But they ride together to most everything.

Rob Kenworthy came a whole lot farther, nearly seven hours and 300 miles from southern New York to arrive at the base of Whiteface Mountain by early morning.

"Americade is this week," he said, "I thought it would be a great place to start."

The Blessing of Bikes began with an entourage of growling motorcycles twisting and turning up the road to the mountain top.

At one point, they nearly stretched from top to bottom.

The Rev. Mike Jones, from St. Eustace Church in Lake Placid, sprinkled holy water as the riders passed through the castle tunnel.

Some riders crossed themselves, others bowed their heads slightly.

"Let those who ride the roads be aware of the beauty of thy creation and give thanks for it. May they be protected from potholes, gravel slides, slick roads and from other foolish drivers," Jones said. "May they be delivered from road rash and sudden death, and may they turn to you, their Lord and savior, as the giver of all the blessings in their life."

Prayers were offered to everyone, no matter what religion or faith, he said.

In all about 75 bikes slipped through the summit's stone arches and continued back down for a scenic ride to Plattsburgh.

Spirit in the Sky is an event organizer Tim Gruenberg, who owns Mel's Diner in Wilmington, and Amy Thomas, of Parties Unlimited in Lake Placid, arranged to coincide with the start of Americade a few hours south in Lake George.

Gruenberg and a handful of rally runners with hand-held radios kept the procession running smooth.

"This is very big on Long Island, where I grew up," he said. "My father ran the chapter of Blue Knights, a law enforcement bike club that started an event like this there 15 years ago. It grew every year."

For father and son Albert and Jesse Ashline, of Mooers, the blessing meant a good start to a good summer.

"Winter's over," Albert said.