Hundreds of Motorcyclists Commemorate 9/11

In the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, Loudoun motorcycle enthusiast Ted Sjurseth wanted to do something. In November 2001, he founded America’s 9/11 Foundation and mobilized a large group of motorcyclists to ride from the White House up to New York City where the Twin Towers once stood. In addition to commemorating the events and honoring those who were lost, the ride helped to stimulate the economy in New York, spending more than $50,000 that day, Sjurseth said.

In August 2002, the group of motorists visited all three of the crash sites from September 11, and then made the ride an annual tradition. They ride in August, rather than September as some might expect, so they do not interfere with the sites or any mourners in September.

This year’s eighth annual 9/11 Foundation ride took place on Aug. 21, braving the pouring rain and driving through Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. The riders started in Somerset, Penn., the crash site of Flight 93. Then they headed south, driving through Hagerstown, Md. to Leesburg. Next, they took over Route 66 as they moved toward Arlington. The convoy drove to the Pentagon, and several riders received tours inside. The next morning, they headed back north toward New York City and visited Ground Zero and the New York Police Museum.

Escorted by more than 100 police officers on motorcycles, Sjurseth estimated that close to 900 people, adorned in leather jackets, helmets and goggles, participated in this year’s ride. The roads closed just as the motorists approached, giving them free range to take over the highway.

In addition to the annual motorcycle ride, America’s 9/11 Foundation serves to honor and help America’s first responders. The organization established a scholarship fund for children of first responders, and has donated $120,000 as of 2009. But the donations do not stop there. The organization has given more than $250,000 to first responders and their departments, and donates a new motorcycle to an escorting police department during the annual ride, as well.  

The organization raises money mostly through their annual rides, donations, raffle tickets and selling merchandise, such as T-shirts, flags and iron-on foundation emblems. There are no paid staff members, so all money raised goes to their philanthropy efforts, as well as hotels, food and truck maintenance for the rides.

See video footage and interviews of this year’s ride online at Loudouni.com.