Author: Kirk Olson

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2025 Radio Comms – Joint Statement from All Four Route Coordinators

Some of you may or may not know that in May 2024 the Central Route piloted and tested a new communications system for on-road communications while underway during our Mission from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC. GMRS Radios were used, and a GMRS repeater was also tested. This technology has much further range than CB, and with clearer reception and transmission.

CB radio service was originally established in 1949 and their usefulness and heyday of the 1970s has been outlived. A new replacement was needed for the unique communication requirements of RFTW. Motorcycle manufacturers have been discontinuing installing or offering CBs, or if they do, they are very expensive. And third-party motorcycle CB radio manufacturers, like J&M have also stopped making and supporting them.

The purpose of the test was to see how well it worked for RFTW. The results of the test in May 2024 was positive and exceeded expectations in most cases. Communications were clear with no relays needed to pass messages and the comms range was significantly extended with no outside interference.

At the July 20, 2024 BoD meeting, the BoD changed the SOP to allow GMRS as an option, and then left it up to each Route Coordinator’s sole discretion and decision to use CB or the newer GMRS Comms for the Run in 2025 for his respective route.

On July 29, 2024 all of the 2025 Route Coordinators (Central, Southern, Midway, and Sandbox) met in a separate RC only meeting without the Executive BoD.  ALL FOUR Route Coordinators are in lockstep, and unanimously decided that GMRS Radio Communications is the way to go and decided that all routes will use GMRS in 2025 as the primary mode of on-road communications for RFTW.

This means that ALL PACK Leadership WILL BE REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025, i.e. All Platoon Leaders, APL’s, Tail Gunners, Road Guards, Chaplains, Medics, and Chase will need a GMRS Radio. Pack riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen.

Regarding outrider and forward crews and teams such as Fuel, Staging, Ambassadors, and Outreach, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you start to use and get on the GMRS bandwagon as you will be able to hear the pack miles before they get to your location.

There are numerous off-the-shelf radios available that can be made Bluetooth capable if you have a Bluetooth helmet headset, like a Sena or a Cardo. If you do not use a Bluetooth helmet set-up, there are some wired solutions available, as well.

Option 1: (This option is a HIGH recommendation. Bluetooth Capable)
The radio is available at the BTECH website, and at Amazon

BTECH GMRS Pro Radio: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro/ref/gmrs/
Get the wireless PTT Button, and maybe a spare.
https://baofengtech.com/product/bs-ptt/ref/gmrs/

Use Coupon Code: RFTW
You will get both the Radio and Wireless PTT button for $152.44.
Must Add Both items, GMRS Pro radio, and wireless PTT button to BTECH online cart.
Deal Available at the the BTECH Website, not Amazon and not an Amazon Cart.

This is an optional adapter cable for K-1 type accessories:
https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro-k1-adaptor/ref/gmrs/?campaign=OptionalAdapter

To get “More Range” out of this handheld, it’s all about the ***antenna quality.*** Consider a higher quality antenna, or even an external antenna.

https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-701g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=5.5inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-771g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=15inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-ut-72g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=mountedantenna

Other Great GMRS Antennas – Here

Midland MXTA26 Antenna – need an adapter, NMO mount and coax with this option. This antenna has the most GAIN.

Option 2: (Also a High Recommendation, but does take skill to install. Bluetooth)
Vero VGC VR-N7500 High Power 50W/40W Transceiver. This a PERMANENT MOUNT Bluetooth unit. It transmits at up to 40W on UHF (GMRS) frequencies. 5X the power of the above handheld.

Get the Bluetooth button for this radio – Here

This unit requires an EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna. I like this antenna for a permanent NMO Mount, (or a handheld radio with an Adapter).

An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.

Kirk Olson – Central Route RC is running this set-up on his BMW K1600GT. The radio is Bluetoothed directly to a Sena 50S helmet set-up. The included mic shown in picture is not used.
(See a Picture of the set-up here)

** Currently, the VR-N7500 DOES NOT Bluetooth Connect to a Harley Branded Sena. It does connect to a regular, non-Harley Branded Sena. It must be something to do with the HD Firmware.

** There is a rumor that BTECH is coming out with their version of this radio in the very near future.

Option 3: (Non-Bluetooth GMRS Radios, work and are approx $50 or less)
Any GMRS Radio like, but not limited to, these:
TID Radio H8 GMRS Radio: https://amzn.to/47klXzu
https://amzn.to/3tJSpxw **Recommended (Value Pack)
Video on the TID Radio H8: https://youtu.be/8HXSlHT84yQ
Baofeng UV-5RTP: https://amzn.to/3tHoUMI
*These radios ARE NOT Bluetooth capable to a headset from the manufacturer, so would best be used with a wired set-up, and an earpiece or earbud (not ideal).

A company called Rugged Radios are the BEST wired harnesses for those that do not have or want a Bluetooth helmet set-up, and they also offer Bluetooth for any radio, and are built for motorcycling.

Wired & External Bluetooth harnesses options from Rugged Radios. These harnesses work with almost any GMRS handheld radio.
https://www.ruggedradios.com/collections/motorcycle-two-way-radio-helmet-communication-kits

Option 4:
If you are an Amateur Radio Operator (HAM), you may be interested in the Anytone ATD878UVII Plus. This is a HAM radio, and can be unlocked for GMRS use, and has Bluetooth built-in that will pair to a Bluetooth helmet set-up. This option does require very good to advanced computer skills to program the radio. The radio is also not IP67 (water proof), but the bluetooth piece is great.

Option 5:
Any Four-wheel vehicle can use a GMRS handheld or any Mobile Car/Truck Mounted GMRS radio.

Manufacturers of these are: Midland, Wouxun, to name a few.

These also require:
An EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna
An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.

The bottom line is, we are not going to tell you which brand to get.  You just need a radio to get GMRS frequencies into your helmet and your ears.  The above are options that work well, and there are and will be others.

Licensing:
Lastly, listening to a GMRS radio does not require a license from the FCC.
Transmitting on a GMRS frequency currently does technically require a license from the FCC and is easy to get, and is $35 for 10-years.
One license can be used per family.

Video on How-to get a GMRS license:
https://youtu.be/xOuOIB1KCQ4?t=73
Click here to establish your FCC FRN Number: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
Click here for the FCC Universal Licensing System: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system

Thank you.
See you in May 2025

Kirk Olson – Central Route Coordinator
Eric Fort – Midway Route Coordinator
Ken Ley – Southern Route Coordinator
William Brehler – Sandbox Route Coordinator

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Central Route Coordinator July 2024 Newsletter

Riders and supporters, I’d like to officially WELCOME YOU to the beginning stages of the 35th Annual Run for the Wall, which will commence on May 14, 2025.  I’d like to thank the RFTW BoD, and my predecessor Nick Hentges for the honor of being selected and appointed Route Coordinator for Central Route 2025.

I officially would like to welcome all of you to our 2025 Run and the Central Route.  Especially, I’d like to welcome all newcomers, riders, and FNG’s.  All are welcome to ride with us, whether you are a Veteran (from ANY era), Active Duty, or non-veteran supporter.  Some people think you need to be a veteran or have a military background to ride with us.  That is not the case. We welcome all people and riders from all walks of life.  Additionally, there are no Red or Blue teams on this ride.  We are one team and one family. This is a Mission, and we do this to promote healing among all veterans, and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war, and those missing in action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those killed in action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.  We honor and Ride for Those Who Can’t. If you ride, you are Welcome ride with on this incredible journey.

Not only will May 2025 be the 35th Annual Run, it also coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the official end to the Vietnam War, when the South Vietnamese capital city of Saigon fell on April 30, 1975 (link).  The signing of the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973 did not hold.

Therefore, RFTW is declaring 2025, “The Year of the Vietnam Vet”, which is truly allowing us to honor our roots and our Vietnam Vets like never before.  There will be many special events and things focusing on this theme that will be revealed in the months to come.  Remember, many of our veterans still need their “Welcome Home”, so let’s make sure we reach as many of them as we can.

Focusing on “The Year of the Vietnam Vet” is also allowing us to say THANK YOU to those that came before us, so we can build upon and continue the legacy that James “Gunny” Gregory (our Founder) started in 1989 with the FIRST Run. It is extremely important that we honor our roots, history, and the foundation of RFTW, so we ensure the continuation of RFTW for the next 35-years and beyond.  We would not be here today, do what we do, look forward to every May, and most importantly “Ride for Those That Can’t”, if it were not for the Vietnam Vets that came before us.  They laid the foundation for what RFTW is today and what we will become, as we expand and grow to reach the NEXT GENERATION of vets, riders, and supporters.

For those that may not know me, I am not a Vietnam Era Veteran. I was 7-years-old in April 1975, when Saigon fell.  I went into the Navy in the summer of 1987 after graduating from high school. My father, Harlan Olson, is a Vietnam Veteran, and I do RFTW to honor all veterans from all wars and service, but especially him.  Dad was also the Central Route Coordinator in 2018 for the 30th Annual RFTW, so I am proud to be following in his shoes and footsteps.  To my knowledge, we are the first pair of father-son RFTW RC’s, and I certainly hope not the last.  My FNG year was 2009, and I have done almost every official RFTW since then.  I only missed the 2022 Run due to a broken shoulder.  Last year I served as the Assistant Route Coordinator.  I have also served as Road Guard Captain, Assistant Road Guard Captain, and as a Road Guard over the years.  I also served on the BoD as the Public Relations Director from 2016-2019.

