Bikers with military, first responder and public safety backgrounds are riding from coast to coast for the eighth annual Rolling Barrage.
The event was created in 2016 by Sean Casey, who envisioned an annual cross-Canada motorcycle ride.
The initiative aimed to challenge the stigma associated with PTSD and to raise money for programs that assist serving and retired military members and first responders in receiving the necessary treatment for the mental health issues they face as a result of their service.
The Rolling Barrage would soon be established and planning for the inaugural ride began in early 2017.
Officials indicate that the motorcycles traversing Canada represent The Rolling Barrage’s tribute to those who have given their lives for our country.
The journey started July 27 in St. John’s, Nfld., and riders will travel for 21 days, finishing the ride in Aldergrove, B.C.
Linda Griffin is the lead rider for the New Brunswick portion of the journey on Thursday and Friday and says anyone with a motorcycle is invited to join.
“You can ride for one day, two days, three days, a half a day, whatever your schedule allows you to do. People just get on and off the ride wherever. For those that do the full ride, you end up with a family,” said Griffin.
Stops in our province include Shediac, Oromocto, Nackawic, Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol and Edmundston.
Griffin said the community reaction has continued to grow since the event was first launched seven years ago.
“A lot of towns will have people outside on the road waving at us. The fire trucks will be up on the overpasses waving at us, saluting us,” she said.
Daily road reports will be posted to social media, and donations to PTSD awareness can be found by clicking here.
