I just wanted to share with you all how I took the opportunity yesterday to make sure people don't forget 9-11
For those that got to join us, Thanks!
We started to line up at 10:30am. A Breakfast Buffet was set out for us.
After a few local politicians gave their speeches thanking us we heard from a local person who recalled how he was helping pull people up from off the street and out of hams way.
A priest led us all in prayer and then some last minute directions and we were off shortly after 2pm.
This was an amazing ride. Approximately 65 miles of MAJOR Highways and roads completely closed off to allow over 430 bikes to roll through 2 x 2 without breaking the line.
Stop to think about this: The Taconic State Parkway, The Saw Mill Parkway, The Moshula Parkway, Main Streets through The Bronx and the Henry Hudson Parkway (aka West Side Highway) For anyone familiar with this area...those roads are packed with cars all day!
Our ride was greeted by many positioned on Overpasses, Side Roads, Side Walks and waving from buildings as well. One of the best was a group of people on the West Side Highway who greeted us with a large banner welcoming our pilgrimage.
After we arrived at 60 Centre St., our designated parking location. We walked down to the site and then onto Battery Park where we signed the Beam
http://www.downtownny.com/news?nid=142 Then headed back up to Little Italy where we had dinner and enjoyed some dessert at the 81st Annual Feast of San Gennaro
http://www.sangennaro.org/
When we left somewhere around 9pm, there were still a number of riders parked downtown. We ended up catching a ride with a group heading back to Albany, NY We rode with them out of the city until we had to make a fuel stop.
Well it was an amazing feat by the organizers and a very enjoyable ride to bring attention to a day we should not forget. Though the site is completely blocked off from public view today and looks incredibly different than last year, it is a pilgrimage I will continue to make.
Google Map of our Ride
9-11-2001 We Won't Forget!
