ELWOOD, IN — When Alan Mottweiler lost his wife Jennifer in 2020, his world unraveled. Grieving and battling physical injuries from a motorcycle accident, he reached the edge of despair.
“I didn’t see a way out,” Mottweiler admitted. “It felt like life had just stacked the deck against me.”
But in his darkest hour, Mottweiler found an unexpected lifeline: a brotherhood of riders. The Freedom Riders Indiana Chapter 4—a motorcycle group known for its charitable missions—became more than just a club. They became a source of hope.
“These guys saved me,” Mottweiler said. “I had people checking in on me, calling, listening. Our president sat with me through some of my worst moments. They reminded me that even when life deals you the worst hand, you don’t fold. You play again.”
That spirit of resilience was on full display Saturday morning, as members of the Freedom Riders gathered for a 90-mile ride dedicated to suicide prevention. The event wasn’t just about raising funds—it was a declaration of solidarity for those quietly struggling.
“Every mile we ride is a reminder that someone out there cares,” said Mottweiler, now a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. “There’s always a reason to keep going, even if you can’t see it right now.”
Proceeds from the ride will support organizations like The Refuge in Indianapolis, which provides mental health resources to those in crisis. For the Freedom Riders, the mission is deeply personal: they recently lost a fellow rider to suicide.
The statistics in Indiana underscore the urgency. In 2023, suicide claimed the lives of 1,184 Hoosiers, according to the Indiana Department of Health—a somber increase from the year prior.
But through their rides, charity work, and community outreach, the Freedom Riders are determined to shift the tide. The group also focuses heavily on supporting veterans and their families, especially during the holidays.
“We’re not just about motorcycles,” said Ron Adamson, the group’s recruiter. “We’re about people—lifting them up, making sure they’re seen, and showing up when it counts.”
He and his wife Nancy regularly join fellow members in local fundraising drives, including ringing bells for holiday donations and sponsoring veteran families in need.
As Mottweiler revs his engine alongside his newfound family, he’s no longer carrying the weight of grief alone. “I was left for a reason,” he said. “Now, I ride to remind others that they’re not alone—and that they matter.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
