Do agree that no roads should be shutdown and the bikers should have to deal with the traffic.

Hype Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The only part of 66E that is being shutdown is
> well inside the beltway. It is inbound to DC,
> against the flow of outbound rush hour traffic
> where 267 and 66 merge. I don't see how it is
> going to significantly impact 66 outside the
> beltway.

You obviously don't drive between West Falls Church and DC going _east_ in the afternoons. It is already gridlocked, and closing the road will move all the cars that would have been there onto arterials. You don't see how it will impact 66 because you are ignorant.

justsayin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If it is "nothing" then why block the road? I
> truly fail to see why these riders can't wait
> through normal traffic to get to the Pentagon.

If this ride is for 9/11 then why do it on 9/11?

I66 should not be closed. It's a major highway. A simple police escort will do and better planning of back road routes in the future.

It does appear that police are giving the motorcycles "special" treatment because they are bringing attention to police and fireman.

It is evidently a tour. They start in Pennsylvania, then go to the Pentagon, then go up to New York City. It can't really be done in one day, and with VIPs being at ground zero on 9/11 the area there can't accommodate all of them.

Emergency services have enough trouble getting people to hospitals, and forcing all that traffic onto arterials literally risks lives. It is antipatriotic, anti-American, and potentially adds to the death toll of 9/11.

No, I do not regularly drive eastbound on 66E from WFC. In fact I avoid that section and ALL off 66 for that very reason. The road sucks.

As for your claim of my generalized ignorance, please enlighten me. While I believe that shutting down the roadway for this BS purpose is 100% wrong, I fail to see how it will significantly impact 66 outside the beltway.

Basically getting into Arlington from the west will suck. Agree the side roads will be clogged in that general area.

There are many other ways to get into DC, DCA.

My point is that comparing it to a major snowstorm, the morning of 9-11, etc. is blowing it way out of proportion.

MORONS!!!

justsayin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If it is "nothing" then why block the road? I
> truly fail to see why these riders can't wait
> through normal traffic to get to the Pentagon.

Closing the roads is necessary to protect them from people like the idiot who left turned in front of bikers on Braddock, and other angry people such as the dumb folks posting here.

Dr Gridlock is saying this is the most significant traffic event of the year. How quickly we forget thunder snow. Nothing can compare to that mess.

This will be a non-event, except for in the minds of those here.

Hype Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As for your claim of my generalized ignorance,
> please enlighten me. While I believe that
> shutting down the roadway for this BS purpose is
> 100% wrong, I fail to see how it will
> significantly impact 66 outside the beltway.
>
> Basically getting into Arlington from the west
> will suck. Agree the side roads will be clogged
> in that general area.

Getting into Arlington _and_ DC. The "other ways" of getting into DC are 29 and 50, which are already crowded on Fridays. Have you ever in your life driven through Seven Corners on any given weekday afternoon? It is hell in all directions, and much of that traffic that was on I-66 will have to go through there.

As those arterials back up, you seriously don't think it will impact traffic on the beltway and beyond? Very well, we will see who is correct on that. And you are wrong on what is closing.


http://www.wtop.com/?nid=654&sid=2499718

"Interstate 66

The riders will proceed on eastbound Interstate 66, which will be closed to traffic from the Capital Beltway to Route 110 southbound. No traffic will be allowed to access the on-ramps to eastbound I-66 between Fairfax and Arlington Counties.

Heavy traffic congestion is expected on westbound I-66 and the Capital Beltway while the procession moves through.

Eastbound I-66 is expected to reopen around 4 p.m. Friday. "


You seriously think nothing outside the beltway will be affected by that, amazing.

justsayin,

Again, let me state that the whole idea of shutting down roads, especially during rush hour, is BS. Not defending that decision, or the whole premise of these self serving biker clowns.

Do you think it warrants the following?

"Federal workers were urged by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to work from home or take a leave day on Friday. A Virginia highway spokeswoman advised all Northern Virginia commuters to work from home."

Hype Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
A Virginia highway
> spokeswoman advised all Northern Virginia
> commuters to work from home."


It's cute how they act like everyone has that option.

Seven corners is hell at pretty much any time of the day. Should be avoided at all costs.

I stand corrected on the location of the closure, IMO, the same difference though.

"You seriously think nothing outside the beltway will be affected by that, amazing."

Read for context, I seriously think that the beltway and 66 outside of the beltway will not be significantly impacted, yes. As in gridlock. Will be akin to the effects of a significant accident (as often on 66) closing or choking the road.

