They were many, and they were loud. Roughly 2,400 motorcycles rumbled through Newtown Sunday, September 7 on their winding route from Norwalk to Bridgeport during the 14th annual CT United Ride, Connecticut’s largest 9/11 tribute.

Among the riders and passengers passing through were Newtown rincluding Todd Bolmer and Thomas Mastrocinque with passenger Ashleigh D’Addio of Meriden.

Through registration fees and funds raised, the ride benefits Connecticut firefighters, Connecticut law enforcement, and two local United Ways.

Newtown’s fire companies suspended flags over the ride on Route 302 in Dodgingtown, above Route 25 near Amaral Motors Inc, and again outside the Botsford Fire and Rescue’s firehouse. Members of Newtown Ambulance Corps, Newtown Hook & Ladder, and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue were outside Amaral’s and the Chintz –N- Prints lot across the street, cheering as riders passed by. 

Fiorini sisters Molly 2, and Katie, 7, held small flags they waved as riders and passengers thundered through, beeping, shouting, and flashing their lights.

While Katie was wide awake with the excitement, Molly had fallen asleep despite the roaring engines rushing past her curbsite seat for more than 30 minutes. She may or may not have caught a glimpse of her uncle Clay Jurgens, a Bridgeport firefighter who was part of the ride.

Across the street in a shady location were friends Alyssa Wade, Marissa Metcalf, Kimberly Chaves and Eric Riddle. Alyssa said she comes every year to watch the ride, and so does her sister Kalela Wade. She was out to show support, said Kalele.

Veteran William Ghent said he did not know anyone lost in 9/11, but since he admitted to owning a T-shirt for every occasion, he proudly had on his “In Memorry of the World Trade Center” shirt. A Marine, he said he dresses for every occasion to show his patriotism.

This year’s ride began in Norwalk after 11 am and moved through Westport, Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, and along Rt 25 through Monroe and Trumbull, then passed thorugh Fairfield and into Bridgeport and ended at Seaside Park. Participants enjoyed food and entertainment.

Unlike the previous day’s rain and intermittent thunder storms that in some towns along the coast caused downed trees and flooding, Sunday was bright and clear.