Thousands of Motorcyclists Ride for Soldiers

By Gail Paquette

Four years ago Lou DeVuono stood on a bridge over the Highway of Heroes watching more fallen Canadian soldiers take their last ride from Trenton to the coroner’s office in Toronto.

At the time forty-nine year old DeVuono, was a member of the Perfect Pigs Motorcycle Club and had been riding most of his life. The idea for a Highway of Heroes Ride hit him.

“We do a great job as Canadians remembering the fallen but what struck me was what about those who continue to put their lives and freedom on the line,” said DeVuono.

“What about the troops that are deployed, or the troops that have served their tour, or the soldiers injured during the course of their duties? Where is the support for them?”

In June of 2009, 134 riders gathered and the first Highway of Heroes ride took place. News has traveled over the past four years with nearly 3,000 riders participating    on Saturday from all over Canada and the US.

“We are not here to count numbers or read patches. We are here to honour and show support for all men and women who join the military and leave behind their family and friends to serve,” said DeVuono.

DeVuono welcomed everyone on the morning of the ride at CFB Trenton and thanked them for being a part of one of the largest rides in Canada.

Clubs representing the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance, who earlier in the week took their first Ride to Remember in Canada and the Christian riders from the Mission M25 Ministry of Hope, joined the Highway of Hero’s riders this year.

Mayor of Trenton John Williams spoke to the crowd, as did CFB Trenton Base Commander Colonel Dave Cochrane. Pastor Dave of the Kawartha’s Biker Church, Peterborough, asked God to bless the riders and protect them on their journey to Toronto.

As they pulled their bikes out at 11 a.m. to begin their 170 k trek to Toronto, the skies threatened rain.

“Last year we got soaked,” said DeVuono. “Everyone was still committed and we had a great ride. It is a small adversity to face compared to that which our soldiers do.”

Upon arriving in Toronto they were greeted by hundreds and proceeded to a rally at Polson Pier.