Not worthy of a gov't proclamation to stay home.

WOW... Tell us how you really feel!!!!

Calling on people to stay at home was overblown. Calling on state police to let these riders use the roads along with everyone else would have been much more appropriate.

this day might be very similar to the flash snowstorm we had earlier this year during rush hour

yeah everyday commuters.. just work from home its simple

justsayin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Calling on people to stay at home was overblown.
> Calling on state police to let these riders use
> the roads along with everyone else would have been
> much more appropriate.

But we need to protect them!!! The riders need protection!

Folks keep invoking snow storm and accidents to mitigate the effect of congestion this is causing. May I point out, rather obviously, that this is man-made, that is, decisions were made that could have been made differently.

To pile on, this decision impacts people using public roads out of necessity; a very small minority gets to inconvenience a greater public so they engage in a private enterprise (it's a fundraiser), at great expense to the public.

Then there's the invocation of safety, or that it's for a "good cause". You can I can argue about what is a "good cause", but what principle says suddenly a number of motorcyclists gets protection to be safer, and speedier, than any other motorcyclist who shares the road?

People are pissed because better choices could have been made, and were not made, ok?

They're coming: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0l1G6LnJTgO2Zib9dVk7Je7YkprOmDkmP

FYI - that findmespot.com link, on the title of the page it says "Last Rider 911 Ride" but the link from the button from the horrific http://www.americas911ride.org/ website to the same URL says "Front of the Ride". So not sure if that link is actually tracking the Front or Back.

The Town of Leesburg website says
"The lead vehicle entered Leesburg at about 2:35 p.m."

http://www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=1472

I heard they were estimating 1800 bikes. How long do you think the group will be from front to back?

Is it too late to go to an overpass and start hurling chunks of concrete down on these bike-riding dillholes? Time to weed out the gene pool, I say. Teach these shitbricks to have their gay little memorial LOOK-AT-ME-I'M-ON-A-BIKE ride sometime other than prime commuting time.

Motorcyclists are assholes, plain and simple.

Hype Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> "Federal workers were urged by the U.S. Office of
> Personnel Management to work from home or take a
> leave day on Friday. A Virginia highway
> spokeswoman advised all Northern Virginia
> commuters to work from home."

Federal workers work on Friday?!?!

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

GOOD ONE!

I am at 7100 and the Toll Rd, the front of the pack just got here about a minute ago.

Traffic cams look good, except for the 66 construction :(

You can go here to watch the traffic cams...
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=743

Smaritan Snare Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can go here to watch the traffic cams...
> http://www.wtop.com/?nid=743

I like this one:

http://www.trafficland.com/city/WAS/

no issues, just media hype.

Whats the big deal with shutting down a few roads
Attachments:

pissed off Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The signs on 66E say that it'll be closed for 5
> HOURS this afternoon- 2 to 7!!!

Looks like it opened back up at 4:00?

No wonder the impact wasn't as bad as expected. Props to all the "riders" for getting their candy asses off of 66 in just 2 hours. Seriously.

What bunch of moronic, whiney, and stupid drama queens. Exactly what I expect from FFXU. Much to-do about nothing.

Hey retards, don't like the traffic because you chose to live next to the UNITED STATES freaking Capitol???? MOVE......this isn't the only time traffic will be held up, it's not the last time traffic will be held up. It happens ALL the time. I pitty you people....really I do. But just another case of web balls....your wife beats you at home, your boss rides you at work and the only outlet you have is to come online and cry......damn....You people make my life so much happier, knowing there are people that suck at life like ya'll do :-) cheers!

I hope the bikers got soaked in the rain this evening instead of wagging their fat asses to some country music singer to "honor" 9/11. And I hope their police accomplices who shut down the roads for much more time (and with less direction) than necessary got soaked too. After all, we all got soaked with all of our tax dollars spent and economic impact so they could ride down the roads unchallenged. All because they are too stupid to ride in traffic.

I certainly would've grinned and beared if the proceeds were, you know, for 9/11 victims or 9/11 first responders.

Apparently not one of the bikers had to pay the toll on the Greenway.

That really pisses me off. That is a lot of revenue that was not collected.

How did it go yesterday?

I will pay my respects on 9-11.

