72 Days to KSU!

Can you feel it? We are getting close!

Advice For New Riders

If you haven’t already started, this would be the time to get prepared for the run. Get yourself ready by exercising, walking and most importantly, riding. As the weather permits, try to get some long-distance rides, 100 miles or more at least. Also get used to hydrating by drinking lots of water and electrolytes each day. Make sure your bike is serviced and ready to go. Start going over your packing list and do a trial loadout on your bike. If you are an FNG (Fine New Guy/Gal) you are probably planning to bring too much stuff (we all did our FNG year).

Go over your bike and tighten down all nuts, bolts or connectors of any sort. Blue Loctite will ensure they do not loosen and will keep them from falling off your bike and becoming dangerous, heavy objects bouncing through the formation.

Prepaid Fuel

Yes, Midway is doing prepaid fuel again this year. The cost will be $160.00 and everyone gets to participate.   (That’s just a nice way to say prepaid fuel will be mandatory). There are three (3) ways to pay for prepaid fuel.

1) Use Zelle to send the money to Midway.Route@rftw.us (don’t forget the dot between Midway and Route). Be sure to annotate that it is for “Midway prepaid fuel”.  2) Send a check made out to: Run For The Wall, Inc.  Put “Midway prepaid fuel” in the memo line. Mail to: RFTW Treasurer, 50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445, Dayton, NV 89403  3) Pay cash at check-in either in Ontario or any day you join us on our way to DC. There are no credit card options. CASH ONLY! Please remember, even with prepaid fuel you need to come to Staging each morning with a full tank of gas

We are Still Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for some leadership personnel. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Promotions and Staging. If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any position, please contact your ARC at randy.sheets@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

Registration

We still have participants that have told me there are going on the run with Midway this year but have not registered. I understand that we are all busy, and as the time gets closer, we will get busier. However, please take 10 minutes of your time and register on line. It would help me and your leadership team works its magic at supporting all our family members on the run. Remember the old NIKE ad “Just Do it”

Americans are generally procrastinators and wait until the last minute to do things we know we need to do. However, in this case, the longer you wait the more impact it has on our great supporters across this great nation. So, PLEASE get it done. With that said, if you have potential conflicts that preclude you from registering now, you can register any time between now and checking in when you arrive in Ontario.

Registration Rates for Coast to Coast Routes

1. Regular Registration – $120 per person
2. Day Riders (up to 3 days on the road riding) – $100 per person

Route Itinerary

Your State Coordinators, ARC and I have just completed our final review of this years itineray and satelitte picture reviews of each stop during the route.
We found some very small corrections that were required and will be submitting our route itinerary to the Board shortly. When the routes are approved, they will be added to our Midway route page for your download and review.

Two things to remember about the itineraries. Paper copies used to be handed out at registration/check in as part of your registration package. The After Action Reports (AAR’s) and general comments led efforts towards development of a QR code capability for all riders.

You will be issued a card with a QR code on it that will go in your plastic carrier along with your emergency information form that you will be required to carry around your neck. This QR code opens up to a copy of your route itinerary. This will offer easy access to emergency numbers, chase vehicle information, if required or just a quick review of stops and events happening each day.The QR code on page 4 of the itinerary opens up to safety information you need to remember as a member of your route, so no more losing your itinerary, leaving it laying on a table at one of the stops or having it just fly out of your pocket while riding down the road. It will be easily available for your needs all the time.

Break outs on the Second day in Cookeville

You will have your choice of three break out rides on Day two of our stay in Cookeville, Tennessee. Each will be listed seperately in the published itinerary. When the itineraries are released, please take the time to review each break out and decide which one you wish to participate in. Just between you and me, they are all great!

Your platoon leader will be approaching you, In the future so we can get an idea how how many participants will be riding in each breakout. This will assist our supporters in preparing meals and other presentations/events in your honor. This is just a “Heads up”

Rolling to Remember (Formally Rolling Thunder)

We will be providing an opportunity to attend Rolling to Remember this year, probably shortly after the Sandbox route goes KSU on the 24th of May. Our initial contacts with Amvet coordinators are extremely positive and there may be a possibility we get to ride close to the front of R2R, which is exciting. Again, if you have never participated in this event, it is something to remember. More to follow!

