Run for the Wall. Lewisburg WV to Washington DCDay 10 for the Run, Day 4 for me.
Saturday May 22, 2009
Staging this morning is in the Brier Inn parking in Lewisburg. Before staging my bike I went to Hardees for breakfast. Darn I had to pay for that one. Today would be a 258 miles with two gas stops.
Today the 7th platoon consisting of trikes, trailers and sidecars, will ride ahead of the main pack. This should make for a safer, and less congested entry.
Our first gas stop was at Raphine WV. It was a quick in and out and on to Toms Brook for gas and food. At Toms Brooks lunch was provided by the Tree of Life Ministries of Lynchburg VA. Typically the final miles into DC proper is very busy and difficult. However this year, the lanes had been closed off for us and we had the smoothest and safest ride in recent memory.
When we arrived in Arlington VA (across from DC) we broke up and went our separate way. We were spread out over several hotels and some were camping.
The evening was open for your own arrangement with some attending a candlelight vigil at the Wall and others went to 8th & I to watch the Marine Corps Evening Parade. However we all chose to end our first night in DC, we all go to bed thinking of our most important stop tomorrow, the Wall.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Run for the Wall. Hurricane WV to Rainelle WV/Lewisburg WV
Run for the Wall. Hurricane WV to Rainelle WV/Lewisburg WV
Day 9 for the Run day 3 for me
Staging this morning is at Valley Park Wave Pool. After staging my bike with the third platoon I again had another free meal. This time breakfast. Sorry, again I don’t know who to thank. After the morning meeting we departed for a short ride to Charleston the capital of West By God Virginia. I have heard it said that way many times. Today will be a short riding day, only 131 miles. That is so we can spend time at Rainelle school.
When we reached Charleston we staged our bikes on the walkway in front of the State Capital. They took a huge picture with the whole Run gathered on the steps of the State Capital building. After a speech by the Governor and a visit their beautiful veterans memorial we were again on our way. O yes someone did have snack and cool drinks for us.
Instead of heading back to the interstate we headed up Rt. 60 to Rainelle WV. The scenery along Rt.60 was beautiful, but the was a little twisty and demanded our full attention. On Rt.60 we ride single file and the pace was much slower then the interstate. At two of the towns we passed through all the children were standing if front of their schools waving and shouting as we went by. At one town they took us off our route to pass by the school where the children and teachers were wearing red T shirts in our honor. They also waved, yelled and waved the Red, White And Blue. Just before arriving in Rainelle I again ran out of gas. This time I turned the valve the right way and continued with no difficulty.
Rainelle School, Rainelle WV.
The first time I joined the Run in 2007 I heard about Rainelle school. As I have said I was amazed by all that I experienced on the Run, but continued to hear “wait till you get to Rainelle”. Run for the Wall central route has adopted Rainelle school and Rainelle school has adopted Run for the Wall central route. During the morning meeting they collect money, hold 50/50 drawings and raffle off items donated, with the money going to Rainelle school. This year we raise over $11,000. That is over $1000 for each day of the Run.
As we approached Rainelle we form up two by two and our lead bikes unfurled their large flags as we ride into town. In front of Rainelle school the fire dept. has a truck with the ladder extended holding a large U.S. flag. We parade the length of town then make a u turn and return to the school. We park four wide in front of the school, blocking half the width of the street. The kids are lined along the sidewalk waiting for us to dismount and join them. They surround the riders and hand us their autograph books to sign. Some of them have white t shirts the ask us to autograph. Some of the riders hand out nick knacks to the kids. After spending time with the kids we move into the school for lunch. Again we are provide with a free meal, this time by the people of Rainelle. After lunch and gabbing with other riders we move outside around to the back of the school. They have a nice ceremony and present the school with the $11,000 that has been collected. The Moose Lodge provided dinner and VFW Post 4484 provided breakfast the next morning.
For that day the Run ends an Rainelle but stages the next morning at Lewisburg WV.
After the ceremonies I wondered around town for a while but did not stay in Rainelle for dinner. This was only day 3 for me but I was tired so I rode the 30 miles to Lewisburg and checked into my motel to get some rest.
I have reread what I have written about Rainelle and it doesn’t do the experience justice. Like they said “wait to get to Rainelle” . When I would ask what do you mean the answer was you’ll see. They were right. You have to be there to understand. If I can still ride a bike I will be in Rainelle again next year.