I was stuck on 29 going to Rosslyn around 3:30p and all the traffic was stopped dead, had to pee so bad i used an old thermos. fuck cant even use a toilet anymore thanks

Nope can't make me feel bad about being pissed off about this "event". Your post still doesn't explain how 2,000 bikers screwing up traffic comemorates the 9/11 attacks. yes I lost someone.. 3,000 fellow American citizens. Who I bet would not be happy about this cluster fuck of an idea.

how bad was it? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How did it go yesterday?
>
> I will pay my respects on 9-11.


I work at Crystal City - I left work at 4:15 - it was totally Fucked up. Many hundreds of bikers, fireman, police, road closers screwing up the whole area. Once I got out of the area the commute was better than average. These "hey look at me" people have nothing to do with 9-11.

I'm an idiot, please excuse my last post.

All I got from your little rally was yet more of a hassle in my life. Where were all of you on 9/11 when my husband was in the Pentagon and I was at home with 5 kids.? Afterwards my husband worked 100+hours a week to look for OBL. None of you offered help to me in taking care of my children age 2-7 when I thought my husband was dead that day and during the months that followed. All I got from you in the long run was more traffic to get my kids to school and practice on Friday, Perhaps instead of polluting my roads 2 weeks ahead of the 10yr anniversary you should have tried to offer people who were REALLY affected by 9/11 at the time. I live with 9/11 every day and so do my kids....we know my husband and their father saved many children that day who were in the day care.... we dont need to advertise anything........ driving your loud, polluting motorcycles and stopping traffic in my hometown 2 weeks ahead of the anniversary is just stupid. Hope you feel good about making people whose lives were REALLY affected by 9/11 that much more difficult with your traffic nightmare on Friday. I find it offensive. Too little, too late.

ba Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> All I got from your little rally was yet more of a
> hassle in my life. Where were all of you on 9/11
> when my husband was in the Pentagon and I was at
> home with 5 kids.? Afterwards my husband worked
> 100+hours a week to look for OBL. None of you
> offered help to me in taking care of my children
> age 2-7 when I thought my husband was dead that
> day and during the months that followed. All I
> got from you in the long run was more traffic to
> get my kids to school and practice on Friday,
> Perhaps instead of polluting my roads 2 weeks
> ahead of the 10yr anniversary you should have
> tried to offer people who were REALLY affected by
> 9/11 at the time. I live with 9/11 every day and
> so do my kids....we know my husband and their
> father saved many children that day who were in
> the day care.... we dont need to advertise
> anything........ driving your loud, polluting
> motorcycles and stopping traffic in my hometown 2
> weeks ahead of the anniversary is just stupid.
> Hope you feel good about making people whose lives
> were REALLY affected by 9/11 that much more
> difficult with your traffic nightmare on Friday.
> I find it offensive. Too little, too late.

Typical military wife. Get back in the kitchen and make us some sammiches, while us men do the work.

The ride has been held on the 3rd weekend of August since 2002. This being the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack it is bringing more people
out to do the event, including from Europe, Australia, and other foreign countries. The first year a group set out which included the Surgeon General, and a few other high ranking officials on Veterans day to support those in New York which had become an empty city, November 2001. The ride was such a success the America's 9/11 Foundation was founded, which would include rides
to all 3 terrorist attack sights. A non profit group where all monies go to support all those who come and answer your calls in distress. Fire, Police, Rescue, and other associated agencies. As the Foundation has grown it has included scholarships for EMS personal and there families for college tuitions, along with supporting agencies during hurricane Katrina.

The ride was set on the 3rd weekend with due diligence including all agencies and precincts involved, to include all State and Local Police jurisdictions from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, and Pentagon Police, so on September 11, families and all associated can pay tribute to their fallen, loved ones, and heroes, who died that day in one of the worst acts of terrorism in this country. So the ‘NEVER FORGET’, was created that seems so many already have. Without having any other group take away from their “DAY”

I suggest before making statements without a having all the information, it might be a good idea to check out the foundation’s Website,

www.americas911ride.org, or www.americas911foundation.org. I’m sure if you have any other questions there are people who would be grateful to
answer and explain any and all questions anyone might have or reasons why such had to be done. This event begins Thursday in Somerset PA, then Friday travels to the Pentagon in Arlington VA, and then
Saturday to New York. The logistics involved itself is something that can’t be imagined. Fueling almost 2000 motorcycles, 60 plus support vehicles, and others in 1-1/2 hour time frames to include lunch and snacks, and all these people riding in remembrance of what happened that day to this country. Not just on motorcycles but there is also a bus that travels with those not able to ride who wanted to take part. And most of all, those who did survive and are riding, along with those who ride for loved ones lost that tragic day.