You all may be wondering who the 2025 Assistant Route Coordinator is going to be… It is my privilege to announce that Jim McDonough has accepted the position as my Assistant (ARC) for the 2025 Central Route RFTW.  Jim was commissioned as an Ensign in 1983 and became a Naval Flight Officer in EA6-B Prowlers.  He left Active Duty in 1994, and transferred to the Naval Reserve, where he ultimately retired in 2014 as a Navy Captain (O-6).  Jim also is a retired Sergeant of the Kitsep County Sheriff’s Office in Port Orchard, WA. Jim has served both RFTW as a Platoon Leader, Asst Platoon Leader, and Quartermaster. I am truly thrilled and humbled to have him as my ARC in 2025.  Please join me in welcoming and congratulating him.

Believe it or not, planning for May 2025 and the 35th Run is already starting. All of the new RC’s will be meeting with the RFTW BoD in about a week and a half to officially kick things off.

Our very next order of business that is coming up immediately is the RFTW Angel Fire Reunion and workday.  This reunion will take place Friday, August 30 – Sunday, Sept 1, 2024.  Most people come in some time on Friday and leave on Sunday morning.  If you want to come a day early on Thursday, or stay later than Sunday, that is up to you.  There is great riding in the area.  I will re-iterate that this reunion is for anyone from any of our Four Routes.  Central Route does stop in Angel Fire as an official stop on our itinerary in May, but what makes this reunion special is that we lay memorial bricks along the walkways of the memorial. RFTW has adopted the memorial for many, many years.  Each brick has the name and service dates of any serviceman or servicewoman. Living or deceased. Each brick is read aloud and marched to its place on the memorial grounds by an RFTW rider.  The memorial provides our lunch on Saturday, Aug 31.  Part of your registration and sign-up fee will include dinner on Friday night and Saturday night.  You are responsible for  making your own lodging reservations in Eagle Nest, NM or Angel Fire, NM.

Go here to register for the reunion: https://forms.gle/txe74T5fRRAzCC9EA

  • Please register. This helps us prepare for number of people and meals for the reunion.

There will be more to come in the coming months, leading up to our departure in May 2025.

In my 16-years of being involved with RFTW, I am sure I’ve messed up a time or two.  I want you all to know that I’m humbled and honored to be your Route Coordinator for our 35th Annual Run For The Wall.  I’ll  work hard and do my best to make it meaningful to you all.  Let’s make it count, and one to remember.

Until They All Come Home,
Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson
Route Coordinator – Central Route 2025

Kirk Olson carrying his Father's Memorial Brick for placement at the Angel Fire Reunion, August 30, 2014.
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2024 Central Route Itinerary Posted @ www.RFTW.us

Central Route Itinerary Cover 2024

Aloha RFTW O’hana –
May is 30-days away, and KSU is in 44-days!

We are pleased to announce that the Official 2024 Central Route Itinerary is complete.

It can be viewed and downloaded here:
https://rftw.us/central-route-hub

Additionally, if you want to PRINT a hard copy BOOKLET for yourself, the best thing to do is use this PRINT version, and print using the PRINT BOOKLET Option with Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

  1. Put on your phone version – Click here
  2. Print booklet version, using Print Booklet function of Adobe Acrobat – Click Here (Save file to your computer first.) — Instructions on how to PRINT BOOKLET Here. Must be able to print on two sides of paper. Click here for instructions.** The MAP pages are on the LONG EDGE in the PRINT Version, and they are rotated for easier viewing in the Phone version.

To download and put the itinerary on your Apple iPhone click on the itinerary link at the Central Hub, then follow these instructions below.

Save and View PDFs to the Books app on your iPhone or iPad

Use Apple Books to save and view PDFs.

Tap the link above and get the itinerary PDF to open it.

  1. Tap the Share button .
  2. Swipe left over the app icons and tap Books.
    The Apple Books icon
    If you can’t see Books, tap the More button. Then tap Books.
    The Apple Books icon appears when you tap the More button.

Your PDF will open and save automatically in the Books app. You can find it later in the Library tab.

If you own an Android, follow these instructions:
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/hub/how-to-read-pdfs-on-android.html

See you in May!

Kirk “Pretty Boy” Olson 
Asst Route Coordinator 2024 | Central Route
Run for the Wall®

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2018 RFTW Hotel Lists Posted

The Hotel Lists for all three routes: Central, Midway, and Southern are now posted within the respective Route Hubs under > Run Info from the Main Menu of the RFTW Website.

These also include booking links for Ontario, CA and Washington, DC/Arlington, VA.

Central Route Hotels
Midway Route Hotels
Southern Route Hotels

See you in May!