After Action Reports (AAR’s)

You will be hearing about AAR’s in great detail as we get closer to KSU. However, I want you to know that AAR’s are a tool developed for you to give us your opinion or professional review of just “How we accomplished our duties” at providing you a safe, efficient, exciting, life changing adventure across our nation.

Even though it is named an After Action report, it is also your voice on what we have done and how we are doing. So you can use this tool as your voice to tell us just what is on your mind and your opinions.

These are read by the Board of Directors and handed to the Route Coordinators for review, comment or direct contact if further conversation/knowledge is required so rest assured these are taken very seriously. None of us is perfect and all opinions are taken very seriously so we collectively work towards making this mission the absolute best we can, year to year. Please use this capability at your discretion.

I will remind each of you to please submit one at the completion of the run to tells us what you think of “How we did” and what we can do better.

Donations

We can still use more donations to support this years run. Please reach out to all individuals who can support this mission to assist veterans, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, POW families, veterans currently residing in care facilities, and schoolchildren who, through no fault of their own, experience food insecurity and borderline malnutrition.
I just had a conversation with someone who just received a $15,000.00 grant from the Stater Brothers grocery chain. All she did was ask!!!!!

So let’s try asking. The worst one can say is no!!

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission. If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way. Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings. All of this fundraising allows us to operate the Midway Route and keep costs down.

If you can find it within yourself to ask the question, please use either Zelle that most banks have available and submit the donation to: Midway.route@rftw.us.

If you prefer to pay via check, please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Route 2026
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Ontario/DC Schedule of events

The events and meeting schedules are being developed as we speak. The Elks lodge in Ontario has once again stepped up and meals are being planned, meetings and registration will be conducted at the lodge. Many meetings and gatherings are additionally planned for the host hotel. Midway will be the first route to begin the run on the morning of 13 May at 0700 from Lot D.
Refreshments and coffee will be donated and available at morning staging prior to the morning schedule and KSU.

In DC, we will again be hosted by the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA with meals and meeting rooms. Registration will be conducted at the ALP, times and rooms will be forthcoming.

We again will be selecting riders to take their bikes to Arlington National Cemetery, take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial, have a ceremony for the end of RFTW 2026 at the apex of the Vietnam Memorial.

Please stay tuned and as these events formalize, I will get you the information immediately so you can plan to participate.

Think about who you are riding for.

“We ride for those who can’t”

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

I get more excited each day as we get closer to May. I interact daily with your leadership team and want to assure you that they are working diligently to make Midway 2026 the best experience for you, whether you are an FNG or a returning rider. They deserve your gratitude!

We are in the “two digit” territory. That is military lingo for, time is getting short! The closer we get, the faster time will fly so I strongly recommend that you get those things that you know you need to accomplish completed or they can rapidly turn into last-minute emergencies.

“Stop Procrastinating” It is time to re-energize and re-engage

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

102 Days to KSU!

Hello Midway family,

Is it February already. Where is the time going?

Friends and families are still recovering from some of the most devastating weather events of the year and in some areas, more to come. We need to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers. The time goes by so quickly. Before we know it, May will be upon us. Check on your friends and family and ensure that they are OK.

Registration

Registration has been open since Sept. 11th, 2025. Midway is doing well on getting riders registered. We now have over 180 personnel registered to ride with us. Still, if you have not registered yet, please consider doing it as soon as possible. We need semi-accurate numbers for our fuel stops so they know how much 91 octane they will need to have available for us. Additionally, our lunch and dinner locations need to have a best guess so they can provide the appropriate portions and Hotels, and camping locations need to know how many rooms or camping sites will be required. I know there are a lot of moving parts, but it is necessary to get this family across the country as safely and efficiently as possible.  You can register on our website just as you have in the past.

