Police officers are riding for those who no longer can – pedaling 270 miles up the Florida coast as part of the 15th annual Tour de Force.
"It's great to see the brotherhood come together, it means a lot that these guys are all coming together and we're doing a lot to raise money for families for officers who passed away in the line of duty last year," Sgt. Brian Pritchard of Davie said.
Thirteen officers are being remembered as part of the annual Florida Tour de Force police charity ride.
More than 200 bikers left North Miami Beach Monday morning for Daytona Beach.
"It might take a minute out of your day to let the procession go by, but try to understand there's somebody who has a tremendous loss," said North Miami Beach Chief Larry Gomer.
Money raised benefits families of the 13 officers who were killed – the most since the ride began 15 years ago, said North Miami Beach Detective Craig Catlin.
"These are violent deaths, people being shot and killed," he added.
Miami-Dade Police Officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth, partners who died in a Liberty City shootout last January, were among the 13.
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"They were just good, outstanding citizens and they were involved in the community. Not just in law enforcement but coaching, sporting events for their children," Miami-Dade Officer Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez said.
Bikers fueled up at the 12-mile mark in Dania Beach. The group is expected to finish the ride Friday.
This is the first year the restaurant Denny's sponsored the ride.
"Denny's and the police have always been a partner for last 50 years, because they been eating at our restaurants, so it was a good fit," said Adam Jacobs, president of Denny's Miami.
Tour de Force raised $30,000 last year. With the help of Denny's, the group plans to bring in at least $60,000 this time.
