The sound of rumbling motorbikes echoed through Aldergrove as the ninth annual Rolling Barrage ride made its final stop at the Royal Canadian Legion's Branch 265 on Saturday, Aug. 16.
The coast-to-coast motorcycle journey raises awareness and funds for veterans, first responders, and Canadian Armed Forces members living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Rolling Barrage was started in 2016 by founder Scott Casey, who has grown the tradition into a nationally recognized event, with riders crossing the country from Newfoundland to British Columbia in a show of solidarity.
This year, 78 motorcycles rode together, with 26 completing what鈥檚 known as the 鈥淔ull Pull,鈥� meaning the entire journey from coast to coast.
President of the Aldergrove legion Deb Gray said the group dips their back tires in the Atlantic Ocean before starting, and their front tires in the Pacific Ocean once they end.
The Aldergrove legion has been involved with the Rolling Barrage for four years, but it has only recently become the official final stop.
Riders were welcomed with a chicken, corn, and potato salad barbecue and music.
鈥淲e make sure all the riders eat for free,鈥� said Gray.
She said it鈥檚 the legion鈥檚 way of showing appreciation for everything the riders have been through. The local legion also played a big role in fundraising.
Through 50/50 draws and the community event, members raised $13,569.50 this year for the Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very rewarding for us to hand over that cheque in person,鈥� said Gray.
鈥淎ll of us work hard for this, and to see the riders receive it is really special.鈥�
Gray said the riders look forward to reuniting each year, sharing the road, and supporting each other.
鈥淔or those living with PTSD, this ride is something they look forward to every year,鈥� Gray explained.
鈥淪ome of them find it hard when it鈥檚 over, they probably can鈥檛 wait until next year.鈥�
Next year will mark the Rolling Barrage鈥檚 10th anniversary, and plans are already underway.
With more than 100 riders registered for the Full Pull, Aldergrove will once again host the closing stop. And Gray said she will once again be ready to welcome the Rolling Barrage.
For more information about the Rolling Barrage, people can visit .
