Dallas & Baton Rouge
2017 Memorial Ride
VISION
Reduce violence against law enforcement officers by improving our partnerships with the diverse communities in which we serve.
MISSION
Our mission is to honor the lives of the officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge who were killed in the line of duty in 2016. We will also bring awareness to the increased violence against law enforcement officers across the Nation. Cyclists will cycle from Dallas to Baton Rouge and onto Washington, D.C. for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week.
CEREMONIES
Our memorial ride will begin with a wreath laying ceremony in Dallas on May 6, 2017, followed by a wreath laying ceremony in Baton Rouge, on May 8, 2017. We will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washing, D.C., on May 12, 2017.
THE RIDE
This is a relay memorial ride which will cover 1,750 miles, with a goal of 250 to 300 miles to be completed each day. Each relay will consist of 50 mile intervals with two to four cyclists, cycling an average of eighteen miles an hour. We will be self-contained with a limited amount of follow vehicles to support the cyclists on the road. Our tentative plan is to be cycling strictly during the hours of daylight (0600 – 1900 hours). This ride is limited to twenty west coast cyclists (current or retired sworn law enforcement), who classify themselves as STRONG cyclists with the ability to maintain this pace over a week’s period of riding. We are anticipating participation from law enforcement agencies in both Dallas and Baton Rouge.
LODGING
Lodging is double occupancy and roommate assignments will be announced at a future date.
MEMORIAL CYCLING JERSEY
We have a specially designed “Thin Blue Line” traditional three pocket cycling jersey designed for this event. The jersey will be black, with a blue line around the torso and both sleeves. The Blue police shield with red rose will be on the left breast and a subdued flag with a thin blue line in the center will be on the right shoulder. It is recommended that each cyclist have two jerseys. The price of the jersey will be $70. Each cyclist will provide their own short, pants or bib.
FUND RAISING
- · Each cyclist will raise $1,000.00 to be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.
- · Each cyclist will raise $800.00 to help cover the cost of fuel for the two follow vehicles, lodging for six nights, snacks and lunch.
It is greatly appreciated that all attempt to gain cooperate sponsorship / donors to cover the cost of two rental vans and a small box type truck (U-Haul). All monies remaining will go to our donation to the National Police Memorial.
BIKE SHIPMENT
We will transport our bikes in the box truck from Los Angeles to Dallas. Riders will have the opportunity to either ship their bike back or place them in the van back to California.
EVENTS
May 5, 2017
Arrive in Dallas
May 6, 2017
El Centro College, Dallas, TX – Wreath Laying
May 8, 2017
Baton Rouge – Wreath Laying
May 12, 2017
National Police Memorial – Wreath Laying
May 13, 2017
Candlelight Vigil
For more information, contact event coordinator Sergeant II David Budek, Serial No. 34760, Los Angeles Police Department, @ (310) 597-3482 or djbudek@gmail.com.