More Than 1000 Motorcyclists Expected To Participate In Eight Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride to Benefit U.S. Military
Sunday, May 18, 2014

(W. Collingswood Hts., NJ) – On Sunday, May 18, 2014, Barb’s Harley-Davidson will host the 8th Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride (AFFR) to Joint Base McGuire – Dix – Lakehurst. Sponsored by Barb’s Harley-Davidson, the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee (BCMAC) and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation (MCLEF) of Philadelphia, the AFFR will consist of nearly 1,000 motorcycle riders and passengers. Following opening ceremonies, the ride will depart from Barb’s Harley-Davidson at 10am. Military and law enforcement vehicles will lead riders under a massive American flag, suspended from ladder trucks from local fire companies and proceed north on Interstate Route 295, arriving at Joint Base McGuire – Dix – Lakehurst in Burlington County. The ride, led by military and full police escort, will arrive at approximately 11am at John Mann Park and Doughboy Field in the heart of Joint Base McGuire – Dix – Lakehurst, where participants will enjoy lunch, music, vendors, and numerous recreational, sporting activities. ( CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM.)

This year’s AFFR will include participation and appearances by U.S. Congressman Jon Runyan; retired and active military personell from all 5 branches of the military, former Philadelphia Flyer and current Philadelphia Flyers Ambassador to Hockey Bob “The Hound” Kelly; former Philadelphia Flyers Dave Schultz, Bill Barber and Larry Goodenough; and former Philadelphia Phantoms hockey star Frank “The Animal” Bialowas will be joining the ride.

Since its inception in 2007, the AFFR has raised more than $300,000, and proceeds are split between the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee (BCMAC) and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation (MCLEF) of Philadelphia. BCMAC is a volunteer organization which supports military members, veterans and their families. The MCLEF provides assistance to children of Marines and Federal Law Enforcement personnel who were killed in the line of duty. Each will distribute the monies raised to support projects encouraging the spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development of children through education, primarily in the form of scholarships.

Participants of the 8th Annual AFFR will begin to arrive at Barb’s Harley-Davidson at approximately 8 am on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Local fire companies, The 514th AMW Base Honor Guard and prestigious military personnel will be present. At 10am, riders will be led by full police escort south on the Black Horse Pike (Rt. 168) and proceed north on Interstate 295 to exit 45A (Willingboro-Mount Holly). Continuing east on County
Route 626 (Beverly-Rancocas Road) and into downtown Mount Holly, the riders will turn right on High Street, left onto Washington/Mill Street, bearing left on Branch Street and follow Monmouth Road (CR537). After a right onto Saylors Pond Road (CR 670) crossing Fort Dix Access Highway (Rt. 68), riders will take Defense Access Road into the base. Traveling down Texas Ave., the riders will enter the flightline at the new Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG49) entrance and proceed down the runway and exit at the same location as the entrance. They will proceed down Texas Ave. to 8th Street and make their way to Doughboy Field for event festivities.

For more information, including Sponsorship, Vendors and Registration form, visit  www.armedforcesfreedomride.org or contact: SUSAN MANUEL (SMANUEL@BARBSHD.COM) OR CALL 856-456-4141

The AFFR provides numerous outstanding photographic and video opportunities.

Best photo / video opportunities include:

(8AM to 10:10AM) at Barb’s Harley-Davidson (926 Black Horse Pike, Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059) / staging of 1,000+ motorcycles, raising of the American flag, 514th AMW Base Honor Guard, opening ceremonies with military dignitaries and departure of police and military escorted motorcycle riders, under massive American flag. Plus, opportunities for interviews of Barbara Borowiec (owner of Barb’s Harley-Davidson), U.S. Congressman Jon Runyan, participating Philadelphia sports celebrities and high-ranking U.S. military officials. Highly patriotic atmosphere.

(10:10AM to 10:30AM) at U.S. Route 295 North overpasses between Exits 28 and 45A. Caravan of police / military vehicles and approximately 1000+ motorcycles, many bearing U.S. flags.

(10:20am to 10:40am) Downtown Mt. Holly, Washington Street and Rt. 541 Caravan of police / military vehicles and approximately 1000+ motorcycles, many bearing U.S. flags.

(11:00am to 1pm) McQuire Air Force Base, Doughboy Field. Requires McQuire Air Force Base clearance and access.
Contact: SUSAN MANUEL (SMANUEL@BARBSHD.COM) OR CALL 856-456-4141