PILOT MOUNTAIN — With the popularity of motorcycles continuing to grow and expand into every segment of society, it is no surprise that Pilot Mountain now serves as base for a local chapter of an international motorcycle association. But for many of the Agape Riders, meeting in Pilot Mountain isn’t so much of a new venture as it is a homecoming.

The group operates as the local chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), a worldwide organization based in Hatfield, Ark., that uses a shared interest in motorcycles as a way of reaching out with its faith-based ministry.

The Agape Riders were organized in 1997 when a small group of local riders started meeting regularly at the Mountain View Restaurant. As part of the CMA, the group was urged by state leadership to become a recognized Winston-Salem chapter.

“The state encouraged us to be based in Winston-Salem,” said charter member and current President Danny Fenstermaker. “They thought it would be good if we represented a larger area centered around Winston and that it would help us to grow.”

The group has grown over the past dozen years and has stayed busy throughout. And while a shared passion for motorcycles and riding has served to bond group members, ministry has remained at the forefront of its mission.

“We’re the local chapter of an international ministry that’s all about spreading the light of Jesus,” Fenstermaker said. “The simple reason we exist is that we want everybody to know the Gospel, that Jesus died for them. And we want to take that message to them. We use an interest in motorcycles but we’re not exclusive to people who own or ride bikes. Anybody is welcome.”

“We’re a Christian outreach ministry,” Vice President John Pavlik agreed. “We go to rallies and motorcycle gatherings to reach out in ministry.”

“And because of who we are,” added Joe Leatherman, “we can get into places and reach people that might not be open to a preacher in a suit.”

During the past decade, the group has seen much of its growth continue to come from the Pilot Mountain and Surry County areas that many of its core members call home. When a Greensboro-based chapter was later established and began to grow quickly in the triad, state leaders suggested that one of the groups might want to move to provide a better geographic balance.

“They thought that it might benefit both of us if one moved and we were quick to volunteer,” Fenstermaker explained. “It had come to the point that a majority of our member were from in and around Surry County but we were traveling to Winston-Salem for meetings.”

The group held its first meeting as a Pilot Mountain chapter earlier this month, again at the Mountain View Restaurant. They will now gather at the restaurant on the second Saturday of each month, meeting at 5 p.m. for a meal followed at 6 with a business meeting.

“Anyone is welcome to join us,” Leatherman said. “You don’t have to ride and it’s a family atmosphere. Children are welcome.”

Members also gather on the fourth Friday night of each month at Central Park in King, beginning at 7 p.m., for a group Bible study. Visitors are welcome to attend.

The group hosted a yard and bake sale last Saturday at the VFW building on Key Street. The day was a fundraiser with proceeds to benefit the upcoming annual “Run for the Son.” In what will be its 22nd year, the CMA Run for the Son will see local groups across the country each host a May 2 “rain or shine” ride. The Agape Riders version of the event will see riders leave Pilot Mountain that morning. Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

In more than two decades, the event has raised some 31 million dollars through rides held across the United States and Canada. Each year’s proceeds are designated, with 60 percent divided equally among a trio of international ministries.

These include Missionary Ventures International, a worldwide mission effort established in 1983. CMA contributions to MVI are used primarily to provide vehicles to be used in mission efforts. A second supported ministry is “Open Doors,” an effort to provide support to persecuted Christians around the world, primarily through the placement of Bibles. A third supported effort is Campus Crusade for Christ’s “Jesus Film Project.” The 26-plus-year effort has seen the well known film shown in more than 200 countries.

The remaining 40 percent of funds raised each year is used directly by CMA and local chapters in efforts to minister to the motorcycling community.

For more information on the Agape Riders or on Run for the Son, Fenstermaker can be reached at 374-2728 or contact Pavlik at 755-3612.