Bikers ride through 9/11 crash sites

Weeks before September 11, an expected 5,000 motorcycle riders, escorted by over 100 police officers will blaze a trail on east coast highways and roadways through the crash sites of September 11.
Sponsored by America's 9/11 Foundation, Inc., the riders will depart from Somerset, Pennsylvania the crash site of Flight 93, on August 17, arrive at the Pentagon on August 18, and culminate with a raffle of a custom-made Harley Davidson motorcycle in New York City and a visit to ground zero, on August 20.
The annual event was inspired by the initial October 2001 ride of husband and wife founders and motorcycle jockeys, Lisa and Ted Sjurseth, who were so moved by the horrible event, they rode their bikes from their hometown of Leesburg, Virginia to New York City.
According to Rich Snyder, Vice President of the foundation's New York division, once in New York, the couple asked a fireman, &#8220What can we do?” &#8220Bring people, help us to rebuild” was the response.
A month later, they rode their bikes again, this time with 250 others in tow, from Washington D.C. to ground zero, placing 1,000 roses on St. Paul's Church, located across the street from the World Trade Center. The riders of the commemorative trail were responsible for boosting the New York economy by more than $50,000.
Snyder, 52, a retired firefighter from Ladder Company 20 in SoHo, which lost seven members on that tragic day, joined the ride in 2004 after a visit from Ted Sjurseth to his firehouse. Snyder, who had just bought a new Harley Davidson, after a 20-year hiatus from biking, decided to take the ride.
&#8220The ride was very intense,” Snyder says. &#8220There was sense of awe and pride to be a part of a ride like that. To see that many people from different walks of life was unforgettable. There were judges and ministers on the ride.”
This is the second year the organization will raffle a custom-made Harley Davidson emblazoned with a stunning red, white and blue American flag. The bike's estimated retail value is $100,000 and was built by Speed Street Custom Builds of Galesburg, Illinois.
The &#8220tribute bike” possesses intricate details of the 9/11 tragedy. Stainless steel images of the World Trade Center Twin Towers has been built into the chin spoiler of the motorcycle, an image of the Pentagon has been fashioned on the oil tank just under the riders' seat, and an image of the Statue of Liberty is depicted on the gas tank.
The proceeds of the raffle will go toward college scholarships for the family members of active/disabled Fire, Police, and EMT workers.
To donate money or to obtain further information about the foundation, please call 877-771-0118 or go to www.americas911foundation.org.