Bikers empower children through support
Danie M. Huffman
As Springtown Police patrol cars flashed their lights on Highway 199 Sunday afternoon, motorists watched officers halt traffic for 52 bikers.
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) adopted seven children into their family.
BACA is a nonprofit organization which accompanies abused children into court to give them the support and courage they need to testify against their perpetrator.
The members strictly profess they are not a clan or gang.
“We are definitely a family,” Ranger, the Weatherford BACA Cross Timbers Chapter president, said.
Ranger lined the children up under the pavilion at Springtown square and asked each child if they wanted to be in the family.
The children, ages 2 to 11 smiled and relayed their approval.
About 100 members from 11 BACA Texas chapters traveled from as far away as San Antonio on 52 motorcycles for the children’s special day.
Members wear vests, sporting patches which promote the safety and welfare of abused children.
“It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s all about the kids,” states one patch. “Surgeon general’s warning: it is hazardous to your health to mess with a BACA child,” states another.
Each child was presented with their own vest, touting their new road names. As not to identify the children, their new names are Road Runner, Rose, Wizard, Taz, Broly, Firefly and Kickstand.
Members hugged stuffed animals which were presented to the children at the adoption. Each child was told if they were scared, they could hug their animals and it would be as if they were hugging a member of their BACA family.
The children also received do rags, pins for their vests, candy, water guns and plaques, reminding them of their newfound family.
The BACA mission statement proclaims the organization exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. “We exist as a body of bikers empowering children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live,” the statement begins. “We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with an abused child, that is part of our organization, and we are prepared to lend our support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner. However, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.”
“Seven kids were empowered today, which is what we want the kids to feel,” Austin, BACA member said.
When asked what BACAs main goal is and what members would like to relay to the children and the public the most, 100 bikers said in unison, “To empower our children.”
Nasty, BACA member, said he wished the public would take note that all bikers are not the same.
BACA member Ditch said newly adopted Kickstand told him, “This was the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life!”
The group said they also want the public to know they are not alone when abuse occurs.
Taz chose his road name because he love the cartoon character.
Older BACA member Taz is the group’s road captain and gave the younger Taz a stuffed Tazmanian Devil which has been displayed on his bike and traveled hundreds of miles through each BACA child adoption.
He was emotional as he presented the younger Taz with his memento.
“It’s pretty special to have a BACA child with the same road name,” he said.
The mothers of the children gave tearful thanks to members as they departed.
“My kids haven’t felt special in a long time,” one mother said. “My oldest hasn’t smiled. Today she hasn’t stopped smiling.”
Another mother said her child’s adoption day would forever remain a reminder of what true family can be like.
It boosted their self esteem,” she said. “Today began their healing process.”
Broly, newly adopted member said his favorite part of the day was getting to choose a bike to make the block.
