HISTORY

     Our first ride was held Thursday, September 11, 2003 on the same runway that Flight # 77 used during its last departure. In less than two weeks we organized an event that people are still talking about.  Over 300 motorcycles joined us that glorious day.

     After staging on the runway, Marty Clarke and I (Rex Howke) escorted the group under the American Flag being held up by two extended ladder trucks.  We then proceeded to rattle the runway.  During our closing Rev. Federici said a brief prayer in memory of all the Heroes of that first 9/11.

     In 2004, we spent about six months planning our event which took place on Saturday, September 11, 2004.  Flyers, e-mails, phone calls, announcements and of course word of mouth produced results that astounded us all.  With your help and our determination we were joined by more than 1,400 motorcycles.

     Present for our opening ceremony were Rev. Federici, Fire & Rescue and Airport personnel, Police Officers, Airline employees, Randy our DJ and several other very important guests.  The ceremony ended with JC and Joshua Howke instructing everyone to return to their motorcycles and start your engines.

     We were escorted by Fairfax County and Airport Motor Squads under the American Flag, again being held up by two extended ladder trucks.  We definitely rattled the runway for all those whose lives were lost on 9/11.

     In 2005, due to security concerns, we were not able to ride on the airport runway; in lieu of, we took the ride to Dulles International Airport in front of the Main Terminal Departure Ramp, and then on down to the Pentagon where a short ceremony took place, all under the expert escort from several local jurisdictions' police departments, including Airport Security, Virginia State Police, Arlington County, and Pentagon Security.  Approximately 1,250 motorcycles participated.

     In 2006, 2007 and 2012, the event took place on the Sunday preceding September 11.  In 2008, 2009 and 2010, the event took place on the Sunday after September 11.  Due to security reasons, once again we were not permitted to ride on the airport runway; however, in lieu of, we staged in an outdoor area at the rear of the National Air and Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for our opening ceremonies.  In 2008, closing ceremonies were conducted in the North Parking Lot at the Pentagon off of Boundary Channel Drive.  Police motor squads escorted our ride from the National Air and Space Museum to the Pentagon.  Approximately 1,000 motorcycles participated each of these past years.  In 2011, the event took place on Sunday, September 11, 2011 (the 10th anniversary date) and about 1,200 motorcycles participated.