Entries from May 2008
Day 8 started off early as the Elks volunteers decided to wake us up at 5:45am for our breakfast. We were treated to a wonderful breakfast. We were escorted out of the city by Savannah Police department.
After approximately 8 miles into the ride we turned a corner and realized we were on the on ramp to the bridge they talked about last night. The bridge proved to be a challenge but all riders were able to complete it. Even thought Lucky had a flat tire halfway up the bridge, thanks to Clint’s fast work, Lucky was able to complete the bridge also.
At the bottom of the bridge was the South Carolina State border. We were all surprised to see three South Carolina State Trooper vehicles waiting for us. These guys were awesome and protected us for the rest of the day.
Our support staff, led by Zack Jones, has been invaluable by finding us adequate shady rest stops every 15 miles. Today was an 84 mile day which meant we would be riding into the afternoon heat. It was a surprise to us that this was the longest mileage day of the trip.
Upon our arrival in Walterboro we were given an escort by the police and fire. The fire department provided several pieces of apparatus for the escort.
We arrived at the Lodge and were greeted by the Exalted Ruler and gave the thank you plaque to the Lodge. We were then met by the parents of Firefighter Brandon Thomson who died in the line of duty at the fire in Charleston. The Thomsons met with all of the riders and thanked them for their help in the Brotherhood Ride. It was an emotional time for the riders and the Thomsons
We then turned in for a good sleep in anticipation of our last day of riding.
Categories: Uncategorized
We started off with a 8:00 departure from Brunswick. We were provided with police and fire escort out of brunswick. we were blessed with an overcast day which made our speeds faster. The support staff has been excellent with providing us with rest stops and plenty of food and water. Upon our arrival in Savannah, we were staged at city of Savannah fire station. Brother firefighters from the city of Savannah did not only open their firehouse to us but, also opened their union locker to us. All riders were given a city of Savannah IAFF t-shirt.
Prior to reaching the fire station we passed the 500 mile mark of our trip. While waiting at the fire station I contacted the Dave Elliot radio show to provide an update. Mr. Elliot suggest upon or return to Naples he would like to have a contest to see which rider had the tightest butt. We were hesitant to accept the offer until he advised Hooters girls would be doing the judging.
Stay tuned for results of the judging!
After the interview we were escorted by the city of Savannah fire and police units to the Savannah Elks Lodge. At the Lodge we presented the Brotherhood Ride appreciation plaque to the Exalted Ruler. Many of the riders then took a refreshing break in the Elks pool.
We then got ready for a good nights sleep but were informed of a large bridge we had to cross before exiting Savannah the next day. Most of the riders felt confident with their riding ability and already having crossed the Brundswick bridge, we would be able to concur this bridge as well.
We then turned in for a good night sleep.
Categories: From The Road
We left the lodge at 8 a.m. and rode out of Jacksonville with an escort. We were glad to have the escort. The Jacksonville Police Department kept all the riders safe. Eventually, the escort was transferred to Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. The ride was flat and fast. All riders felt strong during the day. Our estimated mileage was 60 miles but the total mileage turned out to be 84 miles. This came to be a surprise to most of the riders but we focused on what we were riding for and completed the mileage.
The last obstacle that the Brotherhood Ride faces for the day was the Jekyll Island bridge. During every stop of the day all local firefighters commented on how high the bridge was going to be. While riding towards the bridge it appeared huge! We were later told it was 200 feet in elevation and approximately 2 miles long. As the Brotherhood Ride approached the bridge we were met with a strong head wind and light rain. All 19 riders reached the top of the bridge. Most of the firefighters needed every ounce of determination and dedication to reach the top of the bridge.
At the bottom of the bridge we were met by Brunswick firefighters who congratulated us on completing the bridge. They then escorted the Brotherhood Ride into the city and to the Elks Lodge.
At the Lodge we were greeted by Exalted Ruler T. J. Williams and the Mayor of the city. The Mayor presented the Brotherhood Ride with the key to the city. The Exalted Ruler presented us with a donation from the Lodge and in return we presented a Thank You plaque to the Elks Lodge.
All the riders still feel strong. Every time we stop and meet with our brother firefighters and police officers along the route our resolve is renewed making us stronger for the next day.
Categories: From The Road
We were escorted out of Palatka by both the police and sheriff’s department. The word up and down the pace line for today was “hump day”. We all knew that at the end of today we would be past the half way mark for the ride.
