Category: Southern Route Coordinator News

June,  2022 Epilog

 

 RFTW Southern Route Family,

This is my last RC Newsletter for 2022.  (save the applause).

First, I want to Congratulate Kristine “Eyes” Wood on her BoD confirmation to be the Southern Route Coordinator for RFTW Mission XXXIII 2023.   Her work in support of the RFTW Mission, starting even before her FNG year, and especially as ARC these past 3 years, is proof that Kris earned this position.  Her patriotism stems from multiple generations of Military Service dating back to the Revolutionary War.  I have extreme confidence in Kris’ ability to Lead and Manage the Southern Route Mission.

Secondly, I would like to say what an Honor it has been to be the Southern Route Coordinator since 2020.  We, I mean ALL OF US, have been through a lot in the last 3 years to get Mission XXXII complete.

We started the pre-Mission festivities by celebrating the marriage of Santa Ed and Den Mother.

It was our first time in Casa Grande, AZ, and the folks there showed us great hospitality.

Hats off to the FNGs, overall, I would say that the vast majority adapted to platoon riding quickly and comfort levels increased daily.

Did everything go perfectly?  No.  Will it ever?  Doubtful.   We had to make several changes leading up to the start and they continued throughout the Mission.  The fact that most riders never knew about all of the behind-the-scenes juggling and hoop jumping actions, is a testament to the Leadership Team and State Coordinators commitment.  A HUGE THANK YOU, to ALL of you.  You deserve all the credit; I’ll take any of the blame.  I was blessed with the Greatest Bunch of Volunteers that money can buy. LOL.

*** For those of you who ordered the special 20^th Anniversary T-shirts and have not picked them up, they will be mailed to you soon.  We are trying to get them mailed before the end of June.  Thank you for your patience ***

If you haven’t submitted your After-Action Report yet, Please do.  That is your opportunity to express your thoughts about this year’s Mission.   If you have ideas on how we can improve the experience, we would like to know.  Use this Link

Don’t forget the Angel Fire, NM Reunion over Labor Day weekend and the

Kerrville, TX Riders Reunion September 21-25, 2022, details on The Facebook page 

Only 333 days before Kick Stands Up May 17, 2023, I hope to see everyone there and many new faces too.

“Captain America, Out”

May,  2022 Part 4

 

 

ONE MORE THINK or 2

Today Ron discovered another Harley Dealer that wants to assist RFTW with service.

He will give a military discount and will prioritize RFTW Bikes. It is in Loma Linda, CA but just a short drive down the 10.

Quaid Harley

25160 Redlands Blvd

Loma Linda, CA 92364

1-909-796-8399

Speak with Joe Pedersen

Reminder – If you are in a 4-wheel vehicle you must travel at least 2 miles in front of or back of the pack.  On Wednesday leaving Ontario, do not park in the staging area.  I suggest you leave right after the Morning All Hands Meeting.  The only exceptions world be the Chase vehicles and the Nurses. 

May,  2022 Part 3

 

 

This is it, The last Pre-Run list of good things to know.  Some of these you have already heard or should have.

• You will get a copy of the Southern Route Itinerary when you “Check In”.  Study it. Where you need to be and when you need to be there is all right there.  A LOT of time and effort when into its publication, it is not intended to be a souvenir program.  The best prepared Riders have the least stress. 
  • Every exit is there in Bold and the arrival and departure times also.  Many Riders will write the exit numbers each day on the back of their windshields with a dry-erase marker to keep track
  • Be aware we will cross several time zones.  We lose an hour each time.  Make sure that your timepiece is correct, otherwise you will be late.  Getting a good night’s rest is crucial.
  • Keep your itinerary handy, pay attention at the Mandatory Riders’ Meeting for last minute changes.
  • You can access it online, even download and print @ 2022 Southern Route Itinerary
• Don’t forget to check your tire pressure.  It is often overlooked.  Under or Overinflated tires are unsafe.  Recommended tire pressure can be found in your owner’s manual or a sticker inside of a side cover, NOT on the tire.  While you are there, double check the tread all the way around the tires.
• There are still open spots for the FNG Flag Relay.  You can be a part of this special mission by carrying the folded flag for one leg of the Southern Route Run.  Contact Rod Runyon by email to sign up.
• One more time, HYDRATE !, HYDRATE !, HYDRATE!