Registration Rates for Coast to Coast Routes

1. Regular Registration – $120 per person
2. Day Riders (up to 3 days on the road riding) – $100 per person

Hotel rooms and Camping locations

As a friendly reminder, Hotel and camping locations are posted on the Midway page. If you have not made your reservations, please do so soon. The hotels will only keep our blocks of rooms with special rates available for a short time and then they need to open them up to other travelers at the standard rate. So, the sooner you get this done the better the chances you can take advantage of the RFTW special rates.

The same goes for the posted camping locations.

We are Still Looking for Volunteers

Midway route is looking for a few good men or women. I need some dedicated riders to assist me with Registration, Promotions, Staging and a chase vehicle. The chase vehicle is required to be a pickup with a trailer capable of transporting 2 motorcycles. I will pay for the fuel used by the chase vehicle from Ontario to DC.  If you would be willing to assist the Midway riders in any of these positions, please contact your ARC at randy.sheets@rftw.us or go to the Midway website and fill out a volunteer sign up form. You will gain a sense of fulfillment that only comes with sacrifice and service to your family.

Gulf War Veterans

The Midway 2026 family will be recognizing all Gulf War veterans on the 35^th Anniversary of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm this coming year. This was the first war that America and her allies had won decisively Since World War II. More to follow on planned events

Pre-Paid Fuel

I have chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. The most recent check at our fuel stop in California had the cost of 91 octane at $6.40 per gallon. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, I have increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If we find that we are financially OK, I will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check, please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to include Midway 2026 Prepaid Fuel in the For line so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTION!

Ontario/DC Schedule of events

The events and meeting schedules are being developed as we speak. The Elks lodge in Ontario has once again stepped up and meals are being planned, meetings and registration will be conducted at the lodge. Many meetings and gatherings are additionally planned for the host hotel. Midway will be the first route to begin the run on the morning of 13 May at 0700 from Lot D.

Refreshments and coffee will be donated and available at morning staging prior to the morning schedule and KSU.

In DC, we will again be hosted by the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA with meals and meeting rooms.

We again will be selecting riders to take their bikes to Arlington National Cemetery, conduct a washing of the Vietnam Wall, take a photo at the Lincoln Memorial, have a ceremony for the end of RFTW 2026 at the apex of the Vietnam Memorial and potentially something at the new Gulf war memorial.

Please stay tuned and as these events formalize, I will get you the information immediately so you can plan to participate.

Friday Evening Parade, Marine Barracks, 8^th & I, Washington D.C.

There are plans being made to attend the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C Friday Evening Parade on 22 May. Time TBD. You will find this information posted on the RFTW website forum under “2026 Marine Barracks event registration”. If you have never attended this ceremony, you will miss something to tell your children about.

Rolling to Remember (Formally Rolling Thunder)

We will be providing an opportunity to attend Rolling to Remember this year, probably shortly after the Sandbox route goes KSU on the 24^th of May. Again, if you have never participated in this event, it is something to remember. More to follow!

GMRS Radios

For everybody in a leadership position, make sure you check your communications equipment for connectivity and firmware updates.  There is a new version of the firmware for the BTech GMRS Pro, titled “0.8.12.”  The update is easy to install using the phone app that goes with the radio.

If you are using a Sena headset, make sure you update to the most current firmware using the Sena Device Manager version 4.4.17.  The headset needs to be plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with a charging cable that supports data transfer (not all do), then follow the on-screen instructions.  If the application doesn’t recognize your device, you can try different cables until it works.  Sena has a troubleshooting guide and you can contact them directly for specific guidance on how to resolve problems.

Fundraising

We’re still looking for collectible, unique items that we can use to help us raise funds to support our mission.  If you know of anybody who might be able to donate such items, please let them know it would be very much appreciated and help us make donations of our own to our supporters and other worthwhile charitable organizations we encounter along the way.  Once we get items together, we’ll decide how they can best support us and figure out a way to offer them to our riders through auctions and drawings.  All of this fundraising allows us to operate the Midway Route and keep costs down.

