9th Annual Event—

Connecticut United Ride

Thunders Through Newtown

By Andrew Gorosko

Approximately 1,250 motorcyclists cruised through Newtown en masse on Sunday, August 30, during the course of a 60-mile trip through ten cities and towns as part of the 9th Annual Connecticut United Ride held to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as honor the rescuers of the victims of 9/11.

Bikers of all stripes joined together in the event which is sponsored by the United Professional Firefighters of Connecticut.

The motorcyclists entered Newtown on Route 302 in Dodgingtown, passing by cheering Dodgingtown firefighters at their firehouse.

The riders proceeded along Route 302 to Route 25, where they turned right and headed southward. The bikers then drove beneath a large US flag suspended from the extended fire ladders of Newtown Hook & Ladder’s and Sandy Hook’s ladder trucks positioned near Amaral Motors at 40 South Main Street.

Continuing southward, the motorcyclists negotiated a set of reverse curves before passing by the Botsford Firehouse where fire trucks were parked outside amid firefighters in their turnout gear, plus a group of cheering civilians.

The bikers waved at the onlookers, who reciprocated, as the loud stream of motorcycles roared past the firehouse at 315 South Main Street. The fire company’s blaring rooftop fire siren sounded continuously as the 20-minute procession passed.

Newtown police led the motorcycle parade through town with their unmarked white Dodge Charger sedan, which is used for traffic enforcement. Forty-eight motorcycle police from Connecticut followed.

Many of the motorcyclists showed their patriotism by displaying US flags from their vehicles.

Waves of friendship and the split-fingered peace sign abounded on the nine-mile course through Newtown.

The bikers’ ride through Newtown was part of the tour that included travel through Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Georgetown, Redding, Bethel, Monroe, Trumbull, Fairfield, and Bridgeport.

The Connecticut United Ride is an event which benefits Connecticut firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and the United Way.

Frederick T. Garrity, Jr, the executive director of Connecticut United Ride, said this week, “This year’s event was probably up there as one of the best.”

Firefighters suspended many large US flags from ladder trucks stationed at ten separate locations. About 100 fire trucks were positioned along the parade route in warm, sunny weather.