Ray Mercer, a school bus driver for 42 years, gets suspended one month before he retires after a parent catches him at a motorcycle event.
After taking pictures of Ray with a leather vest next to his Harley, Mrs. Westfield complains him to the school board, calling him a “dangerous biker.”
Ray’s longtime friend, Principal Hargrove, gives in and places him on leave while they “investigate,” failing to even look him in the eye.
Ray’s efforts to avoid accidents, save lives, and drive through storms are all in vain. Nor do the charity rides he organizes with his motorcycle club to support veterans.
Or the little things dad did for a lot of children throughout the years. Ray withdraws inside his garage, devastated by the swift turn of the community against him.
But suddenly things start to shift: parents protest, and former pupils offer their assistance.
A journalism student named Emma Castillo, who recalls how Ray reassured her as a terrified first-grader, writes a piece revealing the truth about his motorcycle club—the good they do and the respect they’ve gained.
They were human and compassionate. The school board decides to reconsider its mind after students stage a demonstration to bring Ray back.
Since his biker pals are truly professionals like physicians, accountants, and soldiers, Ray decides to spend his last month the way he wants: riding his Harley to work, educating students about motorcycle safety, and inviting them to his retirement ceremony.
The school gym is filled with roses from former classmates in a heartwarming conclusion. Speaking to the gathering, Tommy Wilkins, a Marine whom Ray previously assisted with bike rides during difficult times, says: “You judged these men by their appearance, not their hearts.”
Mrs. Westfield says she’s sorry. Her husband acknowledges that he used to bike as well but was scared of criticism. The agony lessens as Ray and his pals ride out for the last time.
Not just for Ray’s years of bus driving, but also for the numerous lives he impacted by remaining true to himself, the future is evident and the past is honored.
Themes: The freedom to be authentic; Don’t judge by appearances; second chances; and concealing our true selves.
