Midway Route Coordinator Newsletter – December 2025

164 Days to KSU!

My Christmas wish to you

To friends who feel like family close,
You’re the people I love the most.
In laughter’s light, in joy we share,
You’re my rock, my solid care.
With every year, our bond grows strong,
Through merry right and every wrong.
Thank you, dear friends, for all you bring,
The joy of life, the song we sing.
So here’s a toast to holiday cheer,
Grateful for you, year after year.
Together, let’s make memories bright,
Merry Christmas to friends, pure delight.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and happiness shared with family and friends.

“Never forget the reason for the season”

For you new riders and FNGs, in the next coming month or two, you will be contacted by our Platoon Coordinator and your Platoon Leader.  We like to pre-assign platoons before you join us, so you will know who your platoon leader will be and what platoon you’ll be in.  You will be then able to get to know your platoon mates and leaders before you even show up.

Additionally, all FNG’s will be contacted by our FNG Coordinator and Missing Man Coordinator in the next month to start an education on the many opportunities afforded you as a member of the Midway family including probably a few zoom calls to pass on critical information and answer any of your questions.

The Missing Man Formation

The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route we honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack and we SAY THEIR NAMES so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.

Route Planning

I can report that planning is going as smoothly as can be at this stage with us 6 months out from kickstands up in May 2026.  All our State Coordinators have finalized our overnight stays with our partner hotels from Arizona to Virginia (CA and DC Hotels are handled by the BoD), and they continue to work hard for fuel stops, donations, and working with our meal provider volunteers.

Arlington National Cemetery

It is looking like we will officially be able to get into Arlington National Cemetery again for an official wreath laying.  There will be more specific details on this regarding number of people and number of bikes we will be allowed.

Midway Route Honors

Remember, this is going to be a very special Run in 2026 because it is the 36th Annual Run of RFTW and it is the 35th Anniversary of the end of the Gulf War.  Again, as a reminder due to these special anniversaries, we are making an extra effort to salute and honor our Gulf War Veterans this year. Many made personal sacrifices on the altar of freedom. They are a major part of the reason we ride today.

The RFTW Forum is BACK and BETTER than ever!

This is where online RFTW discussion should happen.

The new and improved RFTW Forum is up and running.  This is the FIRST place you should go and ask online questions about RFTW, Routes, Discuss, etc.  It is a much better online community tool to keep topics organized. Facebook groups are great, but topics get lost in long threads. The RFTW Forum should be your first go to.  It’s yours, it’s free, so please go and register and use

 2026 Hotel List

The hotel list officially will be released in early January, exact date to follow. Remember, if some places are full, there are always neighboring hotels and options that may not be on the list. Let Google be your friend.

Register for the 2026 Run now

The Midway Route now has over 100 registered riders and participants. This is just a little less than we had at this time last year. This means that if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan for our stops and hotel accommodations. Early registration ends on January 31, 2026, and registration costs increase on February 1, 2026. You can Register HERE.  If you are in leadership, please register now and Lead by example.  If you are an FNG, please register as early as you can.  We know plans can change. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run. Challenge your friends, join a local riding group and bring them with you. Put your significant other in the number two seat and bring them with you on this adventure.

This ride will be different from any you have done before. It will change you in many ways. All positive!!!!! There are SO many patriots out there that want to say “Thank You” and show you that they care about you. Lots of them want to give you a hug! I will never turn that down!!!

I wish you and your families the very best this Christmas and Holiday Season and seeing you all in May 2026!

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”