Author: Jim McCrain

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

DAY 05 – Sunday, May 17, 2020
Shawnee OK – Forrest City AR
392 miles

Yep, you read that right!  We are traveling 392 miles today.  For many people, that is a LONG day of travel.  For some, it is the LONGEST day of riding they have ever made.  It will take strength, stamina, and strong will to finish.

So we will start our day with a church service.  Our Senior Chaplin (“Good Wrench”) always has words of encouragement for us.  But on a Sunday morning, well just watch out!  He will get you fired up!  He will get you energized!  He will get you in the right frame of mind for our Mission!  And he will give you the opportunity to speak one-on-one with himself or any of our other Chaplains if you need to.  Church is not mandatory on the Run, but I will tell you from experience that I see almost every Rider come out a little early to participate each year.  We have been growing very fond of each other over the past five days, and we see first hand how a comforting word or gesture can make an otherwise bad day into something special.  We have started to form bonds of Brotherhood that will help us along the rest of our journey together, and our Chaplains are there ever mile of the way to help guide us spiritually and emotionally.  I have personally come to rely on our Chaplains for support more and more each year.  They are amazing people, that really do care about you, and want nothing more than to help you in times of need.

Oh yeah, they also bring the Chase Vehicles and snacks!

Although there aren’t a lot of activities today, there WILL be a lot to see and experience.  This is another one of those days were we see the incredible outpouring of support and respect from the American People.  Each town that we pass through presents us a “mini-parade route” lined with happy people.  About the time you would think we are getting tired of seeing someone wave an American Flag at us, we see another one that makes us cry even more.  There is just something about the people of the lower mid-west that makes us all proud to be Americans.  We see these people standing in the rain to wave at us.  They are in large groups on the side of the road.  They are small groups on an over-pass.  They are a Mother and young child in a parking lot, holding a sign that says “Welcome Home!”  And they are an old, grizzled Veteran holding on to his cane in one hand and saluting the Riders with his other.

THIS is America, and this is how they show their love for our Country and our Military Heroes!

After such a long day, we end up on Forrest City Arkansas.  We will be fed so much that we feel ready to burst.  We will have a musical presentation that stirs our hearts with pride.  And just as we did this morning, we will gather together and give Thanks for a safe day of riding.  Riding that allows US to pay honor and Respect to our fellow-countrymen, and to our own Heroes.

Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

If you would like to follow along with our ride from last year, just follow this link:

https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2019-Midway-Route-RFTW/Day-Five-Midway-Route-2019/

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

DAY 04 – Saturday, May 16, 2020
Amarillo TX – Shawnee OK
301 miles

This is how MY mornings start.

“Good Morning, Hoofer!”

“Shut Up!”

“Rise and Shine, Hoofer!”

“Bite Me!  It’s 04:30!”

“I have coffee for you!”

“You are my FAVORITE person, Tail Dragger!”

My roommate for the past several years has been “Tail Dragger”, our Road Guard Captain.  He gets up REALLY early, just like the other Road Guards, and is one of the first people out on the road making sure our route is still as planned, making changes, updating the other leaders about weather conditions, and just generally making my mornings a bit tougher.  J  But he is ALSO a great Friend and Mentor.  He takes his job very seriously, but he also takes care of his people.  During my own days as a Road Guard, he worked with me to understand the role of the Road Guards, how to help safely maneuver the Pack, how to keep an eye on the Riders, and how and when to offer support.  He is a really great Guy, and I hope you all get the chance to meet him.

But I don’t want to single him out from the rest of the Leadership Team.  I am privileged to get to know each and every one of our Leaders on both a personal and professional basis.  What I have learned is that they are ALL extremely nice, likable, and approachable people.  They are all extremely good at their jobs and take their positions very seriously.  They spend countless hours making arrangements, checking details, supporting the Mission, and Mentoring the FNGs.  And they all do this as Volunteers.  Not a single person gets paid for this, no matter what their role is.  They do this because it is the right thing to do and they are all true Patriots.  I am honored to call them my Friends and my Family.  You will, too.