Tomorrow we arrive in Arlington VA/Washington DC .
Day 9 for the Run day 3 for me
Staging this morning is at Valley Park Wave Pool. After staging my bike with the third platoon I again had another free meal. This time breakfast. Sorry, again I don’t know who to thank. After the morning meeting we departed for a short ride to Charleston the capital of West By God Virginia. I have heard it said that way many times. Today will be a short riding day, only 131 miles. That is so we can spend time at Rainelle school.
When we reached Charleston we staged our bikes on the walkway in front of the State Capital. They took a huge picture with the whole Run gathered on the steps of the State Capital building. After a speech by the Governor and a visit their beautiful veterans memorial we were again on our way. O yes someone did have snack and cool drinks for us.
Instead of heading back to the interstate we headed up Rt. 60 to Rainelle WV. The scenery along Rt.60 was beautiful, but the was a little twisty and demanded our full attention. On Rt.60 we ride single file and the pace was much slower then the interstate. At two of the towns we passed through all the children were standing if front of their schools waving and shouting as we went by. At one town they took us off our route to pass by the school where the children and teachers were wearing red T shirts in our honor. They also waved, yelled and waved the Red, White And Blue. Just before arriving in Rainelle I again ran out of gas. This time I turned the valve the right way and continued with no difficulty.
Rainelle School, Rainelle WV.
The first time I joined the Run in 2007 I heard about Rainelle school. As I have said I was amazed by all that I experienced on the Run, but continued to hear “wait till you get to Rainelle”. Run for the Wall central route has adopted Rainelle school and Rainelle school has adopted Run for the Wall central route. During the morning meeting they collect money, hold 50/50 drawings and raffle off items donated, with the money going to Rainelle school. This year we raise over $11,000. That is over $1000 for each day of the Run.
As we approached Rainelle we form up two by two and our lead bikes unfurled their large flags as we ride into town. In front of Rainelle school the fire dept. has a truck with the ladder extended holding a large U.S. flag. We parade the length of town then make a u turn and return to the school. We park four wide in front of the school, blocking half the width of the street. The kids are lined along the sidewalk waiting for us to dismount and join them. They surround the riders and hand us their autograph books to sign. Some of them have white t shirts the ask us to autograph. Some of the riders hand out nick knacks to the kids. After spending time with the kids we move into the school for lunch. Again we are provide with a free meal, this time by the people of Rainelle. After lunch and gabbing with other riders we move outside around to the back of the school. They have a nice ceremony and present the school with the $11,000 that has been collected. The Moose Lodge provided dinner and VFW Post 4484 provided breakfast the next morning.
For that day the Run ends an Rainelle but stages the next morning at Lewisburg WV.
After the ceremonies I wondered around town for a while but did not stay in Rainelle for dinner. This was only day 3 for me but I was tired so I rode the 30 miles to Lewisburg and checked into my motel to get some rest.
I have reread what I have written about Rainelle and it doesn’t do the experience justice. Like they said “wait to get to Rainelle” . When I would ask what do you mean the answer was you’ll see. They were right. You have to be there to understand. If I can still ride a bike I will be in Rainelle again next year.
Tomorrow we arrive in Arlington VA/Washington DC .
Friday, June 5, 2009
Run for the Wall. A typical day.
Run for the Wall. A typical day.
This year I have been staying at motels instead of camping. This has made the Run easier for me. First thing after leaving the motel is to find food. Some days the motel has a continental breakfast, some days it is a fast food breakfast and some days there is breakfast at the morning staging site.
Morning meeting
Every morning there is a morning meeting. This meeting is mandatory for all riders. This meeting starts with the Pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
After the Pledge they talk about any problems from the previous day and anything we need to watch out for that day. They go into detail about any hazards, lane changes or other expected problems. During the meeting they raise money for Rainelle School by selling 50/50 tickets and raffling off items that have been donated.
They read the name of a solder that was KIA or MIA on that day in Viet Nam and ask a FNG to take a small memorial with this soldiers name and history to the Wall. On my first Run (2007) I was told FNG means fine new guy, but if you were in the service you know better. They ask how may joined that day and how many are FNG. They all get applause and a hug. The FNGs are much appreciated and I make a special effort to help them on their way, just as Ken from Kansas did for me in 2007. They end the meeting with a prayer. They ask “How far are we going and we answer all the way”. How far are we going, all the way means we are going all the way to the Wall.
