Benoni members of The Firm, Donovan and Chreschenda Richards, at the 9/11 memorial meeting point while they wait for the ride to get underway.
Close to 1 000 bikers descended on Edenvale when they took part in the annual 9/11 memorial ride.
Organised by Firefighters SA Motorcycle Association (SAEC), the event is hosted on the Sunday closest to September 11 and this year it was held on September 13.
The event is held not only to commemorate the emergency personnel who lost their lives during 9/11, but also to commemorate SA and international emergency personnel who died while responding to emergencies.
One of the organisers, Jan Liebenberg, said this year’s ride was probably the most attended in the four-year history of the event. He estimated that between 800 and 1 000 riders participated.
Fellow organiser Elmaré Liebenberg said because of the lockdown and SA Emergency Care moving to new premises, the association had a short period to plan the event.
The wreath-laying ceremony was thus not held in Modderfontein. It was held at SAEC’s new premises at 7 Skietlood Street Isando. “It was so humbling and overwhelming to see how many bikers and clubs participated in this year’s event,” said Elmaré “Words cannot explain the emotions I felt on the day.”
SA Emergency Care member and an organiser of the 9/11 memorial ride Pierre Eksteen stands next to his 1966 Volkswagen split bus at the meeting point.
Stanley Cierenberg of Kempton Park-based Breinsuiker dons his “I heart NY” shirt on in honour of those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.
Kyle Stark's bike, The Marine, is a memorial bike created to honour the former South African Corps of Marines.
Firefighters SA Motorcycle Association members Colin Linington, John Meyer and Ozzy Piggins
One of the organisers and founders of the 9/11 memorial ride Jan Liebenberg pulling up to the meeting point on September 13.
Members of the Clearwater Chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners Group, Wayne Katzke and Deon van der Riet.
Former Edenvale resident and current Kempton Park resident John Evans at the meeting point on September 13 next to his 2002 Harley Davidson Fatboy.
The annual 9/11 memorial ride was organised by Firefighters SA Motorcycle Association and it was held on September 13.
East Rand members of Calvary Bikers Ministry Deon Burger and Garth Mikes waiting for the 9/11 memorial ride to get under way.
One of the organisers and founders of the 9/11 memorial ride Jan Liebenberg pulling out of the meeting point on September 13.
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