Eyes open, it’s still dark outside the hotel room. The clock next to the bed shows 4:40 AM, only a few minutes before your alarm goes off. Your eyes close in hopes of getting just a few more minutes of sleep that feels like hours. Then you hear it. The rumble of a motorcycle engine racing down the street just outside, and that feeling of panic sets in. Eyes wide open, but it’s still dark.  Did you oversleep? You quickly look back over at the clock. 4:41 AM stares back at you. Then you realize it’s just the staging crew starting their day and preparations before riders begin to arrive. Now that you’re wide awake from a sudden adrenaline rush, you may as well get up, pack, and get ready to hit the road. It’s a new day with the calling of the road just outside.

Tripp’s Harley Davidson and Amarillo’s HOG Chapter sponsored a breakfast for the pack with pancakes and sausage, coffee, juice, and their meeting room filled to the max with riders, volunteers, police, and supporters of the RFTW. Awards and recognitions were given along with informational reports on the weather, stops for the day, even introductions to the new FNGs that arrived and registered in Amarillo.

Just outside, bikes and trikes were wrapped around the building in platoon lines in preparation of launching the new day.

Col William R Higgins was honored with the Missing Man formation, ridden for and remembered by Birdy, a new Midway family member.

Midway was launched just as the sun was lifting from the Texan horizon. The winds had calmed down, not gone, but noticeably less than the day prior. Even the haze and smoke hung less in the air. 70 degrees added to the perfect weather to begin a new day’s ride.

Our first stop was only 95 miles out in Shamrock, TX, a location where we fueled and then traveled a few blocks to stage. An entire street being shut down to accommodate the entire group to park and stretch before carrying on. But this was no ordinary location, in fact many conversations commented on how much the area looked like the town of Radiator Springs in the Pixar film ‘Cars’. In reality, the Shamrock, TX is an iconic stop on Route 66 with its Conoco Tower & U-Drop Inn, and being the visual inspiration and exact model for Ramones body shop in the movie. Even a rusted tow truck is parked just outside in reference to the character Tow Mater.

SSgt Burt C. Small Jr was honored with the Missing Man formation, ridden for and remembered by Phantom.

Only 100 miles down the road, and with the day starting to get hotter and windier, the Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, OK awaited with a treat of lunch as well as touring  the museum. A two and a half hour stop allowed everyone time to eat, tour the museum, and relax in the newly built addition with air conditioning. All of which being a luxury at this point with rising temperatures and increasing wind speeds, both of which we knew we’d have to go back out and ride in eventually, but in the meantime we were going to take full advantage of the opportunity.

As with any event, it was time to say goodbye and continue our trek east.

LCDR Donald E Thompson was honored with the Missing Man formation, ridden for and remembered by an FNG rider.

The final leg of today’s journey would take us from Weatherford and travel through Oklahoma City and straight on into Shawnee, 105 miles. This would not (or better stated as ‘should not’) be a significant ride, relatively short, however Mother Nature seemed to have different plans.

25 mph sustained cross winds that were gusting closer to 30 mph did not make for a simple ride. Similar to day one, wind beaten and road tired, the group was very thankful to get through Oklahoma City and make it into Shawnee safely and all together.

The VFW of Shawnee, OK welcomed us with a well needed meal and a chance to get out of the wind for a while. Awards and plaques handed out along with fried chicken and smoked bologna, a very well appreciated and welcomed meal and chance to chance to meet with old friends.

Although today was another great trip of only 300 miles, the weather from today has definitely sent everyone to get a good night’s rest before heading out again first thing tomorrow.

Until tomorrow night,

Keep the rubber side down,

Shiney side up.

Be safe and Ride safe.

Stitch

Friday morning, May 15th found us in the shadows of the Sandia Mountains of Albuquerque, New Mexico just before sunrise.

The staging crews begin to set up and prepare for the arrival of Midway’s riders with a cool crisp breeze, temperatures hanging in the lower 50s, and the sounds of a city starting to wake up and start a new day.

The Rich Ford dealership sat perfectly alongside I40 in the Southeast part of town allowing us to assemble and begin a new day’s ride with little effort of getting underway.

