9/10/11, Saturday morning was a beautiful early fall New England Morning, The riders arrived and were each given their numbers, which had the name of an officer killed in the line of duty  They also were given 2 blue COPS ribbons, that were tied to each riders helmet and bicycle, to show they were riding the Road To Hope for all the loved ones of fallen officers.  Each rider rode in honor of an Officer who had fallen this year, with the exception of rider Marty Silvia, who rode in honor of Patrolman Louis Golonka (EOW 7/23/68).  Marty assisted me in marking the routes with arrows, while doing so, he told me that he grew up in Cleveland Ohio and his neighbor was Ptl Golonka, who was murdered during one of the many riots that went on during the late 60's and early 70's.  Those riots were sparked from the pain and frustration of ignorance, hatred, and prejudice, yet it is ironic that officers, like Ptl. Golonka were killed out of ignorance, hatred, and prejudice against law enforcement.  Before the riders hit the street, retired Amesbury Police Officer Daniel Cleary sang "Danny Boy", which is often sung at funerals and memorial services for officers.

I want to thank all the people and businesses that made this event possible: Naples Pizza, Amesbury Alehouse/Barking Dog Pub, Brenda Burkholder, Janet Nicholaison, Exeter Cycles, NorEast Cycling, Cabot Cheese, Road ID, Hard Nocks Gym, Primal Cycling Wear, Amesbury Police Department, Amesbury Department of Public Works, Amesbury Parks and Recreation, Amesbury FlatBread Company, Office of Amesbury Mayor Keezer, John Nigro and Basset Landscaping, Dr. Peter Antonsen and Amesbury Sports Injury and Chiropractic, Robert Ballard, Sgt. Daniel Cleary, Concerns of Police Survivors, Officer Down Memorial Page,  and many many more.  I also want to thank all the towns and police departments that the ride traveled through.  

The ride concluded with a post ride party in the Al Capp Memorial Amphitheater in Amesbury.  The AleHouse/Barking Dog Pub, Naples Pizza, and Amesbury FlatBread made this a success.  It felt so good to see everyone have such a good time following the ride.  

To all the riders:  If you have not yet visited Officer Down Memorial Page to look up the officer you rode in honor, please do so soon.