Red Barn Riders RC turning tragedy into purpose

MEDUSA―For the second year in a row, the Red Barn Riders RC are turning tragedy into purpose, bringing the community together with a powerful message: “Watch for Motorcycles.”
What began as a conversation among members has grown into something far bigger. Nearly two years ago, after a series of heartbreaking motorcycle accidents in the area, the club knew they couldn’t just stand by.
Lives were lost in preventable situations: drivers turning into oncoming motorcycles, drifting across lanes, or failing to stop. Instead of accepting it, the Red Barn Riders RC chose to act.
Out of that determination came an idea—one that would not only raise awareness but unite the community behind a shared responsibility to look out for one another.
That idea became their annual Motorcycle Awareness Billboard.
This isn’t just a sign on the side of the road. It’s a symbol of a community that refuses to ignore the safety of its riders.
Funded entirely by their annual Motorcycle Awareness Raffle, the effort reflects the generosity and spirit of the people around them. This year, with only 200 tickets available at $10 each for a chance to win a 75-inch smart TV, the raffle sold out—proof that the community stands firmly behind the mission.
The billboard was raised on Sunday, May 3, marking Motorcycle Awareness Month and the unofficial beginning of riding season in the Catskill Mountains.
Positioned on Route 145 in East Durham, just down the road from the Blackthorne Resort—a well-known destination for riders—it reaches thousands who travel these scenic roads.
Blackthorne Resort is also home to the annual Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Festival, which draws riders from across the country each September. With that kind of traffic, the message couldn’t be more important or more timely.
The billboard will stand tall through the end of September, serving as a constant reminder that awareness saves lives.
But what truly makes this effort special is the heart behind it. The Red Barn Riders RC aren’t just a club of Motorcycle Riders, they’re a group deeply rooted in their community, committed to making a difference, and every glance at that billboard represents a life that could be saved.
To the community, the club offers a heartfelt message: “This is your billboard just as much as ours. We couldn’t do it without you.”
To learn more about the Red Barn Riders RC and the many ways they give back throughout the year, visit their website at RedBarnRiders.org.