By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

Lou DeVuono has a vision he would love to see become a reality – a motorcade of hundreds of motorcycles lining the streets of the Highway of Heroes, the very same path traveled by Canada’s fallen soldiers.
And while that vision became a reality, in a somewhat smaller format last year, he says he is aiming for bigger and better this June.
DeVuono is the ride founder and organizer of the Heroes Highway Ride, which is designed to honour troops still deployed and their families.
“It came about as I had spent some time on many bridges watching as our fallen soldiers came home after repatriation ceremonies but I was also concerned about the soldiers who are still fighting or those who had just finished tours,” he says.
“I wanted to do something to recognize them all.”
DeVuono hosted the first Heroes Highway Ride last summer and 134 motorcycles, with 150 riders, took part.
They managed to raise $1,204 for the Wounded Warriors Fund, a charity that aids injured soldiers, he says, adding the primary goal of the ride is to show troops the support they have behind them.
The ride is free for participating riders and money is raised solely through donations.
“This year we have expanded the event to include more than just motorcycles,” says DeVuono who has plans of a celebration street event to be hosted in Bowmanville. The event will include a 50/50 draw, live music and prizes.
The riding motorcade passes by the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton allowing soldiers to witness it.

“It’s a win-win for the soldiers and the riders,” says the founder.
“I think the presentation of the event will make an impact on the soldiers.”
DeVuono recently attended a regional finance committee meeting to ask for financial assistance to host the event.
“As this is a free ride, there are costs incurred especially with the Bowmanville event,” he says.
DeVuono says he expects hundreds of motorcycles to take part in this year’s ride and this will require the support of local police. He asked the committee if it could secure the police force.
“We do have the support of the OPP on the highway but we do need the support of local police too,” he says, adding he has written a letter to the police board.
He also has requested the police services pipe and drum band to play as the motorcade makes its way into Bowmanville.

But Chair of the Finance Committee and Regional Councillor Marilyn Pearce says the region has a ‘no grants’ policy to follow.
“I’m not sure at this point in time what kind of financial help we can give,” she says.
“It’s certainly a worthwhile cause.”
Pearce suggests DeVuono wait for the police board to make a decision before the region steps in.
The ride takes place on June 5, 2010. It starts at 11 a.m at the 10 Acre Truck Stop at Exit 538 just east of Trenton and follows the Highway of Heroes until arriving in Bowmanville. Registration is available that day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For more information about the ride or how to donate visit www.heroshighwayride.com.