They release us to our platoon leader for their instructions. This is necessary every morning because we have so many new riders. They talk about how we ride, hand signal, and anything that applies to our platoon. When they finish we are released and wonder around until we hear five minutes, five minutes. That means that we have five minute to check our bikes, get our gear on and get out butts on the bike, kick stands up and ready to ride.
Road guards, State police, County sheriffs and local police.
Road guards, loud and proud. Loud because they have to be so their directions will be heard and followed. Proud because of what they do for the Run. Outside of the Run our road guards have no legal authority, within the Run the control our ride. Without the road guards I don’t think we could find our way out of the staging area. They control our entrance and exits from all our stops. They block traffic so we can safely enter the highway the run ahead and block entrance ramps. They keeps the riders in line while we ride. Several of the road guards hold a salute as we pass their position.
State police, county sheriffs and local police.
I am still amazed at the amount of cooperation we get from law enforcement. In a lot of locations they work with the Run road guards to control traffic and help us on our way. It was not unusual to see a state police, sheriff or local officer hold a salute as we pass by.
Church, veterans and local civic groups.
It is difficult to explain all that people along the way have done for the riders on the Run. On my daily postings I try to give credit to those that has helped us on our way. I know that I have missed many and for that I apologize.
At the end of the day the road guards guide us to our final stop of the day. When we park the bike we usually find that some wonderful group has provide dinner for us. After dinner we break up and set off for the camping area and motels.
Next posting on to Rainelle School.
This year I have been staying at motels instead of camping. This has made the Run easier for me. First thing after leaving the motel is to find food. Some days the motel has a continental breakfast, some days it is a fast food breakfast and some days there is breakfast at the morning staging site.
Morning meeting
Every morning there is a morning meeting. This meeting is mandatory for all riders. This meeting starts with the Pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
After the Pledge they talk about any problems from the previous day and anything we need to watch out for that day. They go into detail about any hazards, lane changes or other expected problems. During the meeting they raise money for Rainelle School by selling 50/50 tickets and raffling off items that have been donated.
They read the name of a solder that was KIA or MIA on that day in Viet Nam and ask a FNG to take a small memorial with this soldiers name and history to the Wall. On my first Run (2007) I was told FNG means fine new guy, but if you were in the service you know better. They ask how may joined that day and how many are FNG. They all get applause and a hug. The FNGs are much appreciated and I make a special effort to help them on their way, just as Ken from Kansas did for me in 2007. They end the meeting with a prayer. They ask “How far are we going and we answer all the way”. How far are we going, all the way means we are going all the way to the Wall.
They release us to our platoon leader for their instructions. This is necessary every morning because we have so many new riders. They talk about how we ride, hand signal, and anything that applies to our platoon. When they finish we are released and wonder around until we hear five minutes, five minutes. That means that we have five minute to check our bikes, get our gear on and get out butts on the bike, kick stands up and ready to ride.
Road guards, State police, County sheriffs and local police.
Road guards, loud and proud. Loud because they have to be so their directions will be heard and followed. Proud because of what they do for the Run. Outside of the Run our road guards have no legal authority, within the Run the control our ride. Without the road guards I don’t think we could find our way out of the staging area. They control our entrance and exits from all our stops. They block traffic so we can safely enter the highway the run ahead and block entrance ramps. They keeps the riders in line while we ride. Several of the road guards hold a salute as we pass their position.
State police, county sheriffs and local police.
I am still amazed at the amount of cooperation we get from law enforcement. In a lot of locations they work with the Run road guards to control traffic and help us on our way. It was not unusual to see a state police, sheriff or local officer hold a salute as we pass by.
Church, veterans and local civic groups.
It is difficult to explain all that people along the way have done for the riders on the Run. On my daily postings I try to give credit to those that has helped us on our way. I know that I have missed many and for that I apologize.
At the end of the day the road guards guide us to our final stop of the day. When we park the bike we usually find that some wonderful group has provide dinner for us. After dinner we break up and set off for the camping area and motels.
Next posting on to Rainelle School.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Run for the Wall. Corydon IN. to Hurricane WV.
Run for the Wall. Corydon IN. to Hurricane WV.
Day 8 for the Run, day 2 for me.
