(Bryan Haeffele photo)
After Sept. 11, 2001, Americans promised to never forget and no place is that more clear in Connecticut than at the annual CT United Ride, which started in 2001 as a tribute and fund-raiser for first responders in New York City.
What started as a charity ride with 500 motorcyclists has grown each year, with 4,000 riders expected this Sunday, Sept. 7. They will all roll through Wilton.
The ride begins at Norden Place in Norwalk at 11:30 and will enter Wilton on Westport Rd (Route 33) shortly thereafter. The riders will travel north on Westport Road to Danbury Road (Route 7), where they will continue northbound until reaching School Street (Route 107) in Georgetown, where they will turn right onto Route 107 and continue into Redding. The entire route is 60 miles, ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
Wilton police officers, assisted by Wilton CERT members, will provide traffic assistance at major intersections in order to help alleviate traffic congestion, however motorists should expect traffic delays as the riders travel through town.
The event has been called by Gov. Dannel Malloy the largest 9/11 tribute in the state and is the largest charity motorcycle ride in New England. The ride now raises money for first responders and the United Way in Connecticut.
“For those that lost their lives, for those that gave their lives, and for those that continue to put their lives on the line every day to protect us as a result of 9/11 — that’s why we ride,” Ride Director Fred Garrity Jr. said.
Mr. Garrity told HanRadio.com’s Coffee Break morning show last week that the event has to be seen to be believed.
“You see thousands of motorcycles, American Flags everywhere, rock and roll, fire trucks with flags raised over the route,” Mr. Garrity said. “It’s Americana all rolled up into one place.”
An important part of the event is the people who come out to cheer the riders on.
“The best part is that Fairfield County comes out, probably 10,000 spectators,” he said.
It can cause some inconvenience for those trying to drive or walk through.
“It is in effect a motorcade/parade and if someone tries to interject into the procession and they force motorcyclists to hit their brakes, that reverberation is going to cause 1,000 people behind them to slam their brakes,” Mr. Garrity said. “So we ask everyone just to refrain from trying to cross the street or drive through as we pass.”
The opening ceremony will feature the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, the Connecticut State Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, a moment of silence where Norwalk Fire rings its bell 11 times.
Speakers include Gov. Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressmen Jim Himes, local mayors and several other state officials.
Motorcycle police from over a dozen Connecticut towns and cities will ensure the safety of the ride. More than 25 municipal fire companies, and 35 police departments are involved in the ride.
Motorcyclists’ can register the day before the ride on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Captains Cove Seaport in Bridgeport from 11 to 4; they can also register on Sept. 7 at 10 Norden Place in Norwalk from 8 to 10:45 a.m. The cost is $25 per each person.
Information: CTUnitedRide.com.