‘Back the Blue’ ride planned for Aug. 4, covering 50 miles in Orleans County

File photo by Tom Rivers: A caravan of about 1,000 vehicles were part of the first “Back the Blue” ride on Sept. 12, 2020 in Orleans County. Here they pass underneath a giant American flag on Route 31 in Holley.

MURRAY – The fifth annual “Back the Blue” ride is planned for Aug. 4 and will again start at David Paul’s property on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road.

The first ride had about 1,000 participants. The numbers have been down since the first ride, but several hundred motorcyclists and other vehicles are typically part of the ride.

The participants will leave at 1 p.m. and go to Route 31 and then head west to Medina. They will turn onto Route 63 and go north to Route 104 and then head east to Monroe-Orleans Countyline Rd. The entire ride is about 50 miles.

Before the ride there will be a rally on Paul’s property with conservative talk show host Bob Lonsberry serving as emcee. Paul said speakers expected that day include Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, candidate for district attorney John Sansone, Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Monroe County Legislator Virginia McIntyre is expected to sing the national anthem.

Paul said the community is welcome to be part of the rally and ride, and there is no charge to participate.