The Team 26 riders have completed the first leg of their journey to Washington, DC. Tonight they rest for leg two of a four-day quest to bring attention to their town’s call for “common sense gun laws.” But they ride for more then their town and the victims of 12/14. Americans were shocked and horrified by the events of that day and as we became aware of the weak laws manipulated by the lobbying of the NRA, many Americans said, “Enough!”…Team 26 rides for all of us.
At two send-off rallies they were cheered by town residents and leaders from across the state. Congressman (in Spandex) Jim Himes (CT-4), Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) and Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal all offered words of encouragement. Rep. Himes even rode part of the day with Team 26, symbolic of his eagerness to advocate for “common sense gun laws.”
Don't worry Congressman. We won't drop you!
“I am inspired by these cyclists and their commitment to this cause, but I’m more than a little worried that my inspiration will not be enough to push me up all the hills between Newtown and Ridgefield,” Himes said. “Whether or not I’m left in the dust Saturday, I look forward to welcoming the Sandy Hook Riders to Washington on Tuesday and working with them and the many other dedicated advocates to reduce gun violence.”
~ Rep. Himes
WHY I RIDE? On December 14th we lost the love and light of our family, our daughter Grace. Since that day I have made a promise that her life would forever be celebrated, her vision of the world as a beautiful and peaceful place forever honored, and her voice forever heard.
I ride for HOPE that the moral conscience of our elected representatives has been awaken and will choose action over inaction when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us, our children.
I ride for PEACE and a society that holds itself morally responsible to leave the world a better place where gun violence is not so pervasive.
I ride for LOVE of the innocence of a child whose life was full of dreams and boundless possibilities.
I ride for GRACE.
Chris McDonnell ~ Honorary Team 26 Rider
Chris McDonnell: Video from rally ~ 8 wtnh
Ridgefield Rally: First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Rep. Himes, Rep. John Frey, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and Team 26 founder and leader Monte Frank.
Dave Goldenberg
Chris McConnell and Dr. Begg
Well-wishers send Newtown cyclists on their way to D.C.
Accompanied by other cyclists — including Chris McDonnell, whose 7-year-old daughter Grace was one of the victims at the elementary school, and Rep. Chris Himes, D-Conn. — the 26 riders left Newtown's Reed Intermediate School and made a first stop at the Sandy Hook firehouse.
They shared a moment of silence there for the shooting victims and gave a show of support for first responders. The firehouse is at the end of a street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School and the place where students and faculty took refuge after the shootings.
McDonnell, Himes and other cyclists joined Team 26 on the first leg of the ride to a rally in Ridgefield, about 20 miles from Newtown.
Gary Stoller, USA TODAY
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington ~ March 9 - 12
Team 26 is a group of 26 elite cyclists who will ride from Newtown, CT to Washington, DC beginning on March 9 and arriving on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on March 12. Along the way, we will stop in Ridgefield, CT, Frenchtown, NJ and Baltimore, MD. Our goal: to bring Newtown's message to Washington in support of common sense gun legislation.
Please join us as we follow Monte Frank, Peter Olson and the other members of Team 26 as they travel from Newtown, CT to Washington DC. Embedded blogger Becky Frank (Monte’s daughter) will be providing info and photos from the daily events.
Click here to visit Team 26's Facebook page
Facebook account not required
To add this series to your stream
follow the "Team 26" tag
or follow on Tweeter: SHRoW@SHRoW2013
Saturday 3/9
tytalus ~ Morning kick-off 5:30am EST
LilithGardener ~ "Meet the Crew"
Glen The Plumber ~ Evening Wrap-up
Sunday 3/10
Dave in Northridge ~ 8:30am EDT
LilithGardener ~ "Meet the Riders" 2pm EDT
DefendOurConstitution ~ Evening
Monday 3/11
LilithGardener ~ "Meet the Riders" 2pm EDT
TBD ~ Evening
Tuesday 3/12
Hey338Too ~ Morning
LilithGardener ~ "Meet the Riders" 2pm EDT
remembrance ~ Evening
Also:
glorificus
times to be determined
You can read more about the Sandy Hook Ride on Washington and Team 26 in petersolson's diaries here on Daily Kos:
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington - March 9-12
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington - March 9-12 - Day 2 Schedule Update
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington - March 9-12 - Day 3 Schedule update
Today's diaries:
tytalus ~ Morning kick-off
LilithGardener ~ "Meet the Crew"
7:19 PM PT: Link to photos from SHRoW Facebook page...
In case you were wondering about that Connecticut Effect, these pictures tell you all you need to know. Thank you New Haven Register for these incredible shots.