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Sandy Hook Riders leave on cycling journey to D.C.

A group of 26 bicyclists are making the long trek today from Newtown to Washington DC.  The group of professional and amateur cyclists are calling for common sense gun control legislation.  Three of the team members are from Newtown and two have children who went to Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Frank Monte is organizing the event to raise awareness of gun violence and to advocate for gun control reforms.

 

One of the honorary riders is Chris McDonnell, who will join elected officials in sending the group off toward the nation's capital .  He says he is riding for the love of an innocent child whose life was full of dreams and boundless possibilities.  He rides for his daughter Grace.

 

The ride kicks off at 8:30am from Reed Intermediate School.  First Selectman Pat Llodra, joined by Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy among others will hold a kick-off rally.

 

Numerous officials are participating in the local portion of the bike ride, including Bethel first selectman Matt Knickerbocker and Danbury City Councilman Duane Perkins.  4th District Congressman Jim Himes will also be riding from Newtown to Ridgefield where he will help lead a rally at Veterans’ Park Elementary School around 11am.

 

Himes says he is inspired by the cyclists and their commitment to the cause.  He's hoping that inspiration will be enough to get him over the hills between Newtown and Ridgefield.  Regardless of if he's left in the dust, Himes says he's looking forward to welcoming the Sandy Hook riders to Washington on Tuesday.

 

One of the riders is Newtown Department of Police Services Officer Jeff Silver.  He says as a law enforcement officer his job is to protect people and if a change can be made to help him, he support it.  Silver also says reform of the mental health system is long overdue.  In joining this effort, Silver says he is is riding so the suffering of people affected by the events of December 14th is not in vain, but the fuel for the catalyst of change.

 

The team of professional and amateur cyclists includes teachers, a Vietnam Veteran and a police officer.  They will be holding a rally in Washington when they arrive on Tuesday.

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Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines