The 11th annual Ride for Freedom Motorcycle Run took place in perfect weather conditions Sunday starting at Jacky’s Galaxie on Metacom Avenue and finishing at the Defiance Fire Station on Hope Street. A total of 83 bikes, 14 passengers, and 41 non-riders took part in the event.

Sponsored by the Front Line Ministry for Freedom under the direction of David Benevides, Gail Devine and Melissa Benevides Vance, the event was termed another huge success.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Dave Benevides, who’s been one of the backbones of this motorcycle run since its inception. ”But it’s not just me, there are many others here who go above and beyond to make the event the success that it is each year.”

Thanks also go out to the Elks Riders and friends for their support and participation.

Before the actual ride began, bikers gathered in the Jacky’s Galaxie parking lot to collect their commemorative T-shirts, an American flag, and American flag pins. Special raffles were also held.

Ceremonies were also conducted featuring a prayer by Sherrill Ferreira, and the singing of the National Anthem by Specialist Abigail Ferreira. The Bristol Fire Dept. Ladder 1 of the Dreadnaught Fire Station was also thanked for their support in hoisting a traditional huge American flag which added to the significance of the day.

“We also want to thank East Bay Dunkin’ Donuts owner Cliff Prazeres for saving the day with our morning coffee and donations of delicious doughnuts, and Val from Jacky’s Galaxie for letting us use Jacky’s to start the ride,” Vance announced.

Sixteen police motorcycle officers from Bristol, Portsmouth, East Providence, Cranston, Warren, Providence and Newport, featuring Bristol Patrolman Gregory Silvia, led the ride. Little Compton police also helped out in blocking along the way through Little Compton.

“Bristol Police Motorcycle Unit is honored to assist the annual Front Line Ministries Ride for Freedom,” said Bristol Police officer Greg Silvia, who gave the riders a safety debriefing before escorting the group on the route. “Bristol police along with motorcycle units from across the state assist in making the escort safe and enjoyable for all the participants.”

“We owe a big thank you to the motorcycle police officers for keeping us safe throughout the entire ride,” said Benevides. “Riders mentioned they can't wait for next year!" 

At the conclusion of the ride, Defiance Hose Co. No. 1 firefighters hosted a cookout at the fire station where everyone enjoyed, hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta salad and other goodies.

For the record, this motorcycle run grossed a total of $7,888, with a total profit of $5,502, which was split between the Defiance Hose Co. No. 1 and the Front Line Ministry for Freedom.

Next year’s Ride for Freedom will be held on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023.

With reports from Christy Nadalin