Steve Lefty Wright left a lasting impression. It speaks volumes to the person he was. his sister, Carol Lambert said, while looking at the crowd of people who had shown up for the 13th annual Leftys Ride on Saturday, June 22nd. She said that friends of his from high school, riding friends, as well as people that didnt know him came.
Lambert said that turnout was down a little likely due to the cloud cover overhead. She stated that they usually get 90 to 170 participants for the event. The sun did eventually peek out. Phil Lambert said Every year, he makes sure to clear the weather out for us so that we can finish.
Wright was described by family as like a big teddy bear type. They also said He loved everybody. and that he was kind, mellow, and loyal. He was also easy to get along with.
Wright grew up in Redfield. He worked for Wilbur-Ellis in Redfield and later in Huron. At age 42, he passed away from melanoma.
The following year, siblings Doug Wright, Carol Lambert, and Kourtney Armbrustra, along with his friends, organized the first Leftys Ride. Lambert stated that a lot of planning goes into the event. Theres designing and ordering t-shirts, as well as figuring out a route. They consult riders for that. She said that they pick a different route every year, stopping in small town bars. A $20 registration fee is collected. Proceeds go towards the Steve Wright Memorial Scholarship. (In May, $4,000 in scholarships were awarded.)
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This years route was: Chrystals, Redfield; a quick pop through the cemetery; CF Bar and Grill, Ashton; Raymond Station, Raymond; Sportsman Bar, Clark; Rusty Nail Steakhouse, Willow Lake; Boondox, Hitchcock; and The Blue Room, Tulare. After all of the stops, riders returned to Chrystals in Redfield for a free-will donation meal. A prize drawing was held as well.
Along the route, the air was filled with vrooms, laughter, and jubilation. Most participants rode motorcycles, but there were also cars, as well as a full-sized party bus. A couple of classic cars, including those owned by Lefty, were in the ride as well.
The group didnt have set times for arriving at each location. A voice would suddenly say Lets go! and people would slowly make their way back to their vehicles to hit the road. Doug Wright said that the time to go to the next stop was whenever I get antsy and go.
Friends said that Lefty was a lot of fun, well-known, and well liked. Gilbert said He was always up for a motorcycle ride. Brother Doug Wright said that he wouldve been having a great time there, talking to everyone.
One small mystery was the origin of Lefty. Multiple people stated that every time they asked him about it, they got a different story. The best guess was that he was called Lefty because his last name was Wright.
Doug Wright shared gratitude. We appreciate everyone who comes, who supports us. After 13 years, turnout was good. Carol Lambert said We will continue with this as long as people keep coming.
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