Day 5 is Dedicated to Engineer Brad Baity

Day 5 is Dedicated to Engineer Brad Baity

We were escorted out of Palatka by both the police and sheriff’s department.  The word up and down the pace line for today was “hump day”.  We all knew that at the end of today we would be past the half way mark for the ride. 

The ride was a flat and easy ride.  Although we did sixty plus miles all the riders were remarking how well they felt.  We were hosted at the Jacksonville IAFF Union Hall until it was time to be escorted to the Jacksonville Elks Lodge.  We had the honor of a Jacksonville firefighter and also a Jacksonville city councilman joining us in the ride to the Elks Lodge. 

 The last eight mile stretch into the elks lodge proved to be the most challenging of the ride.  We were in rush hour traffic and had lost our police escort for the day.  It was obvious the brotherhood ride had become a team of brothers.  We were able to watch each others back and safely guide our way closer to the lodge.  Jacksonville fire came to our rescue by providing an engine escort.

Upon arrival at the elks lodge we were presented with a proclamation honoring the Brotherhood Ride.  We were officially welcomed by the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge.  A thank you plaque was presented to the Exalted Ruler for everything the Elks Lodge has done for the brotherhood ride.