Faintly in the distance the crews begin to hear the unmistakable rumble of motorcycle engines as they rumble down the street and turn the corner. Bit by bit, bike by bike, the platoon lines begin to take shape once again with even more than the day before. New riders joining the pack begin to sign in and embark on their adventure with us.

A small cafe within the dealership opens it doors to offer a hot breakfast of burritos, coffee, juice, and cereal bars. The burritos make an instant hit with all of the riders. As some are aware, no one does breakfast burritos better than Albuquerque as it is almost a staple during the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival every fall. Their choices of hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, sausage, all wrapped up in massive tortillas with the option of either Hatch red or green chile, a must have to truly experience the New Mexican culture and cuisine.

SP4 Elliot Cook was honored with the Missing Man formation, ridden for and remembered by Popeye, a close friend of the family.

As the anticipation grows, stories being told, APD and AFD arrive on the site, everyone is ready to start a new day. And just as the sun breaks over the mountains casting its warmth onto the bike below, the signal to go is given, and the adventure begins.

Immediately the pack heads east up into the mountain pass with APD and Bernalillo County Sheriffs guiding and trailing the pack, through the pass on out into the plains of eastern New Mexico. Blooming sage can be seen and smelled along the freeway, giving an earthy but sweet smell to enjoy while riding across the high desert in the early morning hours. Plateaus and rock formations all around, as far as the eye can see with red, orange, and a mixture of browns and yellows mixing them through.

Before we knew it, we created a hill and headed down into a depression with Santa Rosa right in front of us. Our first fuel stop at the Loves station allowed for everyone to stretch their legs, grab a quick bite plus two to three bottles of water as hydration is a much needed aspect of riding rough this high altitude and dry desert setting.

With everyone fueled and ready to go, Juice read the Missing Man biography over the radio with a PA system to help those who could not hear the broadcast.

Maj Harry L McLamb was honored with the Missing Man formation, ridden for and remembered by Sarge, a first year rider of Run For The Wall Midway.

The group departed Loves and headed to a traditional stop at the Blue Hole, a natural spring oasis with crystal blue waters that is used for underwater caving and swimming by the locals, and a refreshing point in the Midway’s journey.

Started years before, it has become tradition for Road Guards and Leadership Team to jump into the natural spring waters, rain or shine, hot weather or cold; and the waters remain a constant 64 degrees all year round. Today was no different as the temperature had risen to the high 80s and showed no signs of getting any cooler for the time being. All of the Road Guards, most of the Leadership and several of the riders took advantage of the cooling opportunity and shied their support in the Midway Family Tradition.

Lunch was also served in the banquet hall of the visitors center where folks could relax in the air conditioning for just a bit longer before beginning their trek through the desert heat once again.

As the first horn sounded signaling 10 minutes to ride, several County Sheriff’s warned us of several serious vehicle accidents up the road and began planning different route strategies if needed as the stays of the interstate was closed for the time being.

With plans set in place, riders mounted their bikes and were once again heading off to the east, their mission goal on the horizon. Word came down as we were on our way that the accident scenes were cleared enough to travel through allowing the group to press on with no worries ahead.

The desert sun had warmed the sands and winds to the upper 90s now, acting almost like a massive hair dryer for everyone, including those that jumped into the spring, drying their clothes completely within 15 minute of starting out once again.

Our next fuel stop was near the New Mexico and Texas border, Russell’s Truck stop where locals were set up and awaiting our arrival with water, sunscreen, gremlin bells and other small tokens of their appreciation. Inside the staff was handing out ice cream cones to all of the riders that wanted one and allowing for a relaxing bit of time to get out of the day’s heat, if not for just a moment’s time.

The final push was then made across into Texas, the pan handle and grasslands, up and out of the lower sand and rock basins before. Of course these plains offer the perfect opportunity for wind farms with their massive windmills dotting the landscape as far as the eye could see. Even though these structures were massive and awe inspiring, they also signaled the presence of constant winds sweeping across the land. Nonetheless, riding through these giants gave us a unique perspective of just how vast of the area was, with high altitude clouds spotting the skies along the way.

