CLINTON TOWNSHIP -- It may have started out as a small ride to remember those lives lost on 9/11, but 14 years later, thousands of motorcyclists are showing up to an annual memorial ride in Lycoming County.
The 14th annual 9/11 Memorial Ride starts and ends in Clinton Township. Bikers will ride about 40 miles through several municipalities.
This event is special for the bikers who also use this ride as a way to remember those lives lost on 9/11.
Carolyn Ritter hung an American flag outside her business, Corner Stone Insurance, in south side. It's her way of remembering and honoring those who were tragically killed on 9/11.
"You get really emotional," Ritter said. "You think about what it means to be an American today. You can't forget. You can't stop being proud."
But flags hung out on Route 54 near Montgomery for another reason: thousands of motorcycles will pass through the Williamsport area during the 14th annual 9/11 Memorial Ride.
"The motorcycle ride, we want to honor and we want to make it a pretty environment for them too, just to have the flags out and show the support as they are driving past, to know people are thinking of them as they are thinking of us."
"We actually close off Route 54 right here to park the thousands of motorcycles on," said Rev. Gary Smith.
Rev. Smith helped set up at Clinton Township's fire company. This year they expect about 10,000 to 12,000 bikers.
Rev. Smith is a member of the 9/11 Memorial Coalition. With help from the fire company, the nonprofit group organizes the event.
"This has taken on a life of its own, so now the entire community is involved," Rev. Smith added.
"I've never ridden yet that I didn't have tears in my eyes because of the community," said rider Dennis Miller.
Along with all the bikers comes a lot of business for Thad's Place. It's a restaurant right up the street from Clinton Township's fire company. The folks there say they are proud to serve the bikers that take part in the memorial ride.
"We are right in the middle of it. We will be inundated with motorcycles by 5:30," said owner Thaddeus Baker. "The fire company down the street does a really good job of making sure everyone remembers why we are here."
After a memorial service and the ride, bikers will end up back at the fire company.
"We will celebrate. We will look back on this and remember the tragedy, and that's our motto, we will never forget," said Rev. Smith.
