the president of the chapter."

Whatever the future holds for Nevada, the Eagle Riders plan to be a part of it, and if things work out like they hope, a big part.