Members of HUGS (Hands Up for Gun Safety), a group based in the tri-town area of Topsfield, Mass., received “a very warm reception,” from Newtown residents on Sunday, August 26, said HUGS member Eric Roth as the group concluded a 200-mile bicycle ride. The ride was called the Tri-Town to Newtown Ride to Remember.

Participants in the group’s first three-day, 200-mile ride from Topsfield to Newtown arrived at the finish line at Newtown Congregational Church, where they received a welcome from people including Rev Matt Crebbin. This ride was a trial run, Mr Roth said, “and it went very well.”

Next year, HUGS will reach out to many more people who may want to participate, he said.

He commented, “We are concerned about gun violence, particularly in our schools.” The ride is “an effort to remember and honor the victims of the Newtown tragedy.”

The bike ride kicked of at 7 am, Friday, August 24, from Congregational Church of Topsfield.

Mr Roth hoped the ride would “bring awareness to the gun violence prevention movement.” The HUGS group is a local grassroots organization that’s mission is to educate and advocate for commonsense gun legislation.

The cyclists traveled approximately 70 miles a day, finishing on Sunday, August 26, in Newtown.