MINT HILL, NC – The eleventh “Honor The Warriors” Bike Ride was held at Arlington Baptist Church this year instead of Veterans Memorial Park. The Church was used as the kick-off and rally point for the annual event sponsored by it’s local founder, Mint Hill resident Jerry Morris.

The organization is all about making a difference in our veterans’ lives to provide these heroes with a sense of purpose and achievement. This event gives veterans who are disabled and others who are not, the opportunity to build some comradery while having an extremely rewarding experience.

According Founder Jerry Morris, who has made this statement many times previously, “It’s about the journey, the joy, and the independence.” Morris, a U.S. Army veteran and member of Mint Hill American Legion Post 555, is dedicated to assisting all former service members who would like to participate in the biking event and in other endeavors to help improve a veteran’s life.

This year’s event did not appear to be as large as the 2019 ride. The pandemic most likely had some impact on the turnout, which was still very encouraging as there was a good contingent of cyclists on hand.

The two-day event brings together these like-minded men and women, including local bikers, to ride various distance routes depending upon a cyclist’s ability. The routes on Saturday held in Mint Hill were 17, 34, and a rigorous 66 miles within Mint Hill and the surrounding neighboring towns and communities along mostly country roads. The start times were staggered with the 66-mile bikers departing at 8:00 am, 34 miles at 9:00 am, and the 17 mile riders at 10:00 am. The Friday ride was held in Charlotte where the bikers rode in and around the city including area parks. The ride kick-off location was at Eastway Park, and the bikers stopped for lunch at Freedom Park before finishing the tour of the city in the afternoon.

The Honor the Warriors organization welcomes donations. They also appreciate support from local residents, businesses, the police and fire departments, Women’s Club of Mint Hill, and other local area veteran groups.

For more information, please go to their website at www.honorthewarriors.org.