Mountain Findings was looking for a unique way to give back to the community.
A call to Macon County Emergency Services provided an outlet.
This week the Mountain Findings board presented two new rescue motorcycles, a trailer to haul them, and all of the associate protective equipment to Todd Doster with Macon County Emergency Services and representatives from Macon County Squad 4 fire and rescue.
“With some of the money we raised over the course of the year, we wanted to do something that would make a difference and these bikes will do that,” Mountain Findings Board Member John Warner said. “Being able to help our local first responders with equipment that they otherwise may not be able to purchase is a cause we all support.”
Doster noted that the Rokon motorcycles are designed for trail riding and can pull a rescue basket if a hiker, camper, or anyone else in remote areas are incapacitated.
“A couple of years ago we had a hiker near Highlands who was bitten by a venomous snake while in a remote location,” Doster said. “We didn’t have a bike like this at the time but fortunately Cashiers rescue squad did, and we were able to borrow it and get that hiker out safely. With it being the peak time of the season on the Appalachian Trail, and hiking and camping picking up in general, these bikes will be an asset.”
The Rokon trail motorcycles are all-wheel drive and equipped to transport a driver, a seated passenger, and pull a rescue basket with a third person aboard. The bikes were purchased through an independent dealer in South Carolina, who has agreed to do any maintenance needed at no charge since they are being used for rescue purposes.
Mountain Findings is a non-profit community thrift store located at 452 Spruce Street in Highlands. Proceeds from the store are invested back in the local area via donations and grants. Since its inception in 1969, Mountain Findings has donated more than $5 million. For more information, visit www.MountainFindings.org.