Members of Law Enforcement United rolled through our area as they continue the more than 900 mile bike ride to our nation's capital to honor the service and sacrifice of officers killed in the line of duty.
"It's about 300 cops, federal, state and local, that bicycle ride from Brunswick, Georgia, to Washington, DC.," Cyclist Rich Gallo said.
Gallo, and more than one hundred of his fellow cyclists, met at Grand Strand Bicycles in Murrells Inlet Friday for breakfast and some supplies. Members of the Grand Strand Bicycles Cycling Club/Rac Team joined Law Enforcement United on their ride from the Inlet to Conway.
"Today's day is from Georgetown, then we're gong to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, then Conway, then up to Loris, then to Tabor City and we'll end in Lumberton, North Carolina," Gallo added.
In Conway, cyclists attended the annual Horry County Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service.
In eight days, the group will ride their bikes for a total of 900 miles, averaging 113 miles each day. Gallo said the mental aspect of the trek is more challenging than the toll it takes on his body. "The physical part is actually second. The mental part of being able to get up everyday and bicycle ride and then eat, sleep and bicycle ride, and do a century everyday, a century plus everyday," he said.
Another 300 bicyclists will join Gallo in Virginia Beach, and will end their journey at the White House on May 12 where they will attend National Peace Officers Memorial Day services.