Today we are going to enjoy our ride through the Texas panhandle.  There are rolling hills (Yes, in Texas!), wide open plains, tall waving prairie grasses, and clear blue skies.  Why, it is almost as if God in Heaven said “I need a vacation home.  I will call it Texas!”  And so, we arrive in Shamrock, to rest a bit and enjoy this small community that looks exactly like it did during the heydays of Route 66.  There is a museum to see and shops to visit.  We won’t have long to stay here, but it is a welcome stop.

Our “big” activity for the day comes right after lunch, in Weatherford Oklahoma.  We will visit the Stafford Air and Space Museum.  We never know exactly WHAT we will encounter at this world-famous museum.  One year, there was a brief airshow of vintage WWII aircraft, complete with fly-over!  Last year when we arrived, NASA was holding a re-union here!

It was absolutely amazing to me to see and “older Gentleman” walk up to some of our Chaplains and ask what we were doing.  When they explained about RFTW and our Mission, this Gentleman got excited and started calling them all Heroes.  He even asked if he could take a photo with our Chaplains.  (Of course, they said Yes.). But then one of the Chaplains took a good hard look at the Gentleman and sort of recognized him, but he still asked “Aren’t you an Astronaut?  Didn’t you walk on the moon?”  Turns out, one of OUR American Heroes had been calling US Heroes!  (The Chaplains took some more ‘selfies’ with him!)

And right before we left the Museum, one of the “NASA Guys” walked up to me and asked if I would like to take a picture of some of their dignitaries.  Of course, I said “Yes!  But can I go get our Route Coordinators first?”  Before we know it, our Route Coordinator (“Wombat”) and our Assistant Route Coordinator (“Six String”) are standing side by side with General Thomas P. Stafford himself, in front of the General’s own statue!  This was truly a little more “magic of the Run!”

By the end of the day, we will have left my beloved Texas and entered into an area that is “OK.”  (Sorry!  It’s a Texas Thang!)  But the good people of Shawnee Oklahoma will welcome us to their town.  They will have placed Emergency Vehicles on every over-pass, complete with flags flying and people cheering, they will have lined the streets to see us arrive, and they will feed our bodies and souls in the evening before we go to bed.  They will make us all wish we could spend more time in Oklahoma.  (They even make this Texas Boy feel at home!)

I really like our travels through Oklahoma.  They are good people up there!

Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

If you would like to follow along with our ride from last year, just follow this link:

https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2019-Midway-Route-RFTW/Day-Four-Midway-Route-2019/

Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

DAY 03 – Friday, May 15, 2020

Albuquerque NM – Amarillo TX
293 miles

Okay, no panic this morning.  And I am still getting along with my roommate.  (More on HIM later!)

Today will start just like every day.  Get up, load the bike, and go to breakfast.  We will have a mandatory Riders briefing and safety meeting.  (Safety FIRST, even ahead of coffee!). During our morning meetings there will be discussion of the days route, explanation of anything that has changed (Semper Gumby!), and a few general announcements.  We will also get to meet and greet our newest Riders, as more FNGs will have joined us.  More Family!

These morning meetings are filled with more than information, though.  We use this time to remind each other WHY we are riding.  There will be biographies read each morning of a Soldier, Sailor, or Airman that is Missing in Action, or the was lost on that date.  Heroes will be introduced.  (Ever meet a Medal of Honor Recipient?  You might on THIS Run!). And a member of the Chaplain Corps will say a prayer for our safety, and will make sure that each and every Rider knows that they are here to help, listen, or do whatever it takes to help them “get right” and heal.  This “ride” is a Mission.  We ride for a purpose, and that is to bring hope, healing, and recognition to our Veterans and their Families.

