Gail's riders are a fitting tribute

Gail Worth is a red-white-and-blue patriot who knows two things:
That love of country is woven throughout every fiber of her body.
And how to throw a party.
When you add those two traits, there can only be one result – the biggest party you’ve ever seen.
The personality-plus owner of Gail’s Harley Davidson in Grandview announced Thursday that the eighth annual “9/11 Tribute Ride,” will take place as part of Gail’s 9/11 Tribute Ride and Rally Festival, beginning at 11 a.m., Sept. 6, starting at her business (5900 E. Highway 150) and ending 11 miles later at 119th Street in Overland Park, Kan.
Kansas City Magazine voted the 2007 event “Kansas City’s Best Festival.”
The actual festival will begin at 11 a.m., with vendors, food, the landing of a United States Army Chinook helicopter, the appearance of a rare Golden Eagle from Operation Wildlife, activities for youngsters, live bands, a hot-rod show, a United States Marine Corps flag retirement ceremony (1:30 p.m.) and the ride, which will begin at 4 p.m.
“If you’ve never been to an event like this, you have to see it to believe it,” Worth said, as a touching memorial to the events of Sept. 11, 2001 played on a big screen television in her showroom.
“I remember when we were attacked and I was like, ‘That can’t happen in our country.’ But it did. Then, a year later, it was getting close to Sept. 11, 2002 and I’m thinking, ‘Where are the memorials, the tributes, the events to honor our fallen heroes.’ ”
And she couldn’t find one to attend.
So she talked to members of her staff, many of whom have a military background, and she threw out the idea of a tribute ride.
The Gail’s staff mailed flyers to their customers and tried to start a grassroots event that looked like it was going to fall flat on its face.
“We were going to ride at 6 p.m., and there were just a few riders there at 5:30,” she said. “Then, about 5:45 – well, it was incredible. Riders came from everywhere. And we wound up with about 100 or so riders and it was really a special tribute.”
They created more than a few traffic woes, but when members of the area police departments learned of their motive, they offered their support.
Last year’s event attracted more than 2,000 riders and this year’s promises to be bigger and better.
“I like a party, and we’re going to have a big one this year,” Worth said. “This isn’t just a business for me. This is my family, we’re a team. And everyone we come in contact with – no matter what type of bike they ride, or if they even ride a bike – is a member of our family.
“We want to salute the policemen, the firemen, the EMT staffs, the members of the armed forces, with an event they will never forget.
“And believe me, if you’re not riding. Just go and find a spot on 150 Highway or 135th Street and watch the bikes roll by. People are there with their kids and they’re all waving flags …”
Her eyes teared up as she continued, “It’s just the most moving thing you will ever see. I was lucky; I didn’t lose a loved one on 9/11, and I can’t imagine the pain and sorrow felt by those who did.
“But as long as I’m around, they will never be forgotten.”
Commemorative 9/11 Never Forget T-shirts and pins will be available at the event and 100 percent of the money raised will be donated to the U.S. Troop Support and Foundation (www.ustroopsupport.com), which is chaired locally by Blue Springs resident Linda Relitz.
The foundation has sent out more than 155,000 care packages to troops across the world, who are in harm’s way.
For more information on the ride, log on to www.feelthepower.com.