This August marks the third time I will be doing the 5h30min drive from Montreal to Farmington, Connecticut to attend a series of events that make up The Dream Ride Experience. Of all the events that take place, there are three notable ones.
Firstly, there is the Dream Ride itself, which is one of the largest charity motorcycle rides in Connecticut! It is a police-escorted motorcycle rally and ride featuring a 40-mile cruise through the Connecticut countryside. Thousands of motorcycles from the United States and Canada converge in Farmington, Connecticut all to ride to benefit The Hometown Foundation, Inc.
Secondly, there is the Dream Cruise and Wrangler Rally, which is one of the largest car cruises benefiting The Hometown Foundation, Inc. Hundreds of automotive enthusiasts from all over the country convene at The Farmington Polo Club. It is a twelve miles police-escorted journey where drivers pair up with Dream Riders in their classic or exotic vehicles or Wranglers for a cruise through the Farmington Valley. The Dream Riders are men, women, and children living with intellectual disabilities, this event exists primarily to honour the Dream Riders in our communities and highlights their determination and willingness to persevere, overcome challenges, and shatter stereotypes. The Experience has raised over 10 million dollars for the Hometown Foundation and Special Olympics.
Thirdly, and for the car people that you guys are, this might be the main attraction. There is the Dream Show, which is one of the top premier car shows in New England. Hundreds of exotic, vintage and classic cars converge in Farmington, for this one-of-a-kind display. You can expect to see the latest models from Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and more!
If you’re lucky enough, you might make your way into the Castle Party. The Castle Party is a pre-Dream Show party that takes place at @sparky1888’s place at an undisclosed location. It’s an occasion to get photos of an amazing group of hypercars with very little people, compared to the number of people at the actual show.
Learn more and donate to the Dream Ride Experience via dreamride.org
Photography by Anthony Melotti