'I wanted to be here'

Dennis Labrecque moves under his own steam as he walks into Trains Tavern on Saturday during a benefit to help with medical bills from a serous motorcycle crash in Lebanon. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photo)

EAST LEBANON - About 40 motorcycles roared out from the back parking lot of Trains Tavern on Saturday in a steady, cold pouring rain, but by the end of the day the sun was out - and to make everyone feel doubly warm inside - Dennis Labrecque, himself, strode into the tavern under his own power.

The bike run benefit, which was organized by Labrecque's sister, Sherry Cross, sought to raise funds to help her brother, who lives in Lebanon, with medical bills as he rehabs from a horrific Labor Day Weekend crash while riding his Harley on Route 202 in South Lebanon.

Saturday's motorcycle run left from Trains around 11 a.m., then visited Hanna's Tavern in Sanford and Iron Tails in Acton, before returning to Trains for raffles, refreshment and camaraderie.

But what few expected was Labrecque, himself, making what must have been a strenuous and sometimes painful effort to come and greet and thank the bikers, himself.

"I wanted to be here," he said as he used a walker to get around and thank friends who had participated.

Cross said her brother was incredibly lucky he wasn't paralyzed in the Sept. 8 crash near Bigelow Road.

After the accident he was airlifted to Maine Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition for at least a week with serious back and chest injuries. He was recently released and is now able to continue what is expected to be a long rehabilitation at home.

Besides all the bikes, several cars full of friends and family also made the run, which ended with the party back at Trains where many more friends showed up to add their support. About 50 raffle bags were set up with prizes donated by local businesses to also aid the cause.

Cross said she was thrilled with the turnout, especially with the weather being so poor at the start of the run.