NYVC Tell us how the Sandy Hook Ride on Washington came about.

Monte Frank I live in Sandy Hook.  My daughter graduated just a year and half ago.  The school was the jewel of our community.  During one of many sleepless nights, the idea came to me.  The next morning, I called Badger, Bill Muzzio, also from Sandy Hook and some of my teammates and floated the idea. The universal and immediate response was "I’m in.".

NYVC Why do you think a bicycle ride will have any effect?

Monte Frank We are using our bikes as a way to raise awareness of the epidemic of gun violence in our country and that we need to strengthen our laws to reduce the risk of another Sandy Hook. The response to our "ride" has been tremendous. We have heard from people all over the country from our small towns to our inner cities.  People who share are goals of reducing the scourge of gun violence.   We are inspiring them to do to speak up, and, they in turn are inspiring us to keep moving forward.  

NYVC I’m playing devil’s advocate here, I think the goal is an important one, but what makes you think a bike ride is the best way to accomplish this goal? I’m curious because there’s a lot of bike rides for various issues out there, how would you respond to a skeptic saying you’re just getting people to pay you to ride bikes?

Monte Frank First, we’re not getting paid, and we are not a fundraiser. We’re selling stickers to honor our 26 lost children and educators and to use the proceed for food and hotels.  Each of our riders is prepared to reach into their pockets if the sticker sales do not cover expenses.  Second, a bike ride is not the best way to accomplish the goal of reducing gun violence. But, we are one of many grassroots organizations from Sandy Hook and all over the nation that are standing up and speaking out.  We are using our bikes to deliver a message. Based on the response we have received so far, our voice is being heard. When you put all of these grassroots organizations together, each of us manning an oar, the net effect we hope is an outcry that immediate change is necessary.  Some people march and some people write letters. We ride. Each of these tools serve the purpose of raising awareness and keeping the focus on the issue.

NYVC Is the ride scheduled to coincide with events from other organizations?

Monte Frank We are working with the Newtown Action Alliance, which is a wonderful Newtown based grassroots advocacy group. We are also working the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, the Brady Group, the Virginia Tech Victims and the Moms Against Gun Violence group. They will be on the Hill the day after us. We are also working the Mayors’ group.  

We have received tremendous support from Connecticut’s Congressional delegation. Connecticut’s Senators and Representative Esty will be at our send off rally in Newtown on March 9th.  Representative Himes will be riding with us from Newtown to Ridgefield for another rally. On March 12th, we will be greeted by a Congressional delegation when we arrive at the Capitol.  

NYVC How many days will the ride take? Do you have events planned along the route?

Monte Frank Three and a half days.  We are working on an event in Baltimore and are reaching out to a few communities along the route.

NYVC How many riders will be joining you?

Monte Frank We have 26 riders representing the 20 innocent children and 6 heroic educators who were killed on 12/14.

NYVC Is there a way for other people to participate?

Monte Frank Yes. Please come to Newtown for the rally on March 9th at 8:30 or meet us at the Capitol on March 12th at 1:00.  For cyclists in the greater DC area, or those who do not mind driving to cycling events, we will be meeting at Proteus Bike Shop in Maryland on the 12th, so others can join us for the ride to the Capitol. We will be posting details on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sandyhookrideonwashington.  Please "like" our page to show support and to follow the ride.