Around 150 bicycle riders – including law enforcement officers throughout Florida – will pay tribute this weekend in Volusia County to those who died during 9/11.
The “Tour De Force 9/11 Memorial Ride” will begin at 8:30 a.m. from the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) headquarters at 129 Valor Boulevard.
The 51-mile route also ends there after riders go through New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, South Daytona, Daytona’s beachside, Holly Hill and Ormond Beach.
A law enforcement motorcade will accompany the bicycle riders throughout the route, occasionally blocking off traffic at busy intersections so riders can go through safely.
Among those participating in the ride are:
- Daytona Beach Police Department Chief Craig Capri
- Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood
- Ormond Beach Police Department Chief Jesse Godfrey
Before the ride begins, an opening ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. at DBPD headquarters.
Lunch will also be provided to riders at DBPD headquarters once the ride is finished.
The riders will be traveling around 15 miles an hour on some of eastern Volusia’s most traveled roadways, including State Road 415/Tomoka Farms Road, Pioneer Trail, U.S. 1/Ridgewood Avenue, State Road 40/Granada Boulevard and Clyde Morris Boulevard.
Four rest stops are planned, including at the Cabbage Patch off State Road 415, where a brief moment of silence will be held for fallen Volusia County Sheriff’s Senior Deputy Frank Scofield.
Vehicles will be available to carry any riders who are not able to finish the route.
Proceeds will benefit local law enforcement charities.
The ride will take place rain or shine.
Various local sponsors – including our title sponsor, Sam Royer at Heroes First Home Loans – are providing donations, including food, drinks and T-shirts.
Registration is $30. To register, contact Jessica Wolfelschneider at WolfelschneiderJ@DBPD.US or (386) 671-5102.