The ride was a flat and easy ride. Although we did sixty plus miles all the riders were remarking how well they felt. We were hosted at the Jacksonville IAFF Union Hall until it was time to be escorted to the Jacksonville Elks Lodge. We had the honor of a Jacksonville firefighter and also a Jacksonville city councilman joining us in the ride to the Elks Lodge.
The last eight mile stretch into the elks lodge proved to be the most challenging of the ride. We were in rush hour traffic and had lost our police escort for the day. It was obvious the brotherhood ride had become a team of brothers. We were able to watch each others back and safely guide our way closer to the lodge. Jacksonville fire came to our rescue by providing an engine escort.
Upon arrival at the elks lodge we were presented with a proclamation honoring the Brotherhood Ride. We were officially welcomed by the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. A thank you plaque was presented to the Exalted Ruler for everything the Elks Lodge has done for the brotherhood ride.
Categories: From The Road
The BrotherhoodRide.com photo gallery has been updated with many pictures. We now have pictures from the Elks Lodge Dinner, the Riders’ Send Off, and Days 1, 2 and 3 of the ride. We hope you enjoy the galleries and thank you for the wonderful and supportive comments that are being left on this blog!
There are links to four new news articles about the Brotherhood Riders from various news sites on our News Coverage page.
Categories: From The Road · Media Coverage
Day 4 started at 8:00 am with a ride out of Winter Haven after thanking our hosts the Elks Lodge. Day 4 was a long day in the hills of Ocala National Forest. We again had wonderful support from both fire and EMS support personel along the route. This included water rest stops and escorts to Palatka.
Before we arrived in Palatka we were staged at Palatka fire station 2 were we were greated by Chief Randy Porter. While waiting for our arrival at the elks lodge we were able to use Palatka’s new tower truck to take the picture at left in respect to the charleston 9.
Upon arrival in Paltka we were met by the Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Manager and all the representivies of the public service agencies.
We were treated to supper by the Elks lodge and then spent the night in the National Guard Armory.
Categories: Uncategorized
We awoke to a 6:00 am breakfast provided by the Elk’s Lodge and were back on the road by 8:00 am. This was our hilliest day! We survived it without incident other than a few more sore muscles. We made rest stops every 10-15 miles at fire stations along the way. They graciously provided us with water, food and Gatorade. They also supported the Brotherhood Ride by purchasing t-shirts, koolies, and wristbands. When we arrived in Eustis the Elk’s Lodge greeted us and provided us with a hot meal.
Categories: From The Road
We started our second day at 6:00 am with breakfast and we were on the road by 8:00 am. The Winter Haven police and fire department provided us with escorts the whole way.
A special stop was made to meet with firefighter Tim Mason of the North Port Fire Department. Tim has been battling an illness for over a year. Tim was compelled to meet with North Port firefighter Kristy Halgerson and the rest of the Brotherhood Riders as we rode through his area. Tim and his family provided water and Gator aid to the thirsty riders.
After a brief rest stop the riders continued on to Winter Haven.
We were graciously welcomed at the Winter Haven Elks Lodge by Exalted Leader Ron Locke, the Mayor and the American Red Cross. We presented a plaque to the Exalted Leader of the Elk’s Lodge in appreciation for all that they had done for us by providing us a hot meal and lodging accommodations for our second night.
They also graciously presented us with a donation for the families of the Charleston 9. After riding 144 miles the energy level of the riders is high enough to play Frisbee and a game of football before getting a good nights rest.
Categories: From The Road
We received a community sendoff early Saturday morning at Station 45 in North Naples. The crowd consisted of family members, fellow firefighters and community supporters.
The first day of our ride was the longest; it was an 82 mile ride. We survived it with three minor accidents and no injuries. The community support along the way has been great! Fire engines from various municipalities escorted us along the way providing an escort for safety and support. As one municipality pulled back, another city or county fire engine would take the lead. The support from one town to another was great!
When we arrived in Arcadia we were greeted by Arcadia law enforcement officers, firefighters, the Mayor, members of the Red Cross and local citizens. Familiar faces among the crowd belonged to our fundraising committee known as the Fundraising Angels.
The 90 degree temperatures did not hinder the riders one bit, they were in great spirits and proud of the first day’s ride. After enjoying a wonderful barbeque dinner provided by the Red Cross the riders had enough energy to play Frisbee.
The American Red Cross opened their doors and provided us with wonderful lodging accommodations to end our first day.
Categories: From The Road
