DC!

We arrived in DC yesterday under clear skies, warm weather and great riding conditions. 

We were greeted at the memorial by our Brothers and Sisters in blue, their families, the survivors and all the rest that support the law enforcement community. 

Over 1800 cyclists rode in and our combined efforts raised $1.91 million dollars for the memorial and the, to be built, museum. We also learned that a construction loan was obtained for the museum which will allow construction to begin fairly soon. 

The museum will be used to tell the stories of our fallen Brothers and Sisters. 

Long Day!

We covered over 106 miles of riding today with saddle time of 7.5 hours. We couldn't have asked for better weather, scenery or roads (as compared to Michigan roads).

Before each day, after each break and after each lunch, a speaker from the group of us shares a story of 'Why We Ride'. It's a touching way to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect all of us!  

On out way out of Philly we stopped by the site where Philly PD Officer Faulkner was gunned down in 1981.  Despite being shot in the back three times, he returned fire striking the suspect. However, the suspect was relentless and continued shooting Officer Faulkner. The suspect remains in prison. A wreath was left to Honor. To Remember.

Tomorrow we ride to the Police Officers Memorial. See you tomorrow Larry and George!  

Couple pictures from yesterday's down pour...from one of the support vehicles. 

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!  A HUGE THANKS to my wonderful mom who flew into Michigan from Arizona for the week to watch my son so I could complete this ride. I love you Mom!!

Second day of riding but first day of Challenge Ride. We stopped in Franklin, NJ to show support for the survivors and honor the fallen with a wreath. Then off to our next stop which was lunch at the historical Wasington's Crossing. 

From there, in to Philly but Mother Nature as being a bit fussy.  First, non-planned stop, was at a grade school to take shelter from lighting strikes. From there onto Philly but not before the sky opened up, soaking up and making us take shelter around the outside of a High School. The rain let up but that was only a tease. 

The sky opened up and rain came straight down. Then from the right. Then from the left. Crazy pelting, low visibility rain with a gusting headwind. Our spirits were not dampened...we all remember why we ride!  

WE RIDE FOR THOSE THAT DIED!

Tomorrow is out 110 mile day!  

No photos of entering Philly. Raining!

...the Tour normally never stops for anything but...

Arrival Somerset, NJ!

Cloudy skies didn't dampen spirits as Chapter 1 kicked off another Police Unity Tour. It's the 18th year for the tour and when we all meet (all the chapters across the nation meet just before going into DC) there will be 1,800 of us!

Over 20,000 names are inscribed at the memorial. 286 will be added this year (over 100 of those are Officer deaths from last year). To date, over 14 million dollars has been raised for the memorial which does not receive any government funding. 

Also, was lucky to find and see Officer Larry Nehasil's wife, Linda and sister Cheryl!  Both are riding in the tour this year...Awesome job ladies!!!

Be safe everyone!!

Pre-ride