Today has only a couple of activities, though.  The first is a nice, quiet ride through some very scenic countryside, arriving in Santa Rosa NM for lunch.  Our stop is at the “Blue Hole.”  This is a beautiful artesian well of clear, clean water … about 80 feet deep … in the middle of a desert.  The bikes pull up, the riders dismount, and we leisurely stroll up to the pool to gaze at the serene waters ….  HEY!  SOME ROAD GUARDS JUST JUMPED INTO THE POOL!!  DID YOU SEE THAT?  Yes, there is a tradition that several of our Road Guards have of jumping into cold water, in full gear.  (Do NOT try this at home.  These are NOT trained professionals, just wild and crazy Road Guards having fun!)  You will get used to these guys blowing off a little steam.  You have been seeing them in action for a couple of days now and have come to understand just how hard they are working for your safety!  They deserve a few “antics.”

After lunch, we have about 100 miles to dry off before our very special appearance in Tucumcari NM.  The Midway Route does not stop in this town, we just pass through on the highway.  But the Mayor of Tucumcari got so excited about RFTW that this year She arranged for us to make a special parade through downtown on the old historic “Route 66”!  THIS is the beginning of the “magic of the Run” where people are so enthusiastic about us that they WANT us to parade through their streets.  They WANT to honor our Veterans.  They WANT to support our Troops.  They WANT to be a part of our Mission.  Thank You, Mayor, for your heart-felt Welcome.  I hope that you know how much WE appreciate YOU, and that we can’t wait to actually ride through town and visit with you next year.

Doesn’t sound like we did much today, does it?  Guess again!  As the Route Photographer, I get to “zip ahead” and see things that most of the Riders don’t get to see.  Things like beautifully straight lines and tight formations as the bikes go rolling down the interstate.  I see the progression of a “bunch of bikers” into a “platoon of Riders.”  I see people joining together to help a tired friend.  I see small groups stand apart from the crowd, all centered around a comrade that needed to talk.  I see the young Man among the spectators with his head bowed, and then see one of our Riders go up to him and offer a shoulder, an ear, or just a handshake.  I see every one of our group help each other and receive help at the same time.  I see our Mission continue and grow with each passing mile.  We did a LOT today!

And so we arrive in Amarillo, and receive a traditional Texas-style Welcome!  Let me try to explain: FLAGS!  (Just as many Texas flags as American flags!)  Police Escort through town!  BBQ beef brisket and ribs!  Corn on the cobb!  Pie!  Sweet Tea!  (… Okay, I am going to need a minute here …  Oh Yeah. … )

And then an absolutely amazing presentation.  After a beautiful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” we learn the symbolism and meaning of the Battlefield Cross.  This ceremony describes in detail what each item represents and why it is included.  It is a fitting end to our day, just as we started the day, with a reminder of WHY we Ride.  We Ride for those who Can’t.

Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

If you would like to follow along with our ride from last year, just follow this link:

https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2019-Midway-Route-RFTW/Day-Three-Midway-Route-2019/

DAY 02 – Thursday, May 14, 2020

Flagstaff AZ. – Albuquerque NM
339 miles

“This pillow feels so good.  I am a little sore from yesterday.  I love bacon.  I wish those guys would shut off their engines.  I mean, it IS 4:30 in the morning.  Oh good, they are leaving.   WHAT???  They are LEAVING???  I AM LATE!!!  CRAP!!!”

Yep!  This is how Day Two starts for a lot of people.  No, we are NOT leaving you behind.  You are in a panic because you didn’t realize that the Advance Team, The Staging Team, and the Road Guards are up this early EVERY morning to go prepare the route for you each day.  While you are getting your beauty sleep, the Leadership Teams have been checking and re-checking the plans for the day, and now it is time for them to “get to work.”  (A labor of Love!)  Still, that momentary panic has got you up, so you might as well finish packing, load up the bike, and go to breakfast.  After all, you WERE dreaming of bacon, right?

