The Odenville Fire Department hosted the First Annual Heroes for the American Red Cross St Clair County Bike Ride on Saturday, March 13.

Twenty-one bikes and 29 participants were followed by the Red Cross Director, Christine Arnold, and volunteer, Amy Cantrell from Moody, along the selected route, on U.S. 411 to U.S. 231. The riders headed back towards Pell City and connected onto Ala. 174 headed westward.

Upon reaching Kelly Creek Road, all the bikers were full steam ahead to the Barber Motorsports Racetrack through Leeds.

“Leeds Police Department efficiently met us at three intersections guiding us through their town,” said Christine Arnold, director of the Red Cross in St. Clair and Blount Counties.

The Disaster Services van took the lead following the pace car around the lap leading the Heroes around one of the most scenic sports tracks in the South. The group completed their visit to Barber with a Commemorative group photo.

Robert Sutton, Odenville Fire Department, committed to making this an annual benefit ride for the St Clair Red Cross Chapter.

The tour ended at Dry Riders Saloon and Grill on U.S. 411 in Odenville.

The group raised $810 for the Red Cross St Clair Heroes campaign. Funds will be used to assist fire victims, provide service to the armed forces, and community education programs in St Clair County.

The Red Cross will wrap up National Red Cross Month on Thursday, April 1, at 6 p.m. with its “Remember When …” reception, honoring 16 years of the organization’s presence in St. Clair County and “our community heroes.” The reception will take place at Legacy Springs Clubhouse in Odenville and will begin at 6 p.m.