Pikes Peak Fallen Officers Ride

Published May 24, 2016
By Rob Bussard
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. – -- Military and civilian motorcycle enthusiasts alike gathered together here early May 19 for a local group ride to show their support for fallen officers during National Police Week. The ride was to recognize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

This was the third annual Pikes Peak Fallen Officers Ride in commemoration of those officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, said event organizer Scott Deeds, 721st Security Forces Squadron.

“We are remembering the civilian officers who have ended their lives answering their last call,” said Deeds. “It’s a great way to remember everybody, military police officers as well, who have walked that ‘Thin Blue Line’ and to show the solidarity of the military and the civilian communities together.”

The ride averages 100 total miles by starting out at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, passing through Fort Carson, then through Schriever and Peterson Air Force bases and the United States Air Force Academy, ending with a burger-burn at CMAFS Mountain Man Park.

With an initial 12 riders in 2014, the event has grown to 65 riders this year along with 16 members of the Colorado Springs Police Department Motorcycle Unit performing escort duties. The motor unit ran cover with full lights and sirens during the ride, safely stopping all vehicle traffic along the entire route.

“We are here to escort you guys safely and to honor those fallen officers,” Motor Officer Gary Tedeschi said. During a pre-ride safety briefing, Tedeschi stated the importance of riders keeping a safe yet tight formation and remaining in proper lane position as they were being passed by their escorts.

Brandon Lowe is an intake and release specialist at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center who along with his friend Zachary Stephens, attended the ride for his second year.

“It’s an amazing experience having a police escort throughout all the bases,” Lowe said. “But then also having that time of silence to think and reflect, realizing that this is something that police officers gave their lives for. We’re standing for something, not just riding because it’s cool or fun.”

Last year’s ride was a rainy affair, yet 20 riders still showed up and braved the elements to show their support. This year’s weather forecast called for clouds with possible scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, but fair weather and dry roads prevailed for the day.

“It was a great turnout” said Deeds, who surmised the ride generated over $300, money that would be donated directly to the Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial.

“The event was very well organized, it ran very smoothly,” Denise Nightingale said about her first experience with the ride. “I think that the police officers escorting us also enjoyed themselves a lot on the ride.”

Many of the participants echoed her sentiments. Smiles and laughs abounded as police officers and their supporters enjoyed their food, chatting and bantering about seeing each other on the road in the future.

Encouraged by the increased turnout and supporting a good cause, Deeds and the Colorado Springs Police Department Motorcycle Unit plan on it again next year too.