Twenty-six cyclists finished a 400-mile ride from Newtown, Conn. to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to advocate for gun reform.
The riders, who called themselves the Sandy Hook Riders, included 26 professional, top amateur and masters cyclists. Each represented one of 20 children and six educators killed during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Team 26 wore green and white jerseys, the Sandy Hook colors.
"This incredible team of parents, teachers, veterans, and many more has sent a message loud and clear to people across the country that the time for common sense gun reform is now," U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said in a statement.
"Today they bring that message straight to the U.S. Congress. We know that passing common sense gun reform will be tough, but with strong grassroots efforts like the Sandy Hook Ride on Washington, Congress will get that message and we will get this done," he said.
The group left from Sandy Hook Elementary School on March 9.
In addition to the 26 cyclists, others rode along for some or all of the ride, including Connecticut congressional representatives and members of the Virginia Tech Victims Cycling Team, according to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes’ office.
Organizers sold vinyl decals online and in local stores to fund food, tires and hotel costs for the riders and their support staff.
Photo Credit: Office of U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty