Every year since 2005 Dennis Kirk has joined riders in showing support for the MN Patriot Guard and the MN Military Appreciation Fund at an event called The Patriot Ride. Despite the rain, this year was no exception! Riders started showing up as early as 8am on Saturday, June 16th in some drizzling weather to get ready for the ride.
At Noon the clouds cleared and the rumble of about 2000 motorcycles was heard throughout Ham Lake as riders took off on their 60 mile trip. Soldiers saluted them as they made their way to the Cambridge Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center. Here riders and spectators enjoyed scoping out the bikes, checking out military exhibits, and live wrestling. After spending some time here they hopped back on their bikes to complete the loop back to Ham Lake just in time for it to start pouring rain. This would usually be enough to make anyone seek shelter but this only seemed to motivate them. One Patriot Guard member said later that day, “It’s not raining, those are tears from our fallen soldiers honored by all of your support.”
After the ride the troops (present, former, and those no longer with us) and their families were honored with a ceremony hosted by Zepp from KQRS that included speakers from the Patriot Guard, the “average soldier”, Rear Admiral Sean Pybus, and many more. There was also a raffle for a brand new 2012 Harley Road Glide and live music by the Wild Hawg Band after the ceremony.
But don’t take our word for it, check out our YouTube channel to see the official video, rider/soldier videos, and more exclusive Patriot Ride footage. You can find a whole playlist of footage from Patriot Rides throughout the years on our YouTube Channel.
Will you be joining us for next year’s ride?