Over 40 bikers braved the rain to take part in the fifth annual Bridges, Bikes, and Blues event. The ride started at the Preble County Historical Society and spanned 78 miles as they toured all the covered bridges in the county. The night concluded in downtown Eaton where there was live music, drinks, and food.

Over 40 bikers braved the rain to take part in the fifth annual Bridges, Bikes, and Blues event. The ride started at the Preble County Historical Society and spanned 78 miles as they toured all the covered bridges in the county. The night concluded in downtown Eaton where there was live music, drinks, and food.

Over 40 bikers braved the rain to take part in the fifth annual Bridges, Bikes, and Blues event. The ride started at the Preble County Historical Society and spanned 78 miles as they toured all the covered bridges in the county. The night concluded in downtown Eaton where there was live music, drinks, and food.

PREBLE COUNTY — It may have started with a rainy morning and afternoon on Saturday, but that didn’t stop the 78-mile Bridges, Bikes & Blues bike ride from continuing.

It was the 5th year running the event for the Preble County Historical Society. The weather for the ride may not have included sunshine, but that didn’t stop bikers like Mike Black from Eaton.

“This is my second year riding in the event, and I look forward to it every year now.” Black also said, “It’s fun getting together to ride and riding for a good cause,” Black said before the ride. The proceeds benefit the Preble County Historical Society.

The motorcycle tour started at the Preble County Historical Society center on Swartsel Road outside Gratis, with an early pancake breakfast before the ride. The riders then headed out for a ride through Preble County’s small towns and historic covered bridges.

Misti Spillman, Executive Director of the Preble County Historical Society, said the event helps a lot.

“It does a lot to help fund our historical society, but it’s a great way to get people out to see what the historical society has to offer,” Spillman said.

The attendance at this year’s event may not have been the highest, it’s been in past years, but the ride continued rain or shine.

“The weather has a lot to do with how many people we get out each year, but one year we had about 1,000 bikers,” said Spillman.

The ride concluded in downtown Eaton, but the day didn’t end there.

The evening kicked off with local shop and food vendors providing an assortment of items and foods. The local businesses in downtown Eaton also saw plenty of business from the event.

Manfred Schreyer, owner of Taffy’s, praised the event.

“It’s a fantastic event they put together, and it’s great for downtown Eaton,” Schreyer said. The event also included various bands who provided live music.

“The event always has great bands that come out,” Schreyer said. Some of those singers and bands included John Kogge, Bad Men on a Mission, Blue Lou and the Blues Mafia, and Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers.