Letter: SC Times Article Helped Member Back to Recovery

By “Reverend,” Chapter President of Brotherhood of United Bikers Motorcycle Club-San Clemente

It is often expressed that “If I could only help one person…” it would be worth it. Well, you have. All too often in the 12-step community, people unfortunately “go out” or, as more commonly known, “fall off the wagon.” These instances can have deadly consequences. One member of the 12-step community in San Clemente was recently unable to continue battling his addiction and had gone back to the drink. As he was entering a local liquor store to resupply, he recognized some of the members of the Brotherhood of United Bikers on the cover of the San Clemente Times. This man had been to meetings with us and had once been on a ride with the club. He stood in front of the store and read the “Ride of a Lifetime” article that Eric Heinz had written. He began to miss the sense of community that being in a 12-step program brings. As a result, he left that morning with a copy of the San Clemente Times and not the bottle. He found a meeting and began his journey again. After attending a meeting frequented by club members and reconnecting with the club, we are planning to ride together once again and he is showing interest in entering the process of becoming a member. That would have been enough for me to express my gratitude, but in addition thank you for helping to show the community that patch holders are not just a bunch of criminals and thugs. And to anyone else struggling with addiction who love being on two wheels and are looking for a place to belong, please visit www.bubmc.org and contact us. Who knows, maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for and you’ll be a part of the 12-step community and the mc community. See you on the road.

Editor’s note: It is the San Clemente Times Letters to the Editor policy to publish the first and last name as well as city of residence of those who submit letters to us. However, because “Reverend,” the subject’s nickname, was quoted in the Jan. 21-27 article “Ride of a Lifetime” and anonymity was granted due to the subject matter, we have honored the same trust for this letter.