Riders enter Wolverine Harley Davidson at the end of the 60-mile Ride for Freedom on June 22. Source photo by Debra Kaszubski

Participants, who paid $30 per rider or $20 per passenger, were treated to a police escort in which all roads, including major streets like Gratiot Avenue, were closed during the nonstop morning ride. Riders also received a continental breakfast, safety tips and a blessing of the bikes at the base before the ride, and lunch and entertainment at the end at Wolverine. The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal, Wolverine Harley-Davidson and several other businesses sponsored the event.

“The day has gone extremely well. The weather has held out, and everyone is having a good time and supporting our military,” said Heather Eckman, the Army’s Ride for Freedom project coordinator.

The ride was successful, in part, due to the large number of participants from Wolverine’s H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Chapter, one of the largest in the country, according to Adrienne Nutter, marketing event coordinator, and Jolene Gang, general sales manager at Wolverine.

“Our customers and many riders support the military, so it seemed natural for us to help our neighbors through this event,” said Nutter, who coordinates various community support events for Wolverine. “This is our biggest, most popular event, with many riders willing to get on their bikes and ride for the troops.”

Steve Krystoff of Rochester Hills rode his patriotic red, white and blue Harley that is adorned with U.S. flags. He said he participated for one simple reason: “For freedom,” he said. “I’ll support anything that’s for our troops.”

Denis and Ginger Blaquiere of Clarkston rode their 2005 Harley Road King Classic during the event, their first Ride for Freedom. The couple, who take pleasure in rides and recently participated in a California-based event with 10,000 bikers, said they enjoyed the event and were especially pleased to see spectators along the road holding flags in support of riders.

“I always come out for this. It’s for a good cause - the service members who are putting themselves on the line out there for us,” said Shelby Township resident Angelo Castiglione, who rode his 2005 Harley Ultra Classic.

Logan Flynn, 11, of Clarkston, was among the youngest riders, having sat on the back of his uncle’s Harley 1200 Custom Sportster. He described the ride, his first, as “fast and fun.”

At seven months pregnant, Denise Immel of Howell was not your typical rider. To avoid falling, Immel rode a Can-Am Spyder, a unique cycle with added stability and safety features. Immel’s husband, Jeff, general sales manager at K&W Motorcycle in Shelby Township, participated in the ride not only to support the troops, but also to show off the unique bright yellow bike, which caught the attention of many.

“There were so many heads turning when we rode by,” Jeff Immel said.

Joe Stockslager, marketing specialist at Selfridge, said all of the proceeds from the ride will be used to support various programs at the base that boost troop morale, such as holiday-themed parties. Proceeds will also cover the cost of phone cards for troops who are overseas.