Day Two of the Run is always interesting.  The excitement of the Mission is still very much on the front of everyone’s mind, as is the sense of confusion.  Yes, you have started getting used to following the directions of the Staging Crew, you know to look for the Red Hats of the Road Guards, and you have been through three fueling stops.  But this is your first day with JUST the Midway Route Riders, and it is time to learn how WE do the Run.  (Each of the three Routes are similar, but each have their own little way of doing things.)

The first thing that you will learn this morning is that you probably did not pack the proper clothes.  Who knew that Flagstaff would be so cold in the morning?  Frost and ice on the bike?  Brrrrr!  I thought it was HOT in Arizona.  (Wait for it!  It is coming later in the day!)

The next thing that you will learn is that the first few days of the Run are all about making miles and getting comfortable riding as a large group.  You may have ridden in some HOG rallies, or Poker Runs, or even with the Patriot Guard Riders.  But RFTW is different.  It is almost as if the military has organized a ride, complete with Platoon assignments, strict schedules, and route plans.  It is the adherence to that strict schedule that really “drives the Ride”.  We have places to go, people to meet, and programs to watch.  We HAVE to be there on time, and we HAVE to get there safely.  That is why we ride like we do, with the support Teams that we have.  Don’t worry about it, though.  You will get used to the routine.

Part of today’s schedule is simply amazing, and it makes the cold start and hot desert crossings all worth while.  We are going to have lunch with the children at Milan Elementary School!  I am going to let you in on a little “secret” of mine: I don’t like kids!  But when you walk into this school and hear the students chanting “USA!  USA!  USA!” and they come running up to you with a hug or to shake your hand, or even to offer you a salute, … well it just warms your heart!  These kids aren’t bad after all!  In fact, the children at Milan Elementary look forward to our visit every year, and put on a program that gives us all faith that Patriotism is NOT dead in America, and that the next generation of Citizens IS going to have Honor and Respect and Loyalty.  The Midway Route is honored to make a financial donation to the school each year, and to offer a special “Challenge Coin” to the Graduates.  (Thanks to Rayman Cornmesser for making this an annual tradition!)  For the Riders, it is our first chance to experience the excitement of the Run as seen through the eyes of the public.  And these children really bring it.  I don’t know who gets more out of this visit, the students or the Riders, but both groups will never be the same.  Even for an old curmudgeon like myself, THIS is a day that I look forward to each year!

Sadly though, lunch is over all too soon and it is time to go.  Just as when we arrived, the children will line the hallways and the parking lot to watch us leave.  As the engines rev and roar, so do the cheers!  I am already looking forward to next year!

But our day isn’t over yet.  There is ANOTHER surprise for the Riders, especially our FNGs.  (Fine New Guys/Gals.)  Imagine arriving into Albuquerque NM on any given day during rush-hour.  Imagine doing that with 300 of your best friends, all on motorcycles.  NOW imagine doing that with a Police Escort that CLOSES DOWN THE HIGHWAY so that we can ride through safely!  It is an AMAZING sight to see, and is the first of many times this will happen throughout the Run.  It’s almost like we are in a parade, with thousands of people watching us as we ride by.  Then imagine the site of all of these motorcycles being directed into the parking lot of a Harley Davidson dealership where you can see a giant American flag flying, smell the burgers cooking, and hear a rockin’ band playing!

Today, Day Two, is the day that defines the Midway Route as a Family.  We have been “on our own” and found our own rhythm.  We have learned valuable lessons from the Youth of America.  And now we are having our first “family party.”  The pressures of the day are over, we have begun to settle into our routine, our nerves have calmed down (Remember that panic from this morning?  Me, neither!), and we are all becoming fast friends.  What a great ending to a fantastic day!

Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

If you would like to follow along with our ride from last year, just follow this link:

https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2019-Midway-Route-RFTW/Day-Two-Midway-Route-2019/

Ontario CA – Flagstaff AZ.
Part 1.

