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
During the upcoming Brotherhood Ride a video will be made of the journey from Naples, Fl to Charleston, SC. Here is a short trailer that has been put together for it.
Categories: Uncategorized
Last Saturday was our “Spinning for the Brotherhood Ride” fundraiser, held at the Whitaker Wellness Center. The event ran from 9am until noon.
People reserved 15 minute blocks of time on a bike for a $5 donation to the Brotherhood Ride. We had several people who rode the entire three hours!
Every hour door prizes were given out.
The spinning fundraiser was a success and raised over $1,300.00!
I will be posting some more pictures from this fundraiser soon so look for them on our website: www.brotherhoodride.com.
Categories: Fund Raising
This morning Beasley Broadcasting aired an interview with Jeff Morse, President and founder of The Brotherhood ride.
Jeff Morse\’s Radio Interview
Categories: Media Coverage
Suzanne Evans from CI Travel in Naples, FL , presents a check for $1,000.00 to Jeff Morse of The Brotherhood Ride.
You can see more pictures in our photo gallery @ www.brotherhoodride.com.
Categories: Donations · Fund Raising
Here is the current list of riders:
Jeff Morse (President—Founder)
North Naples FD
Dan McDonald (Vice President)
Collier County SO
Shawn Stromdahl (Treasurer)
North Naples FD
Jack Bills ……………………..North Naples FD
Rob Boisselle ………………..Big Cypress FD
David Borawski ……………….Haines City FD
Bob Branch…………………….Houston, TX FD
Mike Cruz ………………………Houston, TX FD
Luciano De Andrade ……..North Naples FD
Kristy Halversen ……………….North Port FD
Cory Howard MD – Physicians Life Center
David Jones ………………….North Naples FD
Kory McDonald …………………Cincinnati FD
Pete Macchia ………………………Charlotte FD
Matt Nixon ……………………..East Naples FD
Dave Perez ……………………..East Naples FD
Frank Sands …………………North Naples FD
Jeff Vannortwick……………North Naples FD
Harry Zafris …………………….East Naples FD
Following along with the riders on their nine day journey will be a support staff. So far, the staff consists of:
Candy Morse …………….Brotherhood Ride
Secretary
Curtis Burns ……………SC Highway Patrol
Dick Cooke ……………………………Elks Club
Rodney Huron ……………………Houston FD
Zak Jones …………………..North Naples FD
Jim Jones – Retired Fire Chief………North
Naples FD
Clint Kronenberger …….Clint’s Bike Shop
Rodger & Nancy Nadeau …………Naional
Fallen Firefighters
Rafael Perez …………………East Naples FD
Frank Poirier …………………………Elks Club
Rick & Debbi Sweigert …North Naples FD
Dick & Shannon Schell ……….Bonita Elks
Lodge
You can find more information on our website www.brotherhoodride.com.
Categories: Uncategorized
The Brotherhood Ride will consist of a 9-day, nearly 600 mile journey with each day of the ride dedicated to one of the Charleston Firefighters. Upon our arrival in Charleston, South Carolina, all proceeds donated will be presented to the families of the families of the Charleston 9.
We will be posting our progress as we prepare for the ride as well as all the other fund raising events we have planned. Once the ride is underway you can check back daily to read posts from the road.
Categories: Uncategorized