The smell of sage was slightly still present but had been almost completely replaced with the smells of plains grass on the warm summer winds. The temp had also dropped down to the mid 80s, comfortable enough with the moving wind as we continued towards Amarillo.

The traffic steadily grew as we approached the city, another oasis in the vast open plains. Texas Highway Patrol, County Sheriffs and local PD all surrounded the pack as we rode close towards the city, guiding us in as if we were a special procession that was handed off to them at the border.

We arrived at Christian Heritage Church with open arms, flag bearers, cheering crowds and an overall hero’s welcome.

Dinner was prepared by volunteers from around the area that made Amarillo, TX one of if not the favorite stop of Midway Route. Texan BBQ and hospitality is absolutely amazing and hard to beat.

Awards were given out but not before the posting of the colors by Jr ROTC as well as our national anthem and America the Beautiful being sung as well. Amarillo has won the hearts of many Midway riders and for very good reason.

Although many were there, unfortunately the fire departments were unable to attend due to wild fires burning around the city. So please say a prayer for those hero’s, their safety, and the ability to protect our communities.

Until tomorrow night,

Keep the rubber side down,

Shiney side up.

Be safe and Rise safe.

Stitch

The started crisp for Arizona, 40 degrees in Flagstaff’s warmest spot. Still everyone arrived in the Walmart parking lot and was greeted by volunteers with hot coffee and breakfast burritos, juice, and warm smiles.

Nerves have calmed down after the first day being in the books, the second only minutes away from beginning. Excitement ran though everyone in preparation for getting underway, partially because of the new day and getting closer to our mission goal, but also to drop into the Arizona desert and shed the sweatshirts and coats.

As the ride began, the pack was Eastbound on I40 towards Winslow, Arizona, made famous from the Eagles song ‘Take it Easy’.

As we steered our tires off the freeway and towards downtown Winslow, the corner of North Kinsley Ave and I40 Business Route came into view, with a large Route 66 sign painted in the middle of the intersection and several iconic statues on each corner. This was only to be a rolling tribute to the lyrics and a quick parade through town. Further east and just before turning to gain re-entry onto the freeway, another memorial stood, this of 9/11 with actual beams from New York’s twin towers in its center.

From there our first fuel stop was on our way to New Mexico. The temperature had risen to the low to mid 80’s, a sign of the day and venture to come.

After fueling, recognizing the folks that did such a great job providing the fuel and parking lot, shedding off the unnecessary clothing, and even more hydration, we launched towards New Mexico and our next stop, Milan Elementary in Milan, New Mexico.

If you ask any rider that is a veteran to the Midway Route, they’ll tell you that Milan Elementary is a cherished stop, one that is anticipated and waited for an entire year. The kids, staff and parents are a warm and welcome site, first sat out their front doors and around the round about circle, cheering and chanting , U.S.A.;  U.S.A; U.S.A while everyone circled around, engines revving, kids screaming, and staff were all getting into the display.

From the front of the building, everyone migrated into the gymnasium where presentations and speeches were given, and the fun with the kids continued.

Much was served shortly afterwards with fresh homemade local cuisine with the New Mexican native Green and Red Chill.

Just when you feel comfortable enough to stay within the community, reality sets in with a reminder of the time as well as the continuous nagging within the platoons and riders that we must continue on our journeys.

Our next stop, Route 66 Casino, just outside of our nightly destination, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  There we also met up with Bernalillo County’s finest as well as state patrol officers with a Presidential Escort through Albuquerque, a significant advantage to anyone trying to cross town during the evening rush hour’s traffic.

Once the signs were given by Wind Dog, Ed Brundage, the Midway Route came alive with engines and riders, along with a new group that had formed up next to the road, the law enforcement officers. With a nod of the Route  Coordinators, everyone started the parade out of the side street and into the freeway, the motorcycle law enforcement officers surrounding the entire pack and guiding us on into Albuquerque’s Harley Davidson.

For 21 years the Harley Davidson has been supporting this run, the folks of Midway to help ensure their journey is successful.

With recognitions made and backyard bbq being served, it was a great ending to a memorable day.

Day 2 in the books.

Until tomorrow night,

Keep the rubber side down,

Shiney side up.

Be safe and Rise safe.

Stitch