Let's Ride...

 This year has been very challenging for many organizations, including the Peacekeepers.  The Covid Pandemic has caused many events to be canceled or postponed until next year.  For many weeks and months, we have attempted to navigate through the unforeseen set of circumstances and make the best decisions for both you and the organizations we represent.  We have had multiple meetings, consulted with medical professionals, talked at length to host sites and tried to formulate the best possible plan for this year.  

With that in mind, we have postponed the annual ride to Sunday, August 23, 2020 with several notable changes.  They include, but are not limited to the following:

1. There will be no on-site registration. 
   1. All registrations must be completed prior to your arrival at Camp Lincoln.  This will eliminate the need to have participants congregate or stand in any line(s) to register for the event.  It also will alleviate the number of people who typically have to enter in to the Illinois State Military Museum and the shared use of writing utensils. 
2. There is only a one-hour time span for everyone's arrival prior to the departure time of 11:45 am.  
   1. All participants are asked to stay with their vehicles.  Everyone will be staged in accordance with the social distancing recommendations. 
3. There will be no official opening ceremonies.  
4. There will be no lunch stop this year. 
   1. Again, our goal is to provide a safe environment for all participants and not create a scenario or setting that forces people to congregate in to a single location at the same time without the assurance of social distancing. 
5. The ride will be shortened and the stops have assured us they will have enough staff on hand to allow multiple spots for all participants to hydrate prior to the departure. 
6. There is no official "after party".  The ride will conclude at The Springfield Fire Fighter's Lake Club which offers a large area outside for participants to relax.  
   1. All participants must adhere to the Firefighter's Lake Club restrictions as per the Governor's Executive Order. 

We are taking every necessary precaution to still provide a safe and enjoyable afternoon.  As you well know, this year has put an extra burden on many families attempting to assist their children in continuing education and has caused for the activation of hundreds of men and women in our armed forces.  As a result, we felt compelled to do exhaust every measure and do everything possible to ride again for the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and the scholarship fund for dependents of law enforcement and military personnel coordinated through the Illinois Sheriff's Association. 

Your support, cooperation and understanding are appreciated. 

Thanks in advance and we'll see you on the blacktop!