Wednesday 20 2009
Staging this morning was at the White Castle parking lot in Corydon. First I staged my bike with the third platoon then started to wonder around. I found a table with sausage biscuit sandwiches, donuts, juice and coffee. Another free meal thanks to the good people at the Corydon Chamber of Commerce.
After the morning meeting we departed for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Louisville KY. We departed with about 335 bikes. This was a tricky ride due to morning traffic and several lane and highway changes. We all arrived safely at our first stop at the VAMC. We enjoyed seeing our old friends Billy Pfeister (the popcorn man) but missed Mr. Robley Rex, a 108 year old WWI vet who passed away a few weeks ago. Robley had been a fixture at Louisville for many years and it was like we all had lost a special friend. They are special supporters of the Run and everyone looks forward to seeing them each year as well as visiting the patients.
When we left the VAMC, and after a quick fueling stop at Waddy we rode to the Kentucky Viet Nam veterans Memorial. Second to the Wall this is the most impressive memorial I have seen. It is a giant sundial. Surrounding it is cement with the names of Vietnam Vets from Kentucky. The shadow of the sundial rests on the names of the vets who had died on that day many years ago.
We had a gas stop and lunch at Mt. Sterling on our own and then on to Hurricane. Sorry no free food or gas this time.
The Run has stopped in Hurricane for many years at Yamaha Power Sports. This year the stop was moved to the Valley Park Wave Pool. We rode in through town and were greeted by townspeople at the Valley Park Wave Pool. Again another free dinner. Spaghetti, salad, etc. and drinks. I am so sorry but I don’t know what group provided this meal, but thank you very much. Camping with showers were also provided. Surprise, surprise we were provided with breakfast.
Only two more days! Tomorrow we stop at Rainelle WV. Rainelle is one of the most looked forward to stops on the Central route.
There will be more.
Day 8 for the Run, day 2 for me.
Wednesday 20 2009
Staging this morning was at the White Castle parking lot in Corydon. First I staged my bike with the third platoon then started to wonder around. I found a table with sausage biscuit sandwiches, donuts, juice and coffee. Another free meal thanks to the good people at the Corydon Chamber of Commerce.
After the morning meeting we departed for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Louisville KY. We departed with about 335 bikes. This was a tricky ride due to morning traffic and several lane and highway changes. We all arrived safely at our first stop at the VAMC. We enjoyed seeing our old friends Billy Pfeister (the popcorn man) but missed Mr. Robley Rex, a 108 year old WWI vet who passed away a few weeks ago. Robley had been a fixture at Louisville for many years and it was like we all had lost a special friend. They are special supporters of the Run and everyone looks forward to seeing them each year as well as visiting the patients.
When we left the VAMC, and after a quick fueling stop at Waddy we rode to the Kentucky Viet Nam veterans Memorial. Second to the Wall this is the most impressive memorial I have seen. It is a giant sundial. Surrounding it is cement with the names of Vietnam Vets from Kentucky. The shadow of the sundial rests on the names of the vets who had died on that day many years ago.
We had a gas stop and lunch at Mt. Sterling on our own and then on to Hurricane. Sorry no free food or gas this time.
The Run has stopped in Hurricane for many years at Yamaha Power Sports. This year the stop was moved to the Valley Park Wave Pool. We rode in through town and were greeted by townspeople at the Valley Park Wave Pool. Again another free dinner. Spaghetti, salad, etc. and drinks. I am so sorry but I don’t know what group provided this meal, but thank you very much. Camping with showers were also provided. Surprise, surprise we were provided with breakfast.
Only two more days! Tomorrow we stop at Rainelle WV. Rainelle is one of the most looked forward to stops on the Central route.
There will be more.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Run for the Wall. Wentzville Mo. to Corydon In. Part 2
Run for the Wall. Wentzville Mo. to Corydon In. Part 2
Tuesday 19 2009
We got back on the road and stopped for lunch at Mt. Vernon. About a quarter mile from the Mt. Vernon exit ramp I ran out of gas. Instead of turning the gas valve to reserve I turned it off and the engine died. After coasting over to the shoulder I realized what I did, switched the valve to reserve and restarted the bike. This put me at the end of the refueling line and it took me longer then normal to gas up. The AMVETS service foundation Paid for the gas for almost 300 bikes. After fueling I staged my bike with the third platoon and went looking for food. Another free meal, also provided by the AMVETS service foundation. We had strawberry shortcake, potato salad and BBQ sandwiches . They also have little goodies for us such as lotions, sunscreen, shampoo, snacks etc… Very nice!! We also had trucker music for entertainment. It was a nice visit.
