Ken Hardy interviewed by Sandie Keetch

Bike Angels from Heaven not from hell

Roaring motorbikes, girls, beer and heavy music were all Ken Hardy thought there was to life until he discovered a new road to ride along. Tough, leather-clad biker Ken was ignored when he first went to church in a soul-searching pursuit of God. Now a disciple of Christ, he is intent on helping other bikers find an easier new road to faith.

Ken was a biking group member interested in powerful machines, pretty girls, strong beer and heavy rock music. "I suppose we were good kids but we looked mean and unruly," recalls the 55-year-old reformed biker.

"Unless you had a pew in church or money or title,  the likes of me had no chance of getting nearer to God we thought. We had been 'brainwashed' to think that only others, like church teachers and leaders, had any chance of getting close to God's love," he said.

Today, Ken's life has changed as he found God's love for himself. The mingled joys and pressures of the past have fashioned a man, complete with leathers and a powerful machine, who empathises with the biking world.

The Norwich chapter member of the Christian Motorcycle Association says: "I know some hard bikers who are also looking for something... a bit more speed, a new drug, more beer. I know they keep looking as I did, so I want to tell them there is a new way. Leave all those things behind, keep the bike but live for God."

Ken joined CMA two years ago. The Christian motorcyclists are accepted by the hardened characters they aim to reach. Members often forgo safety, comfort and finances to share the love of Christ with this hurting and often outcast society. Ken, along with other CMA members, visits major motorcycle rallies - often sleeping rough over many days - to win converts and provide outreach with specially produced tracts, testimonies and cafe facilities.

Ken's search for new life took him near and far - from Lourdes in France to Christian outreach, church services and home study groups in Norfolk and long trawls through the Bible. He sought and found.

"Now I follow Jesus with enthusiasm and treat all the things I do or say in my life as though it's for Him. He is with me all the time and is able to forgive me when I fail and sin yet again, as He loves me like no other," declares Ken.

For more information ring Ken on 01603 495277 or visit www.bike.org.uk