By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – The Xtreme Riders (XR) and the American Veterans Motorcycle Club (AVMC) are once again partnering to present the fourth annual T’s Ride, scheduled for Sunday, June 5, beginning and ending at the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge #959. This memorial motorcycle ride celebrates the life of Tony “T” Fasulo, who passed away at age 48 in 2011 after crashing on Route 290 in Shrewsbury. Proceeds go to the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivors’ Fund (MMSF).
According to its website, “The MMSF is a nonprofit organization of all volunteers who raise funds to help local families of riders killed or seriously injured in accidents, and promote motorcycle safety and awareness to help reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities.”
Serving as event chair is Blade, the XR president.
“When Tony died, we wanted to focus on helping our local bikers,” he said. “The money raised goes to local fallen bikers. Unfortunately, I see a lot of our friends and families pass away on bikes who don’t have enough money to cover the basics. We ride for the love of riding, brotherhood and freedom on the road, but we all know the risks.”
At the time Fasulo passed away, he was employed with the Dow Chemical Company in Marlborough as a chemical processor. A 20-year U.S. Army veteran, he’s buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
“Tony touched so many people’s lives because he was always doing community service,” Blade said. “You asked him for help and he’d help you with a smile.”
In addition to being involved with XR of Framingham and AVMC of Shrewsbury, Fasulo was an assistant leader for Boy Scout Troop #4 in Milford.
“Tony was a prospect of AVMC and out of respect he earned his patch the day he passed,” Blade shared. “He was with XR for about 10 years, as vice president for a while and always my right-hand man. We helped his son get the Eagle Scout Award.”
The event starts with breakfast including pancakes, sausages, bacon and coffee served from 9 to 11 a.m. Staging begins at 10 a.m. Then at noon sharp, the police-escorted ride will begin travelling an approximately 80-mile route of mostly backroads.
One stop is planned on Route 290 in Shrewsbury, where a cross marks the spot of the fatal crash. The site will be decorated with a large American flag provided by AVMC. Motorcyclists will leave flowers at the cross.
“It’s very moving and tears flow every year,” Blade noted. “Every time we drive by that spot there’s a flash of memories of Tony. He was taken from us way too soon.”
The ride is expected to return at the Elks Lodge about 1:15 p.m. The public is invited for an afternoon of family-friendly fun from 1 to 4 p.m. In addition to vendors, food concessions and deejays, planned activities include face painting and games for children, and a bikers’ rodeo for adults.
“At that point the celebration starts,” Blade said. “The first year that we had the ride it was exciting and fun, but also solemn because there was still so much emotion. The outpouring of love and support we had was awe inspiring. It has gotten bigger every year as more people keep joining us. We had over 350 people last year and we’re hoping to have even more this year.”
Requested donation is $15 per person. Event T-shirt is $15 in advance or $20 purchased that day onsite. Breakfast is $5. For information and advance purchases, visit http://www.xtremeriders.com and https://squareup.com/store/xtreme-riders.
Photos/submitted
