ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — It was a beautiful day for a sad tribute.
Hundreds of motorcyclists from around the St. John’s area and beyond lined the entire waterfront Saturday to take part in the Chad Pitcher Memorial Ride.
“We’re here to support the family,” Barry Clarke said while waiting for the ride to begin. He and his brother Scotty were among those gathered at the harbour under sunny skies with temperatures in the 20s.
“It could have been one of us,” Scotty said.
“Very easily,” Barry added. “The cars got to start watching out for bikes.”
Pitcher, 44, was known by many in the motorcycle community and had several riding friends.
He lost his life on the night of May 11, when a man speeding in a Kia Soul in the west end of the metro region rammed into several vehicles stopped at a red light at the intersection of Topsail Road and Hamlyn Road. Pitcher, who had been out for a ride on his motorcycle that evening, was said to have died at the scene, as did the driver of the Kia.
Saturday’s ride began downtown, went along Waterford Bridge Road and then back down Topsail Road, directly past the intersection where Pitcher died.