Ride CT & Ride New England Serving New England, NYC and The Hudson Valley!
NEW HARTFORD, CT – The bride didn’t want a diamond. What she really wanted was a ride on vintage Indian Chief on her wedding day.
This tale of matrimony began for RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland a little more than a week ago when I received an invitation in the form of an email blast from Tim Raindle that read in part, “Hey, guys, thought I would let you know that me and Jess are planning on getting hitched next weekend… Nothing fancy, a couple of quick ‘I dos,’ a bag of chips and a soda.”
The wedding would take place in New Hartford at the home of his intended’s aunt. I responded with a “Congrats!” and a request for more details. Tim replied, “The plan is to meet at Fort Yarocki at 11 a.m. Saturday. We then ride up … for a quick ceremony and some nibbles.”
Tim Raindle
Some background: Tim’s a Brit who has been a regular riding mate for years. He’s a Sunday morning regular at Toymaker’s Cafe. Since I’ve known him, he’s divided his time between England and Torrington, CT, where he’s a protege of Indian motorcycle expert George Yarocki.
“Fort Yarocki” is the complex on Riverside Ave. where Yarocki and Raindle restore, rebuild, repair and preserve old Indian motorcycles. Tom’s purpose in coming to the U.S. on a regular basis has been to absorb as much of Yarocki’s knowledge about these old machines as his visa permits.
Until today, I had never met Jessica, who works as caregiver to Yarocki’s wife, Millie.
Millie and George Yarocki
Following instructions, I dutifully showed at 11 a.m. today, figuring it would be fun to ride to a wedding. Also arriving about the same time were other friends, including Brian O’Neil, “English Ray,” Ray “Chuck” Becker, Scott Kegelman and his wife, Debreh, and some members of the Reservoir Dogs Motorcycle Club who are friends with Tim.
Eventually, after some fits and starts, we got on our motorcycles for the ride to New Hartford and the ceremony. It was an eclectic group. Tim was aboard a 1946 Indian Chief, the Reservoir Dogs rode Harley-Davidsons, two of us were on Moto Guzzis, with Becker preferring a BMW.
The Reservoir Dogs’ resident reverend, John “Manville” Haines, had been enlisted to officiate at the wedding ceremony, a service that he’d never provided before.
John “Manville” Haines
Upon arriving in New Hartford, Manville prepared by sampling the suds, trying out the bouquet and checking his script. The rest of us nibbled on snacks until it was time for the big event.
To the pleasure of all, the ceremony came off without a hitch.
There was one more detail – get a picture of the newlyweds on the Indian, which was when Jess confided that a ride on the motorcycle was what she wanted more than a diamond ring. Can’t say that I blame her, although I didn’t stick around to see if she got her wish.
Having never been to such an impromptu wedding, I didn’t know what to expect, much less a wedding with a motorcycle theme. Sure was fun. Best wishes to the newlyweds!
Here are some more wedding pics of the happy couple:
Blimey ….. Well done mate.
Tim and Jess,
Congratulations to both of you. We are very very happy for you.
Elaine & Will
Tim, yet again we see life isn’t over until it’s over!
Best wishes to you both and congratulations. May your road be smooth and filled to fun, excitement and prosperity for many years to come! we only wish we could have joined you for the event! Looks like a good crew attended and fun was had by all. We look forward to our Taco night. cheer, Greg and Ann
Really lovely and wish we could have been there! Love, Geoff & Cathy x
Congrats, Tim & Jess, best wishes for a long and happy life together.
Congrats to you both! Excellent job Tim. Cheers.
BRILLIANT! Congratulations to you both!