We just got back from being part of the 4th Brothers for Flight 93 ride. The ride is brain child of Mr. John Hamilton, and it's purpose, is to provide funds to be put toward the Flight 93 Memorial which is now finally under construction, and to help provide funds for scholarships for the children of first responders among other things. There were 80 or so bikes.. and over 100 people by my estimation. The ride originated in North Philly and we actually met up with the group just outside of Downingtown Pa, at a rest stop along the PA turnpike. We rode the turnpike since it's the most direct route and had the honor of a police escort all the way to Somerset Pa, which is roughly, 15 or so miles from the actual Flight 93 crash site. It was a hard ride, it was cold and the wind was brutal but the group did very well, rode safe and everyone arrived in fine shape. After arriving in Somerset, we all took a little time get checked in to our hotels, then everyone got back together and staged for a ride out to the Flight 93 site.

The actual site is very different now than when we visited last year. As I mentioned, construction of the permanent memorial is under way, and this year, we got closer to the actual point of impact. Out in the distance, the crash site is marked with a lone American Flag, it marks the spot where Flight 93 impacted the ground at a speed of 580 miles a hour. There is a group of volunteers who work at the site, and all of them are as close as anyone to being experts on what took place that day, so like last year, we got a short presentation recounting the events of that day. As different as it is, the site is totally humbling. I won't rant, except to say standing there, and realizing what took place... the crew and passengers of United Flight 93 are true American Hero's.. all stop, end of story. Their courage, patriotism and sacrifice saved countless lives that day.. The only other thing I'll say is.. if you haven't been there.. go. It's just as simple as that..

After paying our respects at the site.. we returned to Somerset for a cookout / picnic held for all the riders. We had a great time there, and met some very cool new friends. The "brothers" held an auction to help raise a little more money toward the cause, and had a fair number of freebies for us as well. The picnic pretty much ended Saturday's activities.

Today, we got up, had breakfast and those who were interested, got staged for a ride out to see the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. The best thing there in my opinion is a large dark grey granite memorial that mentions all the crew and every passenger by name. It's one of those things.. when you stand close.. it's just different.. similar to how you feel when you walk along "the wall" in Washington.. After that we went to the Shanksville Fire Dept. On the day the Trade Centers fell, the NY Fire Dept. recovered a section of steel girders that fell to the ground in the perfect shape of a cross. Again to keep it short, that "cross" was trucked from NYC to Shanksville and presented by the largest fire company in the world, the NYC fire dept, to the smallest, the Shanksville fire dept, who also happened to be the very first responders to the Flight 93 crash. And then finally, from the fire station, most of us said our good byes and headed home.

Our ride back was made up of one short stint on the turnpike, and then rural roads for the rest of the way. We rode a lot of old Rt 30 through lower Pa, with a stop at Battlefield Harley Davidson in Gettysburg.

For what it's worth, I had a few personal highlights. The first one obviously, is visiting the crash site and realizing what took place there.. As I said, I won't rant, but for me, this never fails to be a totally humbling experience. Next, my wife rode her new superlow instead of riding two up with me. We logged just under 500 miles for the two days. This was the first big group ride she's ever taken her own bike on and she did GREAT. She rode smart, and safe, and had what I'd say was a well earned sense of accomplishment when we got home. And last but definitely not least.. we got to meet some great new friends. I am very sure we'll be riding with some of these folks again in the very near future.

Finally, my personal thanks to Mr. John Hamilton, since as I mentioned at the start, this ride is John's creation. When you get down to it, there are many very worthwhile causes for benefit rides.. but none that are more than honoring those who who've given, or lost their lives in service to our country, and to us personally. I'd also like to thank all the guys.. and I don't remember all the names, who were our road captain's.. you guys had a tough job and you all did just great. All in all, it was a great time and obviously a very worthwhile cause.

Not the best ride report maybe.. but that's how we spent our weekend. For what it's worth, we are already signed up to ride in next year's America's 9/11 Foundation ride and we well try to our best to make John's ride next year as well. I hope y'all have a great labor day weekend..

Cheers

mavrick

 

Last summer me and my buddy did a Pa trip and stopped at the flight 93 site. Very moving, made a huge impression on us. Going there is something I'll never forget. If I remember correctly they wanted the permanent memorial finished by the 10th anniversary. Whenever its finished I plan on going back to pay my respects again.