The Foundation is a TOTALLY NON-PROFIT organization. Everyone is a VOLUNTEER who doesn’t receive any benefits at all except they are what they believe in their heart and soul for this country, “Never Forget” America. It can happen again.

It also helps keep in everyone's mind, ‘NEVER FORGET” what act of terrorism, barbarism, and just plan MURDER that occurred to 2,996 Americans on
September 11, 2001. Lets just hope and pray our Govt can make sure it never happens again, remember it could have been one of your loved ones who perished that day in any other town America!


“Never Forget”

Before making such a statement you should check, over 30 riders were survivors from the Twin Towers. The Escorting Police Dept from New York, Port Authority, and then those who traveled in the bus who lost loved ones during the attack that don't ride. You might want to check it out, and if it bothered you that much to wait for an act of terrorism to this country and all the others that respect such, Firefighters, Police, EMS personal, all partcipated in the ride, have a very different opinion. But guess that's what makes the world a little different. Wish you luck and Never Forget, next time you could be in the middle of the attack.
Never Forget September 11, 2001.

Spike Smith Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The ride has been held on the 3rd weekend of
> August since 2002. This being the 10th
> anniversary of the terrorist attack it is bringing
> more people
> out to do the event, including from Europe,
> Australia, and other foreign countries. The first
> year a group set out which included the Surgeon
> General, and a few other high ranking officials on
> Veterans day to support those in New York which
> had become an empty city, November 2001. The ride
> was such a success the America's 9/11 Foundation
> was founded, which would include rides
> to all 3 terrorist attack sights. A non profit
> group where all monies go to support all those who
> come and answer your calls in distress. Fire,
> Police, Rescue, and other associated agencies. As
> the Foundation has grown it has included
> scholarships for EMS personal and there families
> for college tuitions, along with supporting
> agencies during hurricane Katrina.
>
> The ride was set on the 3rd weekend with due
> diligence including all agencies and precincts
> involved, to include all State and Local Police
> jurisdictions from New York, New Jersey, Maryland,
> Virginia, District of Columbia, and Pentagon
> Police, so on September 11, families and all
> associated can pay tribute to their fallen, loved
> ones, and heroes, who died that day in one of the
> worst acts of terrorism in this country. So the
> ‘NEVER FORGET’, was created that seems so many
> already have. Without having any other group take
> away from their “DAY”
>
> I suggest before making statements without a
> having all the information, it might be a good
> idea to check out the foundation’s Website,
>
> www.americas911ride.org, or
> www.americas911foundation.org. I’m sure if you
> have any other questions there are people who
> would be grateful to
> answer and explain any and all questions anyone
> might have or reasons why such had to be done.
> This event begins Thursday in Somerset PA, then
> Friday travels to the Pentagon in Arlington VA,
> and then
> Saturday to New York. The logistics involved
> itself is something that can’t be imagined.
> Fueling almost 2000 motorcycles, 60 plus support
> vehicles, and others in 1-1/2 hour time frames to
> include lunch and snacks, and all these people
> riding in remembrance of what happened that day to
> this country. Not just on motorcycles but there
> is also a bus that travels with those not able to
> ride who wanted to take part. And most of all,
> those who did survive and are riding, along with
> those who ride for loved ones lost that tragic
> day.
>
> The Foundation is a TOTALLY NON-PROFIT
> organization. Everyone is a VOLUNTEER who
> doesn’t receive any benefits at all except they
> are what they believe in their heart and soul for
> this country, “Never Forget” America. It can
> happen again.
>
> It also helps keep in everyone's mind, ‘NEVER
> FORGET” what act of terrorism, barbarism, and
> just plan MURDER that occurred to 2,996 Americans
> on
> September 11, 2001. Lets just hope and pray our
> Govt can make sure it never happens again,
> remember it could have been one of your loved ones
> who perished that day in any other town America!
>
>
>
> “Never Forget"

So you terrorists are going to haunt our roads every year until you find a better tragedy? maybe in Calif,hopefully?

2,996, of whom survivors that did ride and then those that lost loved ones in the attack rode the bus because they don't ride. I would think they would be honored that AMERICANS would remember them, non military personal, the regular person making a living and supporting a family just wanting to enjoy life the best they can. But it got taken away from them and now people forget and don't care, all they're worried about is being tied up in traffic for an hour or so because there are people that believe they died in vain and without cause and there families have to adjust and now worry about someone being tied up in traffic. If you listedened to the news, radio, TV, and other, they started one week earlier telling everyone to be on the lookout with the Govt even offering certain days off for workers. Oh well, just think and God forbid, if it ever happens again, it could be you or your LOVED one that perishes in the act. "Never Forget", September 11, 2001.