See Y’all Soon. In the words of my cousin Willie, ” Just can’t wait to get on the road again”.

May,  2022 Part 2

 

Greetings from Snowy Northern Nevada,

Hard to believe, but there is actually snow in the air.  But like the postman or postwoman,  Nothing will stay us from our appointed Route.      Happy Mother’s Day!! 

Today I bring you: More good things to know.

• We will have Daily Raffles; they will include 50/50 and prizes. The prizes are collected and donated by the Southern Route Riders.  If you have something(s) you would like to donate that is small enough to be carried by the winner, please bring it to Ontario, or wherever you are joining us. 
• We also have so many wonderful hand-crafted raffle items, including several beautiful quilts, bamboo cutting board and special wooden boxes. The special tickets for these items and others will be sold beginning in Ontario and along the Route.  The drawing for these will be in Wytheville, VA at the Moose Lodge dinner.   You need not be present to win, and larger items will be shipped home for you. Beside an awesome meal, there will be other special items available, so you don’t want to miss out.
• There will only 400 tickets available to win a commemorative stained-glass panel, that was made and donated by our Road Guard Captain, Bob “Captain” Mazzone, He made one for each of the 4 Routes
• 
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• We will be visiting with students from 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school. The younger kids love the “trinkets” we bring to give them.   Things like pencils, pens, lanyards, stickers, wrist bands, beads, and pins are all very popular.   I am bringing 2 grosses of special pencils, between Southern and SandBox Routes, I may only have handful left when I am done.
• Be sure to explore our RFTW Facebook Page  it’s a great place to have some casual conversation also find and share knowledge.
• Our Merchandise Trailer will be loaded with all manner of RFTW gear. It’s your one stop shop for RFTW Swag
• Those who ordered the special 20th Anniversary Southern Route T-shirts they will be available for pickup in Ontario and along the Route.  Watch the message board for times and location
• We also nave a limited number of The 20 Anniversary patches for sale
• 
• If you are already on the road, Be Safe, watch for loonies they are everywhere

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Flexible and Stay Positive.

May,  2022

 

Greetings RFTW Southern Route Family,

IT’S MAY !!  And less than 2 weeks before KSU.  I am going to get right to it.    Things you need to know

• There has been some discussion about Parade Size Flags. While every Patriot loves the American Flag.  We cannot permit them to be unfurled while riding in the pack. 
• Make sure that your Registration, Insurance and Driver’s License (with proper endorsement) are up to date and unexpired when you show up to “Check In”.
• The GOLDEN TICKET Raffle Tickets will be available for sale in Ontario. They will cost $5 each or 5 for $20.  We will sell Only 2,000 tickets and the number of winners will be based on the number of tickets sold.   If we sell all 2,000, we will have 10 winners.  Each winner will be considered prepaid at all non-donated fuel stops along the 2022 Southern Route.  You are still obligated to show up at morning staging with a full tank.   This excluded 4-wheeled vehicles. Drawing to be held at the Day 1 Morning Riders’ Meeting.  You must be present to win
• If you haven’t already, fill out and sign your Emergency Information Form  . Click on the link to download the fillable pdf file.  Print 3 copies, one for your person, one to carry on the bike and a spare, just in case.
• I know no one wants to hear this but, we may enter places where masks are required. So, pack a few.
• For the FNGs, the Southern Route FNG Orientation will be on Tuesday 5/17 at 1:00 -2:00 PM
• The MANDATORY ALL HANDS meeting will be held in LOT D at 3:00 PM
• Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
• Semper Gumby, be Always Flexible, Things don’t always go as planned. Be Patient, we’ll get there.

See y’all soon…..

 

April,  2022 Part 4

 

 

 

Greetings from the Sunny State of Nevada

More rooms in Arlington VA

Some riders asked if there are still rooms available in Arlington VA for RFTW.   The answer is YES.  Although the Holiday Inn is fully booked, The nearby Westin Hotel  still has rooms at the RFTW Rate.  Use the link to book directly online.   

