Hope. 

In the quiet corners of Grant County, Indiana, another captivating story unfolded. It all began, for me, when I immersed myself in volunteering for the Hog Daze event and the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS) organization, drawn to the history and significance they held for our community.

I transitioned from the average volunteer to board president during a time of turmoil when both the event and organization faced an uncertain future. The founding board members, weary after years of tireless dedication, were on the verge of burnout. Sensing the urgency for change, I was called upon to serve—a daunting task that initially filled me with hesitance. Yet, a deep belief in the importance of their stories and the value they brought to our community propelled me forward.

As I delved into my new role, I soon discovered the lack of a transition plan and shared vision. Verbal guidance alone wouldn’t suffice; we needed unwavering consistency and a wellspring of inspiration. It was then that I decided to approach the revered “godfather” of Grant County’s motorcycle culture.

This man, known for founding the celebrated Jonesboro River Rally, possessed an unwavering resilience forged through personal and professional challenges. This time I will share the name of my subject, Pat Mitchell, and his accomplishments spoke volumes. I set foot in his welcoming business, Ride and Leather, reintroducing myself after some time had past since I had last been there. Pat’s humility and approachability shone through as he listened attentively to my ideas and concerns, leaving me with a renewed sense of connection, hope, and inspiration.

Over the following months, our conversations blossomed, building a deep bond of trust and understanding. Recognizing his natural leadership qualities and unparalleled experience, I made the decision to nominate Pat as the next president of IMPS. Graciously accepting the position, Pat’s acceptance affirmed that everything was falling into place as it should—a beacon of hope in the midst of adversity.

But as life would have it, new challenges emerged. Pat received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, necessitating a shift in his priorities and energy. Meanwhile, my own life underwent significant changes—professionally and academically. I found myself at a distance, resigned from the board, taking on specific technological tasks and remaining involved in the organization’s activities through intermittent conversations and emails. While I was caught up in my own world, unaware of the increasing demands, the remarkable individuals surrounding Pat stepped up to ensure the continuity of his businesses, events, and daily life.

Gradually, I realized the extent of their needs. Answering the call of the previous secretary and treasurer, I accepted the role and joined the board once again, stepping into the position to provide stability and support. With Pat’s blessing, I also found a space within Ride and Leather, utilizing it as a platform to drive IMPS forward and forge a stronger presence. Pat, always generous and supportive, became my mentor, imparting invaluable life lessons and teaching me new skills. I cherished the privilege of working alongside him and getting to know his remarkable wife, Carmen.

Just as we believed the tide had turned, a new diagnosis cast a shadow over our hopes. Pat faced the daunting challenge of esophageal cancer, draining his energy and causing him to lose a significant amount of weight. Despite the gravity of the situation, we clung to hope and continued our plans for the future, all the while respecting Pat’s need for recovery, time with his family, and the management of personal affairs.

Within our small, tight-knit group, there existed an extraordinary blend of determination, tenacity, strategy, and unbridled enthusiasm. As we banded together, our shared purpose propelled us forward, fueling the pursuit of grants, negotiating deals, and orchestrating the annual event that lay at the heart of our endeavors. Though we occasionally sought the wisdom of our esteemed president, the weight of the physical labor was a proud burden we gladly shouldered.

We were not merely working to host an event for the community or to share a captivating piece of our shared history; our ambitions ran deeper. We strived to make Pat proud—to honor his spirit and dedication to Grant County’s motorcycle culture. And as the final echoes of our rebranded annual event, now rescheduled to June, dissipated into the summer air, an overwhelming sense of contentment and hope settled upon us.

Yet, devastating news awaited us. The cancer had spread to Pat’s liver, and we’re given an estimate on the we time left to spend with him. The weight of this revelation pressed upon my heart, compelling me to seize the urgency of capturing his incredible story. It became my personal mission, intertwined with that of IMPS, to celebrate Pat’s contributions to our community and preserve his legacy.

Within the folds of Pat’s life journey, there was Carmen—his unwavering support, his rock, and the embodiment of strength. Her days were a testament to selflessness, caring not only for Pat but also for her mother, who suffered from dementia, and their granddaughter, who tragically lost her mother. Carmen’s resilience and dedication painted a vivid portrait of love and sacrifice, an integral part of their remarkable story. I was determined to include her in the narrative, shining a light on her remarkable service and the profound bond she shared with Pat.

As I strived to honor the legacy of the “godfather” and raise awareness of IMPS’ mission while respecting Pat’s space and cherished moments with loved ones, a glimmer of hope still flickered within me. A belief that, against all odds, he might triumph over this latest challenge, just as he had conquered countless others before, and the tale of Pat and Carmen Mitchell, remain a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and unwavering support. Through their story, intertwined with motorcycle culture, we witness the boundless strength that blossoms when ordinary individuals join forces and build extraordinary legacies.