9/11 motorcycle ride to leave from Somerset on Friday and visit memorials

Hundreds of motorcycle riders will converge on Somerset on Thursday for the annual America's 911 Ride.

Eric Sjurseth, president of the America's 911 Ride Foundation, said around 400 have signed up to ride this year in the event.

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They will ride from Somerset to the Flight 93 National Memorial, then pass through Shanksville before continuing to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. On Saturday, they will continue their trip to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

Funds raised through the ride go to the riders' lunches and for the foundation's college scholarship program for first responders' children.

In 22 years, the foundation has donated more than $1 million to scholarships and fire department equipment.

Sjurseth said no one at the foundation receives any money.

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How to participate

Sjurseth said the riders love seeing the community wave to them as they pass.

"The big thing they enjoy is the people on the route waiving us on," he said. "That inspires the riders to come back year after year."

Riders will depart at 7 a.m. Friday from Highland Harley Davidson near the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange, then proceed to North Pleasant Avenue and Stoystown Road, if construction allows.

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They will make their way to Route 30 and onto the Flight 93 memorial around 7:30 a.m.

They will then proceed to Shanksville to Route 160 and Berlin. After Berlin they ride to Cumberland, Maryland, and then onto the Pentagon.

"Citizens are most welcome to stand along the routes and cheer on the participants," said Dan Kenney, a veteran rider since its start. “Nothing means more to us than seeing ordinary people supporting us in our act of remembering.”

Sjurseth said he appreciates seeing all of the signs and American flags along the route from people who know that the riders will pass by.

"We really appreciate the support from the locals as we remember the victims and heroes of 9/11," he said.

Riders who would still like to sign up can visit americas911ride.org. Registration is $200 and an additional $50 for passengers.