A word to the Wise

Also, save yourself some time and trouble by downloading the Emergency Information Form from this link.  If you wait until you check in, it is likely that some of the information will not be at your fingertips.   It is downloadable and savable to your computer.  Simply download it, fill it out COMPLETELY, and print at least 2 copies.   Personally, I suggest 3, One if folded in thirds both ways will fit neatly in the clear plastic pouch that comes with the lanyard that you will receive at Check-In.  Another can be on your bike; a good place is with your vehicle registration.  And I suggest you carry one in your wallet always.  I could give you dozens of reasons why this is so important, but I will sum it up with this one.  Should you find yourself in an emergency situation and are unable to speak for yourself, this it your voice.

Disclaimer

Just one more thing, the Golden Ticket mentioned in the last newsletter is only good for the Southern Route, and not valid for 4-wheelers.   Void where prohibited, Your actual mileage may vary…..   Side effects include a smile as you fuel and more money to buy more raffle tickets and merchandise.

 

 

April,  2022 Part 3

 

 

Greetings Southern Route Riders,

The itinerary is set, and final preparations are underway.  Lately the most often asked question I get is “Is it May yet?”  the answer is soon, very soon.

The second most asked question is “How much is it going to cost me for fuel?”  The best answer to date has been, that depends on fuel prices.  We have 21 scheduled fuel stops on the Southern Route.  Some are fully donated; some are partially donated, and some are paid by the Riders.  Our trusty team has been tracking the gas prices all along our Route.  They have gone up and down but appear right now to be stabilizing somewhat.  We have a plan. For the partially donated stops, we will collect $5 from each vehicle and $10 at the Rider paid stops.  The most you will ever have to pay at a stop is $10, if you do your part.  Now what is your part?  That’s easy, show up every morning with a full tank.  It is what you should be doing everyday

GOLDEN TICKET

In my last regular newsletter, I mentioned a Golden Ticket.  What? You say.  Would that get me a tour in the Chocolate Factory?  No, but it would cover all of your fuel expenses, clear across the country. Yes, that’s right, all your fuel would be prepaid at every scheduled stop on the Southern Route 2022.  We have 2000 special raffle tickets which will be sold in Ontario for only $5 each or 5 for $20.  Depending on the number of tickets sold, is how many Golden Tickets (up to 10) will be awarded.  The additional monies collected will be used to pay for our Chase and the Hydration vehicles fuel costs.

High Fuel prices are something we all have to bear in our daily lives.  We are doing our best to stretch our limited fuel budget to keep the Riders’ costs down.  Also, to help speed up our lines through the pumps have your $5s and /or $10s ready.  As always, No Change will be given, any overpayment will be considered a donation to the fuel fund.  Please no $1 bills, Box Tops, IOUs or Crypto.  How much should you budget for fuel from LA to DC?  The best guess at this point is $340 to $370.  This would also cover your overnight fueling, so you have no excuse for not showing up to staging with a full tank every morning.  

April,  2022 Part 2

 

 

Special Announcement

Many of you have been asking if there will be a Friday Nite Parade (Silent Drill Team) in DC. I just received this from SgtMaj Doug Lyvere today.

1^st announcement – RFTW participants are once again invited to attend the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks in Washington D.C.  The RFTW web sites will give you details and I will forward any additional info as I get it.  Those of you that have attended may want to again and feel free to pass the word to friends and riders who haven’t seen this event.  Friday night you will be in the process of “winding down” and this is a great way to do it.  You can get details on the Friday Evening Parade on Google.  RFTW members and guests normally go together and can sit together.  Dress code – leathers are fine but it would be advisable to clean up.  Remember, you will be going through a metal detector – your pins will set them off.  NO WEAPONS are allowed on barracks grounds and there is no place to check them in.  Parking can be difficult and you’re basically on your own.  Parking tickets can be very expensive.
Riders wishing to attend the Parade – please email me the names of all attending.  You will NOT get individual tickets as you will have me there to verify your attendance.  Please send a separate email with questions.
2^nd announcement – GOLD STAR FAMILIES –  prior to the Parade,  the Commandant has a reception in his garden (end of the parade deck).  THIS IS BY INVITATION ONLY and RFTW can only invite Gold Star families to attend this event.  Entrance to the Commandants house will start at 1730.  For the reception, only formal and semi formal dress allowed.  You may have to send clothing to the DC in advance.
Gold Stars wishing to attend the Reception – I need your names (all) and a short BIO of the family member lost in combat.  It will be forwarded to protocol prior to the Reception.
IN BOTH cases – respond to my address with either “Gold Star” or “rider” (or both) in the subject line.
The RFTW sites will have more info.  Please remember that I’m on the Run also so my time is limited.
Please forward this email to all routes, participants, Gold Stars and all leadership including State Coordinators as well as fb and other Social Media.
Thanks and be safe.
Doug (SgtMaj) Lyvere

