A year ago, two Indiana police officers died while participating in a bicycle race that crossed state lines. Gary Dudley and former Lake County Police Chief Gary Martin both were killed on August 22nd 2006 in crash after a freight truck ran into a support vehicle following a group of 10 bicyclists as they raced on the highway near Perrysville in Indiana.

The 13-day ride benefits Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors, a group which assists the families of police officers killed in the line of duty. The ride began from the Indiana Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Memorial near the Indiana Statehouse and ended at Crown Hill Cemetary. The cyclists embarked on a 1,000 mile route across Indiana.

This year’s ride is dedicated to the officers Martin, Dudley and also South Bend police officer Scott Severns, who was shot and died during and attempted armed robbery in April 2006. The cyclists will take the same route as they did last year. On June 29th, the riders held a memorial ceremony at the location where Martin and Dudley were killed.

At least 30 riders are anticipated to participate in this event and at this point it is expected that the ride will raise more than $30,000 for the police charity.