Mufflers were humming, and bikers were riding in from all over the state. Nearly 1,500 motorcycles were lined up along the Dutchess Rail Trail leading into the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday morning.
The unusual sight was part of “Sky Ride,” an event that allowed bikers to ride across the Walkway on their motorcycles honoring veterans and first responders.
The motorcade was led by members of the Hudson Valley Red Knights Motorcycle Club, with current and retired firefighters from Dutchess and Ulster County.
The Red Knights escorted a police car, known as the “Wheels of Honor,” which carried three Gold Star Mothers, mothers of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The “Wheels of Honor” was followed by a 2-mile line of motorcycles with members of various motorcycle clubs and community organizations.
The ride was a long time coming for the Hudson Valley Red Knights, said Rich Valentine, President of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter 37. He said the club wanted to ride the bridge since it opened up 10 years ago, but the permits and logistics of the ride prevented the event from taking place.
Valentine said when the Walkway opened in October 2009 “I knew then, in my heart it had to be done.
“…I went and typed up a dissertation for the walkway because we need to bring people to Poughkeepsie and Highland for this…,” said Valentine. “I feel really touched that the Red Knights have been blessed with the honor to represent all the EMS services that support this Walkway.”
Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase an electric tram that will be used for visitors requiring assistance on, off or across the bridge, said Geoff Brault, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Walkway. The money will also go towards additional wheelchairs for daily visitors, and new transport options for special events.
The motorcade drove across the Walkway through the City of Poughkeepsie, toward Motorcyclopedia in Newburgh, where a reception was to be held with a fundraiser for the Vet 2 Vet program.
Source: Poughkeepsie Journal