Bikers flood downtown Uxbridge for good cause

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vroom!

That noise, multiplied more than a hundred-fold, echoed through downtown Uxbridge last Friday afternoon as the annual 911 Ride rolled through town.

About 150 or so motorcycles roared up Brock Street to the Uxbridge Fire Hall, which was decorated with dozens of small Canadian flags, where the riders were served refreshments. All makes and models of bikes were on hand, including three-wheelers and motorcycle units from a variety of surrounding police forces.

The annual Canada 911 Foundation Ride makes a stop at the Uxbridge Fire Hall. Photo by John Cavers

The Canada 911 Ride Foundation holds the annual ride to honour fallen emergency first responders - police, fire, and EMS - who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. From the money raised by the ride, the foundation places Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices in their names.

The foundation also supports families of fallen emergency service personnel, aids children who are victims of violent crime, and collaborates with the Mikey Network to increase access to public defibrillators.

The three-day ride started in Lindsay and ended the first day in Alliston. The money raised comes from the participants, who pay $500 to take part. Senior riders pay $425. For that entry fee, riders receive free gas and meals through the weekend. Several fire stations provide lunch refreshments for the riders.

John Huggett, a volunteer with the 911 Ride, said this year's ride was the event's 21st anniversary.

"We haven't had an accident in 21 years," he said.

Huggett leads the advance team, which scouts the route ahead 40 minutes before the main ride starts to look for potential trouble spots. He said the ride takes a different route every year.

For more, visit canada911ride.org