Day #23 Hagerstown, Md to Allentown, Pa

Ceremony in Allentown, PA

Sunrise in Maryland...

Group 1 (Patrick, Dennis, Rob and Kevin) awoke to sunny skies. Today was the last time that the groups would ride separately. Tomorrow we will complete the entire final leg together. Group 1 rode through downtown Hagerstown then headed to the countryside. Rolling hills and green wheat pastures lined the roadway. We stopped at the Pennsylvania border for a picture and found a cement Mason Dixon Line marker. Once we arrived in Pennsylvania, the group was met with one of the toughest hills we have had so far and one in which they could only ride at only 7-8mph. Down hill however was a different story with the group hitting 50 mph! Sgt Hall and Deputy Backensto from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department met us after the border and escorted us through their county. Patrick, Dennis, Rob and Kevin pedaled through historic Gettysburg.

Group 2 (SB, Fred, Steve and Craig) began riding from east of York and began to get into heavier traffic. On route 30 we had to get off this divided highway and head into uncharted waters. After some GPS work the group was back on track. The group moved along briskly with each team member taking turns in the front. The highlight of the ride was when Group 2 crossed the mighty Susquehanna River. It was beginning to heat up outside when they arrived at the switch point.

Group 3 (Dawn, Tony, Bruce and Nancy) took the final leg. Deputy Kyle Hummel of the Berks County Sheriff’s Office gave us an escort until we were almost to Allentown, PA. The group headed into some beautiful winding roads lined with Oak and Cherry trees. A pretty strong crossing wind came up and it eventually became a head wind. The group worked the pace line to perfection and made great time. Once the riders got into Allentown, Police Officer Joe Iannetta escorted them safely to the Hotel.

Later we held a ceremony at the Allentown Police Headquarters. Chief Roger J. MacLean spoke about our cause and then later was presented with a Engraved Memorial Baton. The Honor Guard for the Allentown PD posted the colors and a wreath was placed at the memorial monument. Captain Schwartz was instrumental in putting together the ceremony. We really appreciate all his work. It was well attended by many members of the Allentown PD.
Today was the final ceremony we are holding before meeting up with all of our other Brother and Sister Officers tomorrow in Florham Park, New Jersey.

SB "the Wrench" Bua fixing a trailer flat

Bruce, Nancy, Tony and Dawn rolling through Kutztown, PA with the local TV filming their arrival.

Fred, SB, Steve and Craig crossing the Susquehanna river...

At the Pennsylvania border with Maryland....

The Mason - Dixon Line at the Maryland border with Pennsylvania...

Rob, Pat, Dennis and Kevin riding through the beautiful countryside, with Tony taking an interesting picture...

There are many forms of riding going on in Pennsylvania...