Around the Mountain by LJ James - The Celebration Of Life For Mikie Bennett

EAST DURHAM — What an incredible celebration of life for Mikie “The Voice” Bennett, at the legendary Blackthorne Resort in East Durham.

The amazing turn out for the memorial ride and the celebration of life after the ride. The prayers, the speeches, the poem, the memories, the music… every single moment came together in a way that felt larger than life—just like Mikie himself.

It wasn’t just a memorial. It was a party, a tribute, a full-on celebration of everything he was. And honestly, it was exactly what he would have wanted.

His bike stood there. His vest was there. Photos of him surrounded us. You could feel his presence everywhere… and yet, at the same time, the absence of that unmistakable voice hit everyone deep.

Losing someone like Mikie is different. He had a kind of energy that filled every room, every stage, every ride. A presence so strong, it feels impossible to accept that he’s gone.

But the day proved something powerful—he’s not really gone. Not in the ways that matter.

The love that showed up for him was overwhelming. The kind of love most people can only hope to earn in a lifetime. I know I’d be honored to have even half of that when my time comes.

And like Dale said… we sent him off right.

Rest in peace, Mikie Bennett.

Your voice will echo through the Blackthorne Resort and Catskill Mountain Thunder forever.

I am your Bro LJ James and I will see you around the Mountain.

Photo by Dale Handel