Day #15 Conway, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee
On the road again, just can't wait to....Today we got up extra early to be on the road by 6:15am. We have a long day today with 170 miles to Memphis PD.
Group #1 (Bruce, Nancy, Tony and Dawn) started out with an escort from the Conway Police Department. The roads along the way were very smooth and towards the end of their ride they ran into a strong headwind for the last 15 miles.
Group #2 (Pat, Rob, Dennis and Kevin) started off and were right into the headwind. For much of the entire ride the headwind persisted. We worked together as Team and the Vans were able to help the riders by blocking the wind in front of them. The team finished the day on a hill.
Group #3 (Fred, Craig, SB and Steve) started off and then that headwind became a persistent crossing wind. We picked up some Great Motor support from the Arkansas State Police and the West Memphis PD who escorted the riders to the State border with Tennessee. Over the Mississippi River, yes the Mighty Mississippi we went to the awaiting Memphis PD Motors. They gave us an awesome escort to our Hotel.
Group #2 (Pat, Rob, Dennis and Kevin) started off and were right into the headwind. For much of the entire ride the headwind persisted. We worked together as Team and the Vans were able to help the riders by blocking the wind in front of them. The team finished the day on a hill.
Group #3 (Fred, Craig, SB and Steve) started off and then that headwind became a persistent crossing wind. We picked up some Great Motor support from the Arkansas State Police and the West Memphis PD who escorted the riders to the State border with Tennessee. Over the Mississippi River, yes the Mighty Mississippi we went to the awaiting Memphis PD Motors. They gave us an awesome escort to our Hotel.
A largely attended memorial ceremony was conducted at the Memorial Park Funeral Home honoring the Officers killed in the line of duty for Memphis PD (69) and the Shelby Co. Sheriffs Dept. (11). The Memphis Police Sports Federation donated $1,000 to the PoliceUnity Tour and the check was presented to our team by Officer Godfrey Howard. Deputy Director of Police Services Ernest Dobbins was the keynote speaker and inspirational songs were sung by the "Peacemakers", who are members of the MPD. A presentation of the batons was made to the MPD, Shelby Co. Sheriff's Office and the MPD Sports Federation. Family members of several Officers who were killed in the line of duty also attended. The ceremony was concluded with the playing of Taps. The hospitality extended to our team was exceptional, with special thanks going out to MPD Director of Police Services Larry Godwin, MPD Sgt Vince Higgins, Lt. Debbie Jackson, Officer Godfrey Howard and Sheriff Abernathy of the Shelby Co. Sheriff's Office.
posted by PUT Coast to Coast at 12:18 AM
10 Comments:
Welcome to Memphis and Shelby County. It was great to meet all of you and we are honored to have been a part of your visit through our corner of the world. Looking forward to seeing y'all safe and sound in DC.
Annette
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
SHANE, ARE YOU PLUGGED IN FOR THE DRAFT? TO ALL, YOU ARE TRULY INSPIRING--KEEP THE PEDALS GOING!
EMMY
We miss you guys here in California. I hope you are having a good ride. Save some saddle to ride on when we join you all. We just finished the memorial for Tommy. It was beautiful. The PUT folks along with the LAWA riding club just arrived at the Gravesite in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. They left from LAX.
See you guys next Sunday!
Great job guys. Everyone in Amherst is very proud of you and your accomplishments. Truly inspirational.
Wow, kudos to the blog writer for doing such a good job. The updates and photos are great. The scenery is amazing and it is great to see how well the riders are doing. I am enjoying keeping up with my harmless little fuzzball of a brother, Dennis. Keep up the good work bro!
Mary
LP,
Good to hear from from you. Hope the training is going well. We are really looking forward to seeing all of you in NJ and hope we can make it there that day in time for your arrival.
Craig
To All,
The blog site creater and writer is Kevin Hoffman from Amherst, NY PD and definately deserves to be acknowleded for all his work, which many nights keeps him up when we are asleep. Without him this ride would ride not have gotten the word out as much as is has.
Thanks Kevin you've done an amazing job.
Craig
Tony...nice pic of you leading the pack :) Since you have today off, gimme a call!
love ya, Cari and Brad
It was such an honor to meet you all in Memphis.
My husband George Selby was killed in the Line of Duty in 2002 here in Shelby County, and I cant tell you enough how much it means to me to see that people really do still care and will never let others forget the sacrifice he and so many others have made. I wish you all a very safe trip to DC and look forward to greeting you all up there when you arrive.
You'll be in our prayers!
Jessica Selby
dad...word...LOVE the picture of the "thives" sign and the gun crime one..those are my kinda pics..hope you have some quality pics like that. if so, i might consider the scrapbook. much love.
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