Along for the Ride

With a brisk morning breeze behind them, over one hundred riders took to the scenic roads of the Connecticut River Valley to help fuel the flame that lights the way for the state’s Special Olympians to continue competing. Hosted by the Woodbridge and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) police departments, the second annual Ride For The Flame was organized to directly benefit Special Olympics of Connecticut and took place on Sunday.  

Of the four rides starting at Whelen Engineering in Chester, the 50-mile and the 100-mile rides had routes through the towns of Haddam and East Haddam. After passing the celebrated Goodspeed Opera House and conquering the hills of River Road for a lunch rest at Gillette Castle State Park, the participants used the swing bridge to cross the rather tranquil Connecticut River into the Tylerville section of Haddam.

While at Gillette Castle, tucked into a shaded corner of the parking lot, riders sunk their teeth into tinfoil wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and orange slices, washing it all down with some thirst quenching water.

As he finished up a cup of water, Sgt. Jim Elliott of the Hartford police department, a community man who has rode for a cause before, shared his story. For him, the cause was greater than the ride, and it would as Elliot said, "contribute to a good support network (for the Special Olympics) that stands for the empowerment of disabled citizens across Connecticut."

Sgt. Elliott rode with a photograph taped to his bike, honoring a neighbor facing challenges similar to those of the very Special Olympic athletes the officer rode with.

Mike Frisk, a Middletown resident soaking up one last moment of rest before continuing the ride, enthusiastically embraced "participating to support the cause." Participants were from all over the region. Some were police officers, others Special Olympics athletes. Some were cyclists looking to, as they say, “kill two birds with one stone,” by doing what they love, cycling and being able to be a part of an encouraging and progressing cause.

One such participant, Steve Hoagland, helped himself to a sandwich and took the weight off his feet by finding a shady spot in the grass. Mr. Hoagland, a Cornwall, NY resident, who works in Groton during the week, introduced himself as a frequent rider of various events. He heard about the cause through a flyer that was being handed out at another event.

When asked about the area, Mr. Hoagland immediately praised East Haddam, noting that he “loves the ride and the scenery,” and was glad he could support the cause, simply by participating in his life-long hobby of riding. 

In addition to the 100- and 50-mile rides, participants also had the choice to master a 25 or 10-mile route. Once all of the rides were completed, supporters could also compete in an additional event called Public Safety Mountain Bike. Hundreds of miles in support later, the daylong event was capped off with a barbeque and some festivities to convey a deserving appreciation to the participants.

The second annual Ride For The Flame was a success. When you’re doing what you love, it seems as if you’re not doing anything at all, but each participant in Sunday’s event was doing more than taking in the picturesque corner stones of rural river towns on a sunshine-packed, summer day. They were providing vital support for an organization that gives extraordinary persons of disability the opportunities to wield courage, stay fit and interact with other athletes in healthy competition, culminating in an experience that assures joy is never something unfamiliar.

For more information on the event and how to support Special Olympics Connecticut, visit Ride For the Flame 2011.