The Tour de Force's dual mission
is to honor the victims of 9/11 by keeping their memory alive through cycling events and to
raise funds, to benefit the families of police officers, who were killed in the line of duty,
each year, nationwide, making the ultimate sacrifice. The Tour de Force is a registered 501©3 charity with the IRS.
History of The Tour de Force
The “Tour de Force” was started in 2002 after Det. Robert De Paolis of the NYPD (since retired) decided to ride his bike to honor the fallen police officers that gave their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was then joined by 8 other members of the NYPD and one member of the Bronx District Attorney's Office and along with four volunteer support personnel, they cycled their way from the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, through Washington, DC, Maryland, Deleware and New Jersey and finally to Ground Zero, NYC. In 2003, the Tour de Force was incorperated in the state of New York as a non profit charity and later gained 501(c)3 status from the IRS.
The TDF has now evolved into an annual four day event in which we continue to remember our brothers and sisters that died that fateful day. In their honor, we have made it our mission to raise funds for families of police officers nationwide that are killed in the line of duty. The TDF also holds several one day benefit events, each year.
Each September, law enforcement officers from around the country and abroad depart on bicycles and journey approximately 250 miles along the east coast to support this cause. Each and every rider participates in raising funds to support what we all believe is a wonderful and very worthwhile endeavor. It is the belief in our mission that brings so many participants back year after year.
In 2008 the TDF purchased an enclosed trailer that serves as our mobile H.Q. during the 9/11 Memorial Ride and our one day events. The trailer allows the staff to store bikes, equiptment, first aid kits and many other items that are needed to properly support our particpants.
The Tour de Force is a fully supported ride with a dedicated support staff of volunteers. Since our first ride in 2002, we have now grown to more than 170 riders and 20 support team members. A four member Board of Directors is charged with the yearly operations, planning, and facilitation of this non profit organization.
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The 2010 ride starts at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA on September 11th and will consist of approximately 150 cyclists and 25 support personnel. The ride ends on September 14th at the World Trade Center site, NYC.
Our riders represent many police departments, firefighters, and emergency
medical units from all across the U.S. Some even come from as far as Canada & Europe.
The total distance of this year’s course is approximately 265 miles and will surely test the strength and will of each rider. Day one will encompass 107 miles and includes a 42 mile and 65 mile legs with a ferry ride in between, while day two takes us 85 miles along Jersey’s coast, and on day three,
we will pedal 55 flat miles thru scenic north Jersey. Day four will be a 20 mile group ride thru New York City, to Ground Zero and finally to the NYPD Memorial.
The TDF is a non profit organization. All proceeds raised are donated to the
families of police officers killed in the line of duty.
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