September 11 2014 was not just another day for the thousands of Americans who lost someone in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. While enough time has passed that some of those who were not personally affected no longer do more than simply note the day, that's not the case with the thousands of bikers who took part in the 2 Million Bikers to DC ride. This annual event and the rally connected to it honors the victims, first responders, and survivors of the 9-11 attacks and those in the armed forces who have lost their lives in combat.
The Event Route
Every year, bikers meet in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Falls Church, Virginia; or Fairfax, Virginia in the early morning to have coffee and get their bikes ready. When the signal is given, they begin moving into D.C. proper, creating a massive moving barrier of bikes. The routes are always blocked to other traffic so there are no accidents or other issues. This year, the first of the convoy arrived at the National Mall around 11:30. That's where the rally, which started at 2 p.m., was held. It ran until 8 p.m. The rally and the ride are always open to the public, and anyone with a motorcycle is welcome to join in.
The thousands of people wearing leather covered in motorcycle patches spent the day discussing those they were honoring. At the beginning of the ride, every biker was given a nametag that listed the name of someone who died on September 11. In most cases, the rider did not know the person, but that didn?t stop them from feeling connected to him or her. By the time the rally was over, tears had flown, and many of the bikers turned to each other for emotional support.