Afterwards we rode to Corydon where we were had another police escort out to the fairgrounds with streets lined with hundreds of people again out to show their support. There we had bike washes for free, a fish fry and coleslaw dinner (Supplied by Moose lodge and American Leagon.) That evening and the next morning registered over 100 more bikes!!! Only three more days to go!
Because we register many riders every day and some only rider for a day or less there is no way to know how many we depart with every morning.
Tuesday 19 2009
We got back on the road and stopped for lunch at Mt. Vernon. About a quarter mile from the Mt. Vernon exit ramp I ran out of gas. Instead of turning the gas valve to reserve I turned it off and the engine died. After coasting over to the shoulder I realized what I did, switched the valve to reserve and restarted the bike. This put me at the end of the refueling line and it took me longer then normal to gas up. The AMVETS service foundation Paid for the gas for almost 300 bikes. After fueling I staged my bike with the third platoon and went looking for food. Another free meal, also provided by the AMVETS service foundation. We had strawberry shortcake, potato salad and BBQ sandwiches . They also have little goodies for us such as lotions, sunscreen, shampoo, snacks etc… Very nice!! We also had trucker music for entertainment. It was a nice visit.
Afterwards we rode to Corydon where we were had another police escort out to the fairgrounds with streets lined with hundreds of people again out to show their support. There we had bike washes for free, a fish fry and coleslaw dinner (Supplied by Moose lodge and American Leagon.) That evening and the next morning registered over 100 more bikes!!! Only three more days to go!
Because we register many riders every day and some only rider for a day or less there is no way to know how many we depart with every morning.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Run for the Wall. Wentzville Mo. To Corydon In. Part 1
Run for the Wall.
Wentzville Mo. To Corydon In. Part 1
A note before I start. Although I ride alone if it wasn’t for my wife, Diane, my Run for the Wall would have been much more difficult if not impossible. Thank you for your support and I love you very much.
Day 7 for the Run day 1 for me.
Tuesday 19 2009
Everything is ready, I think. The Run has a mandatory morning meeting, usually at 7:30 AM. I leave the house at 6:00 AM and stop for gas when I reach Wentzville. The staging area for the bikes is in a church parking lot about a quarter mile from VFW post 5327. The Run rides in groups they call platoons. When I signed up I was assigned to the third platoon. The third platoon was indicated by a pink ribbon on my left handlebar. I was latter told that 111 new riders signed up at Wentzville Mo. We left Wentzville with almost 300 riders.
When I arrived at the staging area I lined up with the third platoon. After parking my bike and double checking everything I walked over to the VFW hall for a bite of breakfast. The home cooked breakfast of coffee, juice, sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits gravy and other yummy treats hit the spot before we hit the road. After more then a bite of breakfast I took the GM shuttle back to the staging area.
After the morning meeting and meeting with the 3rd platoon leader we got the time to ride call. FIVE MINUTES, FIVE MINUTES. That means get your butt on the bike, kickstands up and we roll in FIVE MINUTES.
Our first stop is the Wentzville Veteran's Memorial for a quick ceremony and our first group picture. A local school band played and the Wentzville Fire Dept Honor guard paraded the Colors for us. Then on to the Jefferson Barracks Veterans Medical Center.
The visit with the patients is always very special. We walked up on the floors and visited the ones that couldn't come downstairs. There were dozens of them that came out to see us ride in, in their beds and wheelchairs. The irony is the fact that they can't thank us enough for what we are doing and we are there to thank them for their sacrifices and service. As usual there were snacks and cold drinks provided.
Stay tuned for part 2, Wentzville to Corydon.
Wentzville Mo. To Corydon In. Part 1
A note before I start. Although I ride alone if it wasn’t for my wife, Diane, my Run for the Wall would have been much more difficult if not impossible. Thank you for your support and I love you very much.
Day 7 for the Run day 1 for me.
