Local Biker Clubs Ride To Memorial In Remembrance Of Murrah Building Bombing

Local first responders traded their uniforms for leather and took to the streets in their annual Ride to Remember on Saturday, all in honor of the Murrah building bombing anniversary.

The Ride to Remember took the group all across the city, but the most important stop was the Oklahoma City Memorial. Marty Thorne, a retired firefighter and the brains behind this year’s event, says the ride to the memorial always hits close to home.

We started this sixteen years ago and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger,” says Thorne.

Biker clubs from across the city gather to ride to the Oklahoma City memorial; but they’re not just any bikers.

“Most of the guys in my club are Oklahoma City firefighters,” Thorne says.

At the memorial they held a short ceremony and prayer.

“It’s to remember all the first responders that worked in the bombing,” says Thorne.

For him, that means those that stood with him outside the Murrah Federal Building 28 years ago.

"We all worked the bombing, so every one of us has been touched," said Thorne.

Friends and even strangers were brought together by the Ride to Remember.

“It's very hard to describe when you're standing amongst the rubble and the eighth floor is head level with you,” Thorne said, describing his experience at the bombing site. Marty says they find comfort in the biker community.

“You will not find a more giving people than bikers and I consider them my family,” Thorne says.

Along with the motorcycle ride and wreath laying, the event also raises money for local groups that provide support to our first responders right here in Oklahoma City.