May 8th

I arrived today in East Hanover, NJ for the Police Unity Tour, which starts tomorrow. On my way from the train station I was able to get a quick glance north at the New York skyline which included the 'new' World Trade Center Tower. As were were far away and on a highway, I was unable to get a photo of it.

Lots of activity around the hotel with arriving riders, support staff and vendors. I have seen two officers/bobbies from England, couple people from Canada along with officers from NY, NJ, MI, TX, NV and CA. I have heard rumors that LAPD (CA) is here along with 15-20 of their motors that will be escorting the riders for the tour. The main staging is tomorrow morning so I hope to capture more photos then.

I am also hearing that the riders are totally somewhere around 1600 now, up from the 1400 I last heard. There is a general meeting/gathering at 7PM so I may have some better figures then.

I'm anxious for the ride to start. I have all my gear unpacked for tomorrow and my bike is ready to go thanks to a couple of local mechanics that are donating their time.

Pictures below: Unit Tour bracelet in memory of 450; Memory banner on top tub of my bike for 450; Police motor for the tour; mechanics and bike assembly

(side note...this is the fourth time I tried to post this using 'Blogger/Blogsy' for the iPad. If there are experienced iPad-bloggers out there, send me your tips at mjmath@umich.edu).

Be safe everyone.