Good evening Midway Route followers and family. Once again the roads are silent from our thundering engines, wheels are still in the temporary homes for the night, and the sun is setting in a beautiful bouquet of oranges, reds, purples and blues; Day 10 of our 11 day journey has come to a close.
Our family has come closer than ever and trusting one another is second nature and given without hesitation. 
We started this morning in Smithfield, NC at the Movie Theater parking lot where we gathered later in the morning. It was nice to have an 8am meeting time; a chance to sleep in, eat some breakfast, and still leave with the group at 9am. With only 189 miles on the schedule, it was a light day’s ride.
We started with a Roll Call recognition of all Vietnam Veterans by name and service, followed by the Gold Star Family Roll Call. The Arlington National Cemetery Riders were next on the Roll Call with those that were chosen to ride with a passenger into the hallowed grounds, an annual tradition that only allows a certain number of RFTW riders, and no one else, to ride their motorcycle into the cemetery.
Today’s Hero bio read aloud was that of Corporal James C. Thomas, who went missing without a trace in Vietnam.
With the Military Challenge, the rankings this morning were Army in first, Navy second, Air Force third, and Marines continuing to trail in fourth.
As we fired up our rides and rolled down the pavement northward, Smithfield’s Fire Departments, Utility Services, Police Department and civilians were in every street corner, sidewalk, and overpass expressing their gratitude and support for our mission.
A couple of hours later when we arrived at our final fuel stop for the Midway Route in Halifax, NC, the very same response was received. Turning from the freeway and onto the back roads after fueling, we pushed towards our lunch stop in the small town of Weldon, NC at the River Falls Park and Weldon Mill Distillery. There we were met and served lunch by volunteers from Weldon Mills Distillery.
After lunch we had some leisure time to rest and relax in the shade or even down by the river, or even in the Distillery Gift Shop (absolutely no tasting or sampling of the product). Each Platoon and Support Team were called to the front steps where their photos were taken. A generally relaxing lunch stop, great to help everyone relax a bit before rolling up the 95 and into some stressful traffic.
I will say, for the most part our traveling up I-95 was not stressed in the slightest, however that all changed once we hit Richmond, VA. Once mid afternoon traffic merged into the lanes alongside us, we were in what seemed like a live version of the game ‘Frogger’. But with the Road Guard’s help as well as the skills everyone has learned and mastered in the previous 9 days with the ability to ride together tightly in the true RFTW fashion, riding through and navigating the afternoon rush hour was smooth and uneventful.
We were guided to the Ashland Harley Davidson dealership where an evening meal and event stage was awaiting our arrival.
Riders were able to shop the Harley Davidson store, get maintenance performed on their motorcycle if needed, and served a late afternoon meal. All of which were donated and volunteered by Ashland Harley Davidson, American Legion Post 176, as well as the American Legion Riders Post175.
Next was the Annual Awards Ceremony that recognized all of the Midway Route Leadership and teams. Without them, this run would not have happened in the smoothest and or efficient manner as the way the teams worked towards a common goal, getting everyone safely across our nation to fulfill our mission.
We were released to relax tonight in preparation of our final push tomorrow, into Washington DC.
Although an even shorter day, we shall see exactly what ventures tomorrow will bring. Until then, keep it shiny side up, welcome to the family if you have just recently joined the family, and most important aspect of all, Welcome Home!
Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler and Cheri Miedema
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 