RFTW Website

The RFTW website has a ton of information about the run, but there might still be questions you haven’t found the answers to. Two great sources of information are the RFTW Forum and After Action Reports (AAR).  I used to think that the AARs were only meant to give feedback right after the run. While that is the main reason for them, they can be used any time of the year. If you don’t know who you should direct a question to, fill out an AAR, and it will be sent to the right person to get you an answer. Also, if you have an idea that might help to improve the run, fill out an AAR. All AARs are read by the Board of Directors and directed to the respective Route Coordinators. Another outstanding source for information about the run is the new RFTW Podcast that is produced by Ted “Boots” Kapner and Tai “Hitch” Harmon. These Podcasts have a great amount of information about the run and are very entertaining.

General Information

Let’s continue to work on our personal preparations to get ready to complete the Run in May.  This includes (among many other things) motorcycle maintenance, mental and physical conditioning, and having a system for packing and unpacking your motorcycle repeatedly, day after day.  The more you practice, the easier it will become, which can reduce or eliminate any stress you may feel in anticipation of this amazing and demanding experience.

I personally change my tires each year. That is just me! It takes any concern about tire condition, bike control and performance off the table. If you can afford it!

Go over your bike with a “fine tooth comb”. Meaning closely check each bolt, screw or connector for tightness. There is nothing worse than having something fall from a bike and travel through a platoon with the potential of causing, at a minimum, damage to another bike. Blue lock tight is a very good solution.

If possible, get the bike out and ride. Nothing replaces experience, so get in the seat, on the road.

There have been years when we have had sunny days all the way across the country. However, we have also had rainstorms, hail and snow on one occasion. So, you need to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions. We will not stop because of different weather conditions unless it affects the safety of the riders. I will make that determination! With that said, if you ever feel personally unsafe, you can “Tap out” and join us at the next stop.

Pack riding is different than riding in small groups or in pairs. There is a lot of discussion about the differences in the RFTW Forum, and the SOP establishes policy to provide some controls, so you ride safely surrounded by other motorcycles that are impacted by your riding abilities. Practice Throttle control!!!!!

Think about who you are riding for.

“We ride for those who can’t”

Remember that we are on a Mission that requires all of us to work together and help each other to be successful. Set your own wants and needs aside and reflect on the hardships and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free.

I get more excited each day as we get closer to May. I interact daily with your leadership team and want to assure you that they are working diligently to make Midway 2026 the best experience for you, whether you are an FNG or a returning rider. They deserve your gratitude!

Shortly, we will be in the “two digit” territory. That is military lingo for, time is getting short! The closer we get, the faster time will fly so I strongly recommend that you get those things that you know you need to accomplish completed or they can rapidly turn into last-minute emergencies.

As the great American Philosopher, Forrest Gump, says “One less thang”

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

132 Days to KSU!

A very Happy New Year to you all! I hope everyone has had a very enjoyable holiday season with friends and family. It is hard to believe we are already into 2026 with just four months until we go kick stands up for the 36th Annual Run for the Wall, the 35th Anniversary of the Gulf War and the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 (America’s Highway).

IN GENERAL

Midway Leadership and State Coordinators continue to work hard on finalizing the planning for this year’s Run.  It is an honor to be a part of such an amazing group and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts and continued dedication.  As a result of your feedback from AAR’s and personal conversations, we have made a couple of changes to fuel stops minimizing the distance from Staging to the facilities.  We have also finalized the logistics around Day 8 after departing Knoxville, TN.  This year we will be returning to Asheville, NC for our dinner and overnight stop.  The people of Asheville are still recovering from a catastrophic flood but are resilient and deserve our support and prayers. They are really looking forward to celebrating our mission with us again. Additionally, we have combined our last two days from last year into one while maintaining our breakout day in Cookeville, TN.

2026 ITINERARY

This year’s itinerary is almost complete and will be released soon so you know where we are going and what we are doing for 2026. Look for an announcement on it’s release soon. It will be full of exciting adventures for FNG’s and returning riders.

