Riding for independence and memory

	TRR photo by Chris Conroy Ride organizer Gregg Nolan, left, takes to the stage to add his harmonica to the classic rock sounds of On Strike, a band made up mostly of Teamsters. (Click for larger image)

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL, NY — It was a different type of crowd that rolled into Yasgur’s Farm on July 5. There was leather, some long hair and a love for music, but these weren’t the Woodstockers that the farm is best known for.

This was a group of bikers. And they were on a mission.

The well-known Bethel farm, now owned by Roy Howard, was the destination for over 1,000 motorcyclists participating in the second annual Ground Zero Independence Ride to raise money for the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation. The ride started at 9:00 a.m. from Ground Zero in New York City and ended in two days of music, fellowship and fun in Bethel.

Put together by Gregg Nolan and the group of friends he had made while assisting in the clean up of Ground Zero, this year’s ride brought together riders from all walks of life and at least three states. Motorcycle clubs, individual enthusiasts and a host of trade unions and workers groups were represented on the ride.

All the money raised will help support the work of the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to providing for the families adversely affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As time goes on, the foundation plans to offer support to Americans involved in the U.S. fight against terrorism. Currently, the foundation maintains five different programs and funds: their Adopt a Family program, Children’s Relief Fund, Ground Zero Medical Fund, Terrorist Attack Relief Fund, and U.S. Military Relief Fund.

Highlights of the ride and weekend, aside from the perfect riding weather, included two days worth of live music featuring the Dan Lawson Band and a host of other performers, the raising of the 9/11 Memorial Flag and, of special local note, the raising of the tie-dye wearing Paul Bunyan statue.

The 9/11 Memorial Flag, a 31-by-21 foot flag, created by Thomas McBrien of Upper Black Eddy, PA, with the names of the 3,012 victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, was on display. It also has sewn into it four individual American flags that were flown in memorial on December 21, 2001. International flags and U.S. government department emblems are also part of the flag, each commemorating a country or department that lost people in the terrorist attacks.

The next big ride for many of the people in attendance is the second annual America’s Ride, which takes riders all the way from L.A. to Ground Zero. That ride runs from August 31 to September 11.

For more information on the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation, visit them on the web at www.wtcmf.org or call 877/448-4643. For information about America’s Ride, visit www.americasride.info or call the WTCMF at the number above.