This is a day that we have all been looking forward to for an entire year.  It is filled with both Joy and Sadness though.  Joy, because we know what we are trying to do, and Sadness that we can’t do it together this time.  You see, we are supposed to start riding across the United States of America, from coast-to-coast, to bring honor and recognition to our Veterans, their Families and supporters, and to remember our POW and MIA personnel.  But for the year 2020, that is not to be.  The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to postpone, but not cancel, our Mission of healing.  Sure, we will have to wait until next May to actually ride together, but our Mission still remains.

So instead of gathering in Ontario and then heading east, we will instead remember what we have done in the past, and talk about what we had planned for this year.  We will make a “virtual” Run For The Wall.  I have been asked to put together a few words about what we WOULD have experienced during our Run, so I will try to do my best.  I am relatively new to RFTW, this would have been my seventh year.  So I will draw on my limited knowledge and try to explain “where we are each day” and some of what we have done.  I will tell you stories, TRUE stories, of things that I have personally experienced over the years.

And I will also tell a few stories of things that have been related to me; the experiences that others have had and that they have shared with me.  You see, every person on the Run will have a very unique viewpoint, and will see, hear, and feel things like no one else will.  And yet, we will each have the SAME experiences, too.  We will go to the same places, eat the same food, hear the same programs, and ride the same miles.

But one person may be riding because they need to remember a lost comrade.  Someone else may be riding to help bring home their Father, Brother, or Son.  Another person may be with us simply because they feel the need to pay honor and respect to Heroes.  And Yes, some will be here just to ride the miles.  But no matter the reason, they will ALL be changed because of this Mission.  That is a promise!

So for the Midway Route (by the way, Thank You for joining us!), We are going to start today with a mass meeting of all Three Routes.  But we will be the first to leave the parking lot, so our wait is much shorter.  Good!  We get to be on the road a bit earlier and miss some of the lovely LA traffic!  But we aren’t worried about it, because we have some of the BEST Road Guards of the entire group!  (Of course, that is just my opinion.  They are ALL good!).  They will guide us safely all across the country.  Trust me when I say that they are dedicated to this task.  I have been a RG before, and I know the amount of work that goes into it.  The eat the least, sleep the least, and ride the hardest.  You will see!

Not long after leaving Ontario, we get to have our first parade!  The Midway Route has a distinct honor of riding through an active US Marine Corp base in Yermo, CA.  It doesn’t take long, but to see the streets lined with active duty personnel all waving and cheering for US is a good start to our day.  And  there have already been people lining overpasses and on the sides of the freeways, just to watch us pass.

After our first fuel stop, which will FREAK OUT the FNGs, the nerves for everyone will start to calm down.  You see, the Midway Route is about a third smaller than the other routes, so we quickly meet each other , learn each others riding habits, and get through some of the “processes” much easier.  Like Fueling 300 bikes.  Did I say it will freak people out?  I meant it!  (In a good way, though!)

Imagine, if you will, 300 bikes pulling up to a fuel station and backing up the streets for a mile.  Don’t worry, those Road Guards are there to get you safely off the highway and to the station, where the Fuel Crew takes over.  THEY will guide you to the fuel pumps and help you learn the process.  But basically it is this: follow the guy in front of you until a Fuel Team Member points you to a different line.  When you get to the pump, shut off your bike and open your tank.  The Fuel Team Leader will hand YOU the pump nozzle and you will fill your own tank.  By the way, you are still sitting on your bike!  When the tank is full, you hand the nozzle back and close your tank.  If it is a donated fuel stop, you simply pull away from the pump SLOWLY!  If you need to pay for the fuel, you do so.  (But remember, we do not make change at the pump, so if you owe $6 and all you have is a $10, then you just made a donation to the Chase Trucks!). Once you pull away from the pumps, the Staging Crew takes over.  They will guide you back to where your Platoon will meet up.  Park your bike, and then go get a snack, some water, and then go pee!  Freaked out yet?  Well, what if I told you this whole process takes place in about 20 minutes!  It is the most amazingly choreographed chaos that I have ever seen.  And it is BEAUTIFUL!