VOLUNTEERS

We are still in need of a few Volunteers (Active link).  If you are interested in participating as an Honor Guard Coordinator, please contact Randy Sheets at randy.sheets@rftw.us. Additionally, our Staging Team is looking for a few more personnel. Our Promotions Team could use a little assistance from someone who is good at sales. We are also looking to add a couple of more trained medical personnel for our medical team. If you have an interest in serving in this capacity or know someone who is, please fill out a volunteer application or you may contact Randy.Sheets@rftw.us. We also need some help with The Chase team. A pickup and trailer capable of carrying two motorcycles is required. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. I will pay for your fuel from Ontario to Springfield, VA as a chase vehicle.

REGISTRATION   

Registration (Active link) is still $100 per person through 31 January 2026.  After that, Regular Registration is from 01 February 2026 through 30 April 2026 and will increase to a cost of $120 per person.  Day riders (up to 3 days) is $100.00.  Your registration assists in the planning of necessary personnel, meals, etc so I would encourage you to go online and register before the Early Bird rate ends. Save yourself some money, Do it now while you are thinking about it. It truly takes very little time to complete and helps your leadership prepare for our adventure.

PRE-PAID FUEL

I have chosen to increase the Prepaid Fuel cost for this year.  Coast to Coast will be $160 and it will be Mandatory. Even though gas prices have declined in certain parts of the country, the great concern and unknown is California. Refineries are closing and regulations are tightening on the remaining gas producers. To ensure we do not have to be financially constrained because of the uncertainty, I have increased the cost by $10.00 this year. If we find that we are financially OK, I will use any surplus to pay the cost of the fuel for the chase, Hydration and support vehicles, which are a route cost anyway. If you choose not to participate you will be fueling at a pump NOT controlled by the Midway fuel team. You will be issued a Pre-paid fuel sticker at registration by a fuel team member indicating that you have paid for fuel. This will be attached to your windshield (Clutch side) just below your platoon number. Not only is Prepaid fuel very cost-effective in the big picture, but it also helps provide a safer and more efficient stop at the pumps!  If you would like to go ahead and check this off of your To Do List and your bank uses Zelle (Most financial institutions have this capability), mark your payment to midway.route@rftw.us. Please be sure to include Midway – Prepaid Fuel in the For line so that we can allocate the money correctly.

If you prefer to pay via check please mail it to:

Run for the Wall, Inc.
Attn: Midway Prepaid Fuel
50 Fourth Ave Unit 1445
Dayton, NV 89403

Be sure to state that your payment is for “Midway Prepaid Fuel” so we can allocate it accordingly.  If you prefer to pay at Registration Check-In either in Ontario or wherever you join us, please note we will ONLY ACCEPT CASH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

COOKEVILLE BREAKOUTS

I would like you all to begin thinking about the Breakouts that we will be conducting on our second day in Cookeville, TN.  As in year’s past we will be visiting the following locations:

Breakout 1 – Sunbright Memorial in Sunbright, TN

Breakout 2 – Southside Elementary & Wilson County Veterans Memorial in Lebanon, TN

Breakout 3 – Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, TN

Each one of these stops is special in its own way so no matter which you choose you can’t go wrong!  Lunch will be served at each Breakout, so we need to begin working on a headcount to assist our TN State Coordinator Phil Friedli with the logistics for meals.  We will most likely reach out to you during Platoon assignments to see which one you are interested in participating in.  If you are in Leadership, please reach out to Phil or Ed Butler directly so that they can get you registered on your Breakout of choice.

A SURPRISE GUEST

I have been in discussions with a very good friend who tells me he would like to come on the Midway route this year. I tell you this because he is a Medal of Honor recipient and truly a great patriot and gentleman. I have not received final confirmation yet, but I am excited that he would want to come with us this year. Our mutual friend tells me it is 95% assured unless some medical issue arises between now and KSU.

