Patriot Ride sadly reduced down

Published 12:42 pm Wednesday, September 17, 2014

My wife and I were deeply disappointed with this year’s 9/11 Patriot Ride out of Sound Harley on Sept. 14. Previously, it has been one of the best organized and heartfelt experiences you could share on your motorcycle. It ran through busy towns such as Lake Stevens and Snohomish with lots of fire department and local law enforcement officer participation. People in cars would pull over to honk and wave, while others would come out of their houses to cheer as the parade rolled past. The last couple years the route has gotten shorter with less coordination, but nevertheless featured one solid parade of bikes.

This year, at the last second, we learned that instead of one giant parade of 200 or so riders, there was going to be small groups of 20 or so bikes sent off at different times, each with a ride captain. Having zero fire department or police participation, instead of running through populated townships as one large parade, split groups followed the most rural of country roads, where nobody could even appreciate the significance of the event.

I realize the logistics for the Patriot Ride must be a nightmare, but the magnitude of the occasion deserves so much more. Sadly, it has gone from one of the most epic rides of the year, to something I can do any weekend with my friends. This ride to honor the victims and first responders of the 9/11 event simply must return to its previous glory before we participate again.

Kris Olsen

Everett