NORWALK CT – 13th Annual CT United Ride -Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute and motorcycle ride kicked off this past Sunday, September 8th, 2013 from Norwalk’s Norden Park. With police on motorcycles leading the way approximately 3000 motorcycles roared off on a 60 mile trek with no worry of traffic lights or stop signs. The motorcycles made the sound of thunder as they headed out, waving American flags and revving their engines through 11 Fairfield county towns.

Frederick T Garrity, Jr. ride event coordinator noted this year was the second highest turn out of riders since the ride began in 2001. As always there was an unbelievable show of support from residents who hold up signs, wave and hold up their own flags in support the bikers on the ride.

Local and State Police agencies, area Fire Departments, CERT and Police Explorer units all worked diligently to close off the 60 mile route the ride traveled with Fire Departments in each town hanging giant American flags over the route. As an acknowledgement to the work done by the first responders and the riders themselves it should be noted that the end of the day only one biker (who was overcome by the heat of the day) required medical attention, no other injuries or accidents were reported.

Finishing with a 5 mile parade through Bridgeport, the ride ended in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park where Vazzy’s Catering provided water, food and soft drinks.

I believe, the best part of this event is that; no matter who you are, what club you ride or don’t ride with, what charity you may or may not support, what type of motorcycle you ride, for that one brief moment in here in Connecticut, to the riders, passengers and spectators nothing else mattered but the respect for the memory of the victims of 9/11/01 and the ride.