Biker community comes together for fallen rider

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - Hundreds of riders came together Sunday to remember a man killed in a motorcycle crash one year ago.

Billy Maples was 44 when he was killed in an accident on August 6, 2016, in Carrollton. A year later, loved ones held the first ever 'Billy Maples Rider Down Ride and Benefit.'  Billy's wife said her husband was dedicated to his community and this was a way of giving back.

"This right here was his love, this was his passion," said Connie Maples.  "Billy is a giving man, he was always giving back to his community, so that is what we are here for, is to represent him and his honor and how we can give back to everybody in the community."

Connie called a friend of her husbands, David Padgett who helped start the organization.

" I know as a biker myself there is a big need for the biker community, this is what this is for," said David Padgett.

The Billy Maples Rider Down Fund focuses on providing monetary assistance to fallen riders, whether it be deadly crashes or injuries where someone may need help paying bills or buying groceries.

"We are in constant contact with local authorities, 911, EMS and we are verifying any person on a motorcycle who may have gone down in a crash," said Padgett.  "Once we get that list, we'll reach out to that family and we'll see do you need help or don't you need help."

Padgett said because the biking community is so large they've received a lot of support and hopes to see the organization grow.

Connie said her husband would be proud.
"He is smiling, he is saying ride," said Connie.