The Iowa Photo: Waving for good

Oct. 3, 2021 7:00 am, Updated: Oct. 3, 2021 2:23 pm

Kelly Smith of Cedar Rapids gathers with hundreds of other motorcyclists Sept. 26 outside Kinnick Stadium to wave to the children inside the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. It was the third year motorcyclists have gathered to wave at the kids in an event hosted by Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki Can-Am in Cedar Rapids. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

As the newest photographer for The Gazette, I am still getting to know the area. Whenever I move somewhere new, I enjoy getting to know the community and discovering unique happenings. I came across an event called the Rumble to Recovery Ride. The event brings together hundreds of motorcyclists outside the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital to wave at the children inside.

It was quite a scene witnessing hundreds of motorcycles revving their engines as they ascended on Hawkins Drive. I was inspired by the sight of leather-clad men and women grinning from ear to ear as they waved to the children in the hospital. The annual event is a part of the 620 Foundation that donates money to the children’s hospital and has raised over $700,000 so far.

It was a cool experience for me to see a community of local motorcyclists come together to make children smile. If this is any introduction to Iowa, then I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next.