Every BIKER, every Support Vehicle, had to pay all the TOLLS on every Toll booth on every Toll road in every state. SO don't think it was a freebe, all TOLLS were paid just as you would pay your own. IT's setup they count every motorcycle, vehicle, bus, escorting police vehilce and motorcycle, all paid the toll. If you check out the website it gives you all the info you need.

www.americas911ride.org www.americas911foundation.org

More then 50% of the riders on the 9/11 ride were Police Officers, Fire Fighers, EMS personal, or other associated with EMS response. I'm sure they'd of loved to see you drop ONE THING. It's amazing how some people can be. Just hope nothing happens in your life where it affects you as greatly as it has 2,996 and that's just the dead not including families, relatives, and what else it's cost this country to deal with. God bless you, someone should.

Never Forget September 11, 2001.

The money, all money goes directly to EMS agencies. Check out the website before making any comments. It's a 100% volunteer group where all monies go and support First Responders. Fire, Rescue, Police, EMS, and other associated agencies. Not to mention the scholarship programs which were started for EMS personal and there familes. Seems people are willing to say so much with so little knowledge. Check out the website, we're all in this together, I also know if you have any other questions regarding such there are numberous people who would take all the time needed to answer any of your questions. www.americas911ride.org www.americas911foundation.org
Take care and "Never Forget"

Spike Smith Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It also helps keep in everyone's mind

Nope, it doesn't.

Clogging up traffic with your attention-seeking Manbikes doesn't make anyone think of 9/11. If the money goes to EMS agencies then that's awesome, but enough with the bologna about "reminding" people of 9/11.

Motorcycles have nothing to do with 9/11.

Kilton Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Spike Smith Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It also helps keep in everyone's mind
>
> Nope, it doesn't.
>
> Clogging up traffic with your attention-seeking
> Manbikes doesn't make anyone think of 9/11. If the
> money goes to EMS agencies then that's awesome,
> but enough with the bologna about "reminding"
> people of 9/11.
>
> Motorcycles have nothing to do with 9/11.

It's a shame that you have nothing to do with intelligence.

kilton killer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's a shame that you have nothing to do with
> intelligence.

The only thing that's a shame is that you think you're going to stalk me until I surrender, or something. :-) But alas, you aren't aware that I've had several FFU stalkers -- folks who thought they were going to get the best of me with persistence alone. But they have all come and gone faster than a Palin presidential bid.

The reason is simple: buffoons such as yourself simply don't have what it takes. You quickly learn that you can't go toe-to-toe with me in a debate on a given subject -- so you have no choice but to resort to constant personal attacks, thinking you're going to accomplish something. You hope that if you stalk me long enough, I'll get annoyed and move on. But it's just wishful thinking you see.

So, sadly, you will fail, like you do at pretty much everything else in life. And that's just tough luck for you buttercup. :-)

9/11 Ride passes through Leesburg
Saturday, Aug. 20
by Beverly Denny
http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/9_11_ride_passes_through_leesburg/

As many as 2,000 motorcyclists rode through downtown Leesburg for the 9/11 Ride Aug. 19. Hundreds of supporters lined the streets waving American flags and cheering them on in their mission to honor the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks and raise funds for first responders and their children.

America’s 911 Foundation has organized the commemorative event every year since the terrorist attacks of 2001. The 10th anniversary ride from Shanksville, Pa., through Leesburg, to the Pentagon and the World Trade Center site attracted more participants than previous years.
Attachments:

Better Than Expected: 9/11 Ride Passes Through Leesburg
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2011 3:29 pm | Updated: 4:40 pm, Fri Aug 19, 2011.
Better Than Expected: 9/11 Ride Passes Through Leesburg 3 comments
by Kara Clark
http://leesburgtoday.com/news/article_eb61ff7a-ca9a-11e0-b62a-001cc4c03286.html

Despite the fears of local and state police, the America's 911 Ride passed through downtown Leesburg in about the same time it took in recent years.

The lead vehicle entered Leesburg at about 2:35 p.m., with the final vehicles entering the Dulles Greenway at about 3:05 p.m. All told, the approximately 30-minute ride through town was far less than what was feared by public safety agencies leading up to the event, with some predicting that the 1,400 bikes participating would take close to two hours to clear King Street and snarl area traffic for hours.