Tuesday 19 2009
Everything is ready, I think. The Run has a mandatory morning meeting, usually at 7:30 AM. I leave the house at 6:00 AM and stop for gas when I reach Wentzville. The staging area for the bikes is in a church parking lot about a quarter mile from VFW post 5327. The Run rides in groups they call platoons. When I signed up I was assigned to the third platoon. The third platoon was indicated by a pink ribbon on my left handlebar. I was latter told that 111 new riders signed up at Wentzville Mo. We left Wentzville with almost 300 riders.
When I arrived at the staging area I lined up with the third platoon. After parking my bike and double checking everything I walked over to the VFW hall for a bite of breakfast. The home cooked breakfast of coffee, juice, sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits gravy and other yummy treats hit the spot before we hit the road. After more then a bite of breakfast I took the GM shuttle back to the staging area.
After the morning meeting and meeting with the 3rd platoon leader we got the time to ride call. FIVE MINUTES, FIVE MINUTES. That means get your butt on the bike, kickstands up and we roll in FIVE MINUTES.
Our first stop is the Wentzville Veteran's Memorial for a quick ceremony and our first group picture. A local school band played and the Wentzville Fire Dept Honor guard paraded the Colors for us. Then on to the Jefferson Barracks Veterans Medical Center.
The visit with the patients is always very special. We walked up on the floors and visited the ones that couldn't come downstairs. There were dozens of them that came out to see us ride in, in their beds and wheelchairs. The irony is the fact that they can't thank us enough for what we are doing and we are there to thank them for their sacrifices and service. As usual there were snacks and cold drinks provided.
Stay tuned for part 2, Wentzville to Corydon.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Run for the Wall arrives at Wentzville Mo.
Run for the Wall arrives at Wentzville Mo.
Monday May,18 2009.
Myself, my wife Diane, Daughter Dawn and her son EJ, Daughter Denise, her husband Mike and daughter Mollie drove up to VFW post 5327 in Wentzville to greet Run for the Wall riders . At about 5:30 PM they arrived with flags flying and engines roaring. Boy scouts waving flags lined highway Z near the entrance to the VFW post. At the entrance the Wentzville fire dept had two ladder trucks with ladders extended and a huge flag flying between them. As the riders turned left off of highway Z they passed beneath the flag.
I stood in line to sign up for the Run which I would join the next morning. After signing up I found a friend that I met On my first Run in 2007. Ken, I call him Ken from Kansas was riding double with his wife and a small dog. Ken was towing a tent trailer and they were camping on this trip.
There was a short ceremony where we heard from a POW and other Vets. It is always so special to hear first hand experiences of those who have fought to preserve our freedom. Afterwards the riders had a great homemade dinner and once again, fresh baked deserts. Dinner was provided free by VFW post 5327. They would also provide breakfast the next morning.
Some of the riders camped on the VFW grounds and GM provided a shuttle to showers at the GM plant and a local high school.
After a while we all headed home and Diane and I spent some time doing last minute checks on the bike and luggage. Early to bed and early to rise. Tomorrow, my first day on the run, will be a long day. Tomorrow will be day one for me but day seven for the Run. Remember some of these riders started in California.
To be continued.
Monday May,18 2009.
Myself, my wife Diane, Daughter Dawn and her son EJ, Daughter Denise, her husband Mike and daughter Mollie drove up to VFW post 5327 in Wentzville to greet Run for the Wall riders . At about 5:30 PM they arrived with flags flying and engines roaring. Boy scouts waving flags lined highway Z near the entrance to the VFW post. At the entrance the Wentzville fire dept had two ladder trucks with ladders extended and a huge flag flying between them. As the riders turned left off of highway Z they passed beneath the flag.
I stood in line to sign up for the Run which I would join the next morning. After signing up I found a friend that I met On my first Run in 2007. Ken, I call him Ken from Kansas was riding double with his wife and a small dog. Ken was towing a tent trailer and they were camping on this trip.
There was a short ceremony where we heard from a POW and other Vets. It is always so special to hear first hand experiences of those who have fought to preserve our freedom. Afterwards the riders had a great homemade dinner and once again, fresh baked deserts. Dinner was provided free by VFW post 5327. They would also provide breakfast the next morning.
Some of the riders camped on the VFW grounds and GM provided a shuttle to showers at the GM plant and a local high school.
After a while we all headed home and Diane and I spent some time doing last minute checks on the bike and luggage. Early to bed and early to rise. Tomorrow, my first day on the run, will be a long day. Tomorrow will be day one for me but day seven for the Run. Remember some of these riders started in California.
To be continued.
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