Strength in numbers

Hundreds of bikers gathered in Hillsborough on Saturday to honor the memory of Sean Powers, a Hillsboro-Deering graduate, Iraq veteran and a newly appointed Hopkinton police officer who tragically died in a traffic accident in August, when his Harley Davidson motorcycle was hit from behind on Rt. 202.
“There were 304 bikes registered, not including passengers,” said event organizer Russ Fuller. “We left the school and went up to Waterville Valley, about 80 miles away. We had lunch there, where we barbecued.”
The caravan of motorcycles and other vehicles trailing behind them, taking pictures and videotaping the ride was so large, Police Chief David Wheeler of Hopkinton had to use his influence to make for them.
“Jeremy Gaudet and I have been organizing this ride for a good month,” said Fuller. “We actually had a lot of help from Chief Wheeler. He did a lot of calling around to all the towns we went through, calling the police departments and letting them know we were coming through their town. Jeremy, Sean and I all graduated together and we used to ride all the time when he was home from the military, and since he’s been home we’ve done a lot of riding.”
The caravan passed through Henniekr, Hopkinton, Webster, Franklin and several other towns on their way to Waterville Valley.
“Despite the cold weather over 300 motorcycles and more than 400 people joined us to celebrate Sean’s life,” said Rob Bellefeuille. “The turnout for this event was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I look forward to helping again next year.”
Fuller and Gaudet rounded up all of their friends who were willing to help out and volunteer to put up and pass out fliers, and cook for the day.
“It was touching to see so many people come out in support of the Powers family,” said Michaela Racette. “The success of the day proves how caring and strong our community is.”
After they rode back into the school campus, several of Sean’s friends stuck around for a while.
“There was a small group of us who hung out for a little bit to remember Sean,” said Fuller. “We all just kind of talked about the day.”