Hundreds of area residents were on hand to welcome the riders into Loudoun County, with many jamming downtown Leesburg streets, flags in tote, to wave them on. Dozens also lined the overpasses to the Dulles Greenway to send them off in style.

The verdict on the lingering traffic impacts is still out, although Rt. 15 North, as of 3:30 p.m., had already opened in both directions. Riders will now continue on to the Pentagon, the second of their three stops at sites affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Every year, the America's 911 Foundation, the nonprofit behind the motorcycle ride, uses the funds generated from the annual event to support first responders and fund college scholarships for their children.



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Don't use long names, jackass.

One Day it will all be over.How long will September 1.2001 live on?

fixed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don't use long names, jackass.

Kiss it and get used to it!
Attachments:

Round Eye Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> fixed Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Don't use long names, jackass.
>
> Kiss it and get used to it!

It's not nice to post pics of Kilton's mommy here on FU. Leave her family alone!

priapussy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Round Eye Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > fixed Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Don't use long names, jackass.
> >
> > Kiss it and get used to it!
>
> It's not nice to post pics of Kilton's mommy here
> on FU. Leave her family alone!

No, here's Kilton's mom...
Attachments:

AP called out these assholes


http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SEPT_11_TROUBLED_CHARITIES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT



BIG EVENTS, SMALL RETURN

Weeks after the 9/11 attacks, Theodore Sjurseth of Leesburg, Va., climbed aboard his Harley Davidson and led about 250 bikers to New York City to pay homage to the dead.

Since then, the ride has become an annual charity event, with nearly $2.2 million in gross revenue between 2003 and last year. This year's ride, held last week, had nearly 3,000 registered participants.

Yet in one important respect, it has fallen short in its mission.

The nonprofit group formed to organize the ride, America's 9/11 Foundation, has spent far more putting on the event than supporting its mission of assisting first responders and their children. As of last year, it had donated 10 motorcycles to various police departments around the eastern U.S. and Canada, at a cost of about $200,000, given $150,000 in scholarships to the children of police officers and firefighters, paid some modest grants to police departments struggling to support their motorcycle brigades or canine units, and supported a playground rehabilitation project in Linden, N.J.

The reason it hasn't donated more: lavish spending on the ride itself. The event is now four days long and takes participants from the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pa., to the Pentagon to ground zero in New York.

The foundation picks up all tolls for the riders, pays for their meals, and in some years has put on concerts.

To attract police officers to the event, it puts them up in hotel rooms for each night of the ride and waives their registration fees. In some years, the foundation has made compensation payments to municipalities along the ride route to make up for the hassle of closing traffic while the bikers pass.

Calculating how much the group ultimately gives to charity is difficult, because the foundation counts the officers' free hotel rooms and municipal compensation payments as donations, rather than ride expenses.

But even under that interpretation, the group has spent less than 20 percent of the money it raised on charitable causes.

Sjurseth, who wanted to be a firefighter as a teenager until a pellet gun accident cost him sight in one eye, agreed the ride could be a more effective fundraiser if it cut costs or raised registration fees - now at about $120.

But, he said, he thinks the foundation has "done great" for an all-volunteer group.

"Has it blossomed the way I wanted it to? No," he said. "I'd love for this thing to be making millions of dollars."

Great find. Proves my point about these "riders" being in it more for the attention rather than actually helping people.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/25/2011 04:37PM by Kilton.

You really don't have a clue to logistics of setting up fueling, feeding, support for down vehicles, and face it anything at all about such an event. What the foundation has done is support college tutitions and EMS first responders more then some of the jurisdictions that they answer calls for. YOu can get a copy of all the expenses by just asking and find another non-profit group that runs it business under 10% of all income. OH well some people just have to hear themselves write about nothing they know about. Dare you to get the info and find out FIRST HAND YOURSELF instead of just running your hands writing.

Spike Smith Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What the foundation has done is support
> college tutitions and EMS first responders more
> then some of the jurisdictions that they answer
> calls for.

"But even under that interpretation, the group has spent less than 20 percent of the money it raised on charitable causes."

The proof is in the pudding, bucko.

"find another non-profit group that runs it business under 10% of all income. OH well some people just have to hear themselves write about nothing they know about."

This one is runs ("expends") itself @ greater than 80%. Likely much more with closer accounting.

I shall continue to "run my hands".

Moron.