But we are soon back out on the road, headed across some deserts, and already looking forward to lunch.  We leave California and reach Lake Havasu for this incredible meal.  And THIS is the place where we all start to really get to know each other.  When you sit together and break bread, people start to talk.  They introduce themselves, tell each other a few things about themselves, try to remember the faces they have just seen.  This will be important, because MOST of what you will see of them for the next 10 days is the back of their helmet!

Soon after lunch, we will continue east for another few hundred miles until we get to our first overnight stop in Flagstaff, AZ.    But just because we got to town, that doesn’t mean it is time for bed!  First, we will go to the VFW for dinner and a very special program.  We will do this every night, and I urge ALL Riders to pay attention to the programs.  These people work very hard to provide us with not just food for our bodies, but nourishment for our souls as well.  In fgact, the programs our more fulfilling (to me) than the food, and the food is stellar!

But eventually, this day will end.  The Riders will ready their bikes for the next day, and then fall into their beds to sleep.  They are road weary, but with joyous hearts.  Sleep will hopefully come quickly, because the dawn definitely will!  And then, it is time to do it all over again!

So until tomorrow, rest.  Say a prayer for these Riders to keep them safe, and ask that they can get the healing and support that they need.

Good Night!
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

If you would like to follow along with our ride from last year, just follow this link:

https://jimmccrain.smugmug.com/Run-For-The-Wall/2019-Midway-Route-RFTW

MIDWAY ROUTE SITREP
Jim “Hoofer” McCrain

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Ontario, California

(Adapted by Jim “Hoofer” McCrain, from “A Visit from St. Nicholas”)

‘Twas the night before the Mission, when all through the house

Every creature was stirring, even a Guy named Mouse!

The saddle bags were packed with the utmost of care,

Because we know that the Roads Guards soon will be there!

The FNGs should have been snuggled up in their beds

But visions of miles danced in their heads.

But the RC and ARC, in their RFTW cap

Would not settle down, though they needed the nap!

In the sunrise-lit parking lot, there arose such a clatter

That I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Adrenaline flowed as I rushed to my bike

“I’m sure it is here.  I parked it next to a Trike!”

I found the huge beast, just where I had left it,

I stuffed all my gear, I’m surprised I could heft it!

Panic rose up as I looked at the fuel tank,

In all of my haste, did I remember to fill it?

But then to my relief, a Tailgunner walked by.

“Take a deep breath.” was what he did cry.

“Your bike looks just fine, go get something to eat.

But hurry right back, we have people to meet.”

I ate just a bite, my nerves were in tatters.

“Just follow the directions of the guys in the Hatters”

The staging Crew got me to where I should be

Hey what do you know?  I am in Platoon Three!

A whistle was blown, so we moved to the stage

It’s still pretty early; I can feel my age!

But everyone is smiling and hugging and laughing

My nerves have calmed down, even while we are massing.

The briefings are started and attention is paid

The route is explained, as our plains are all laid.

Two pretty young Ladies lead us in “The Pledge”

A chaplain prays over us: “Protect every head.”

With a salute to Old Glory, and a band that will play,

We listen to speeches.  We have started our day.

The Board of Directors, they wish us all well,

Then the Routes break apart, this waiting is HELL!

It’s time to start riding, let’s get this thing going!

The Mission is here, our hearts are all glowing.

Another horn blows and a motor is started,

It’s Here!  It’s Here!   It’s time we departed!

Then up from the front a flag starts to twirl,

The bikes in the front, they’re beginning to whirl.

As we pass under a flag, the crowd roars with a cheer

“Be Safe all you Riders!  We will see you next year!”

And so it begins, this Run For The Wall,

May it bring Healing, and Love, and Peace to you all!