600 Motorcycles Will Thunder Through Holland Tunnel: OEM

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — This Saturday evening about 600 motorcycles will thunder across the NJ Turnpike, headed eastbound through the Holland Tunnel. The convoy of choppers will take about 15 minutes to pass through the area, and will be so large that Port Authority police will have to hold traffic for several blocks in Jersey City near the toll plaza.

But if you get caught in a momentary delay, maybe knowing the reason for the cavalcade might grant you some patience.

On Friday morning, the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management issued the following advisory on social media (story continues below):

“On Saturday, August 18 between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. there will be approx. 600 motorcycles coming from the NJ TPKE traveling East Bound (NY Bound) through the Holland Tunnel. The convoy will take approximately 15 minutes. Port Authority Police will hold traffic on all cross street along 12th Street in Jersey City between Jersey Ave and the NJ Toll Plaza.”

So what’s the reason for the 600-strong motorcycle convoy? According to a spokesperson for the Port Authority of NY/NJ, the bikers are part of an annual event known as “America’s 9/11 Ride,” which is dedicated to remembering the heroes, volunteers and victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and since.

The organization behind the ride, America's 911 Foundation Inc., also creates scholarships for the children of first responders. Their 2018 ride kicked off Friday in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and is slated to end on Sunday in Arlington, Virginia at the Pentagon.

Learn more about the event here, and see the 2018 ridebook here.

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: YouTube / ritaelena11