Fort Pierce Police Department Memorial to fallen Officers
I was humbly honored to have had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Florida Tour de Force bicycle ride from Miami, Florida to Daytona Beach, Florida. The tour began on Monday, April 8, 2024 and ended on Friday, April 12th. Our trip south began on Saturday morning, April 6th, as we met at the Tallahassee Police Department and loaded up and headed south. We stopped at the North Daytona Beach Police Department and picked up two more riders. Once loaded nothing could stop us now, not even a malfunctioning air conditioner in the hot and loaded van!
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale and checked into the motel, had dinner and retired early. The next morning we loaded up and headed to Coral Gables where we put out at a popular cycling park and conducted a 27mile “warm up ride” northbound thru Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and into North Miami. The next 5 days would result in nearly 300 miles of cycling north up the east coast of Florida in an effort to raise donations for Officers that we lost last year.
The Officers we rode in honor of this year had lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023. There were 3 of them.
The first was Officer Charles Herring of the Pembroke Pines Police Department. He was 54 years of age and a 24 year Law Enforcement Veteran. He was killed on his Police motorcycle when a tree limb fell and struck him as he traveled down the road.
Officer Charles Herring
Sergeant Michael Kenovich of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office was killed on May 19, 2023 after suffering a fatal Heart Attach following a 6 minute fight with a suspect. Sgt. Kenovich was 52 years old and a 25 year Law Enforcement veteran.
Sgt. Michael Kenovich
Chief Anthony Rickerson of the Jasper, Fl Police Department was killed on June 11, 2023 while responding to a call for service. He struck a deer in the road and his vehicle crashed into a tree and caught fire. Chief Rickerson was 43 years old and a 13 year Law Enforcement Veteran.
Chief Anthony Rickerson
Our week began with a “warm up” ride through the greater Miami area. What a beautiful place to begin an incredible week.
Team TallahasseeA highlight of the Sunday morning ride is the fruit smoothies offered in Miami Beach. Rainbow ribbons adorn the Palm TreesThis mighty container ship is pushed up the Miami River. This ship was heavily loaded! Downtown Miami, Fl. Moe, Phil, ERob and Bob in downtown Miami, Fl. Chief Bob on point! ‘Twas a beautiful morning for a Miami bike ride!
Once back at the motel riders re-grouped for the annual dinner at Versailles in Little Havana. Versailles is an incredible Cuban Restaurant that is as unique as it is delicious.
Versailles does NOT disappoint! Patrons gather at the walk-up window for Cuban desserts and coffee! Scott and Phil enjoy coffee before dinner at VersaillesTeam Tallahassee at the Versailles Training Table!
After an incredible dinner at Versailles, the team returned to the motel once again to make final preparations for tomorrow’s ride and to get to bed early!
Team Tallahassee sports their new riding jerseys which were provided by Mr. and Mrs. Fariello.Bob and David enjoy some well earned rest during the ride! A sign at a Catholic School during one of our rest stops. The Heroes for whom we ride. The President of the local astrology club points out the Lunar Eclipse although Phil and Bob seem less than interested…..Always a “trendsetter”, Moe makes a fashion statement with these sporty cycling shoes held together by electrical tape. ERob silhouetted against the South Florida WaterfrontMark Wheeler trims the insoles of his new cycling shoes in order to seek a better “fit”. With the insole “trimming” complete Mark is ready to ride. Tom Dempsey would be proud! Bob, Phil and Chris prepare for Day 2. Rey keeps the team rolling! ERob applies sunscreen before the morning ride! Gary the Bike Mechanic’s Parrot sits on a bike repair stand! Gary and his Parrot prepare to follow the ride! Motor Units prepare for the day! Todd prepares to tell the riders its time to GO! Florida Bullet is a Proud Sponsor of the Tour de Force Dolly the Service Dog! Riders wear armbands to honor the fallenDeputy Seckinger was 42 years old when he suffered a heart attack following a K9 track. He was a 17 year Law Enforcement Veteran. Deputy Coby Seckinger Ride Marshal Kevin O’Brien discusses the upcoming ride. Team Tallahassee prepares to ride! Mark Wheeler receives final ride instructions via telephone as he rests before another long day in the saddle. Dave Northway is looking forward to another day of riding! Red calves get some sunscreen! Bob Obernier displays a new way to keep from losing his riding gloves! Phil Hinds and Mark Wheeler listen to pre-ride instructionsScott Beck gloves up! Team Tallahassee in Fort PiercePhil Hinds has ridden the tour 9 times! Ride Veteran Bruck Doras Another beautiful Florida day! Denny’s is a major tour sponsor! Wrapped around her finger!
Ride Veteran Kevin O’Brien
We are TPDPalm Bay Fire welcomed riders with a huge Flag! Bruce DorasReady to Roll! Volusia County Sheriff Chitwood prepares to rideRiders gather on the last leg of the ride!
Truly an honor to have participated in this great event. Thanks to everyone who supported this ride and made it possible. A lot of work went into the planning and support of this event. These Officers are the reason we ride. Lest we forget the sacrifice these brave Men made to keep their communities safe. God Bless you and your families.
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