343 Riders group pedals through Sussex County
Dozens of bicyclists made their way through Sussex County Sept. 17 on a five-day, 343-mile ride from Montauk, N.Y., to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
The 343 Riders ride one mile for each member of the Fire Department of New York who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. All donations collected during the 10th annual ride will be used to support wounded veterans. The riders have raised more than $1.2 million over the past nine years. Money goes toward the purchase of $16,000 all-terrain wheelchairs, service dogs, medical bills, housing and numerous other expenses incurred by wounded veterans.
The riders crossed over the bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Sept. 16 and spent the night in Lewes where they had a roll-call ceremony for the fallen 9/11 New York City firefighters. The next-to-last stop was in Annapolis, Md., before a weekend ceremony in Arlington.
The benefit ride is hosted by Engine 50, Ladder 19 and Battalion 26 of FDNY.
