MOHAWK VALLEY, N.Y. -- They come from different places, near and far, but the reason why they ride is the same.
"Cause, I never want to see this happen to any child that I know. And I want to continue to help children everywhere," said rider Dave Taylor.
Taylor is one of more than 400 riders who made the trek. He has been riding for the past eight years and has gotten his children involved. He wears pins on his uniform for the children he is riding for.
"These pins are all of children who are not going to be coming home to their families in this lifetime. They'll meet them in the next life. Everyone has a story behind it how they came to disappear," said Taylor.
More than 400 people hit the pavement to support the Ride for Missing Children. Bicyclists rode for more than 100 miles across the Mohawk Valley raising awareness and spirits. Our Iris St. Meran tells us more about their journey and the reason behind it.
And with each mile completed, the hope is such stories won't ever have to be told. The ride started in the Mohawk Valley just 12 years ago. At that time there were only 43 bicyclists and with each year it continues to grow. This year saw the largest turnout with 410 people, and because of their commitment, 1.2 million missing children's posters can be distributed.
"It's such a moving experience. It's not about the bike ride. It's about having three boys of my own and if they should ever go missing I know what's being done to raise the posters that help to bring them home," rider Kelly Pietryka.
And the response to their efforts from the community far and wide can be summed up in just two words: thank you.