RFTW, SR, RG doug@lyvere.com

April,  2022 Part 1

 

Greetings from the Battle Born State,

“So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. “ An appropriate quote from Willy Wonka.  It seems like over the last 3 years many plans we made, have had to change, some more that once.  If only I had a “Golden Ticket”

Adapt and Overcome.

Something we all do it in our everyday lives.  We have over 100 people on each Route, many that are behind the scenes, making things happen for us. Every stop along the way gets scrutinized and planned for foreseeable conditions.  Will it be perfect? Probably not.  Will it be Meaningful, Spiritual, Patriotic, Challenging, Welcoming, Memorable with maybe a little Fun? Absolutely!

We all need to Be Prepared.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, Hydrate! (x3).   Get your bike serviced by a conscientious mechanic. Make sure that lights work, everything attached is tight.  Pack smartly, lay everything you want to take before you pack a single thing.  It won’t all fit. You will have to separate the needs from the wants.  For example, I have 17 pairs of riding gloves.  I bring 4, for Warm, Cold, Wet and Cool.  I think you get the idea.

Biographies aka Bios.

Our CA State Coordinators are putting together binders of Bios for ALL Riders.  This is your chance to share with everyone who reads them, who you are and what you are about.  Additionally, such things as: Why you came on Run For The Wall and continue to, Are you riding to honor someone.  Include some pictures as long as it all fits on 1 sheet of 8-1/2×11.  Carol and Shirley’s email addresses are listed on the SR Hub Contacts.

FNG Flag Relay.

If you are an FNG on Southern Route, be sure to contact Rod Runyon, our Memorial Outreach Coordinator, about signing up for the FNG Flag Relay and be a part of carrying a special American Flag from LA to DC.

More topics next week…………….

March,  2022 Part 3

 

 

Hi Everybody,

Ok, Spring is here, and it is starting to actually feel like it.  That means RFTW XXXII 2022 is just around the corner.

I have a reminder for all of our FNGs, the Second FNG Town Hall will be this Thursday, March 24, 2022, starting at 1600 PDT.  If you have not gotten your Special Invitation, just email me and I will reply with the Zoom login information and add you to the list.  Special Thanks to Denise Murray for setting this up. This session will be recorded, and a link will be emailed everyone on the list.  In case you missed it, you will have a second chance.  The theme for this Town Hall is “Things Every Rider Must Know”.   This is open to FNG Riders from ALL Routes.

It’s a good time to start gathering up raffle items (items that Bikers can use).  And let’s not forget those things that we collect to drop off at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and the Virginia Veterans Care Center.  Patients need basic clothing (socks, underwear & shirts) and toiletry items. 

We still need to fill some vacancies in Platoon Leadership, especially in the Trike Platoons.  To volunteer you must have gone All The Way at least once, have a working CB Radio installed and good people skills.   I am also looking for a Route Videographer to do a special project along the Southern Route (SR).  No super high-tech equipment needed.  Just something that can record video to an SD card.  Volunteer Form Link

Just One More Thing, In Ontario, the American Legion will perform a Flag Folding Ceremony and present an American Flag to each Route Coordinator.  On Southern Route we plan to transport it All The Way from LA to DC via FNG Relay.  If you are a SR FNG and are interested in being a part of this, Email Rod Runyon, our Memorial Outreach Coordinator at rod.runyon@rftw.us he will sign you up.

That’s all for now, Stay Tuned……….