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
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 