As soon as I get confirmation, I will let you all know. You will really enjoy getting to know this American Hero.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Topics on the RFTW Forums(Active link) continue to grow.  I would encourage you to visit there if you are looking for information on things like GMRS radios and setup, advice for FNG’s, meet ups and get togethers in your areas, individuals looking for a roommate on the Run.  Don’t see what you are looking for…. start your own discussion.  RFTW’s Podcast is another great way to find out more about what makes the Run and each Route so special.  For more information go to Podcast(Active link) on the RFTW website.

A WORD TO OUR GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR VETERANS

This great nation is losing our current veterans to self-harm at a rate of 22 to 30 a day. They have been raised in a country who’s founding documents guarantee as a right life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Life is sacrosanct and our laws will not allow anyone taking another’s life without extreme punishment. Then you travel to countries where life is just a commodity and taken, at will, with no regard, in the most brutal ways. Not only combatants but women and children.

That is why I say that we are all wounded when we return from service where we are participating in conflict. Maybe not physically but mentally and psychologically as we try and deal with the realities of War. Some of our brothers and sisters cannot come to terms with that reality and their participation in it.

That is why we all need to get in contact with our brothers and sisters who we know are suffering and take them on this healing journey. They do not need to ride a motorcycle, they can ride in a car but they truly need to hear, see and feel the outpouring of support they will receive from the patriots all along the Midway route.

If we can help save just one, it will be worth the effort

GREAT PEARLS OF WISDOM

Weather permitting, get that bike out and ride. As much as you can. Take an advanced course to sharpen your skills. Practice “Throttle control”. Your fellow riders behind you will appreciate it.

Get your ride into the shop or if you are a wrench, go over your bike and ensure it is ready for a long trip. It is 3280 miles from Ontario to Springfield, VA. It will be time for an oil change when you arrive, Harley people.

It is time to make a New Years resolution that you will keep!!!!!

Get away from the holiday snacks (sugar). Start walking, working out, stretching or whatever you like to do as long as it involves moving your body.

Lastly for now, start forcing hydration. Lot of fluids!!!!!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”

164 Days to KSU!

My Christmas wish to you

To friends who feel like family close,
You’re the people I love the most.
In laughter’s light, in joy we share,
You’re my rock, my solid care.
With every year, our bond grows strong,
Through merry right and every wrong.
Thank you, dear friends, for all you bring,
The joy of life, the song we sing.
So here’s a toast to holiday cheer,
Grateful for you, year after year.
Together, let’s make memories bright,
Merry Christmas to friends, pure delight.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and happiness shared with family and friends.

“Never forget the reason for the season”

For you new riders and FNGs, in the next coming month or two, you will be contacted by our Platoon Coordinator and your Platoon Leader.  We like to pre-assign platoons before you join us, so you will know who your platoon leader will be and what platoon you’ll be in.  You will be then able to get to know your platoon mates and leaders before you even show up.

Additionally, all FNG’s will be contacted by our FNG Coordinator and Missing Man Coordinator in the next month to start an education on the many opportunities afforded you as a member of the Midway family including probably a few zoom calls to pass on critical information and answer any of your questions.

The Missing Man Formation

The Missing Man Formation is a rolling salute to honor the memory of the fallen, KIA, MIA, or POW. Five bikes ride in formation with a space where one bike should be, symbolizing the person’s absence. On each leg of each route we honor a different individual in the Missing Man Formation. There is a short ceremony just prior to the departure of the pack and we SAY THEIR NAMES so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

You will also notice that the riders participating in the Missing Man Formation do not wave at onlookers while riding in formation. Their ride is solemn and sincere – a rolling salute. This is the highest form of honor and respect and serves as a stark reminder of those who sacrificed their future for that of our nation. May their memories always be a blessing and may we never forget that freedom is not free.

Route Planning

I can report that planning is going as smoothly as can be at this stage with us 6 months out from kickstands up in May 2026.  All our State Coordinators have finalized our overnight stays with our partner hotels from Arizona to Virginia (CA and DC Hotels are handled by the BoD), and they continue to work hard for fuel stops, donations, and working with our meal provider volunteers.

Arlington National Cemetery

It is looking like we will officially be able to get into Arlington National Cemetery again for an official wreath laying.  There will be more specific details on this regarding number of people and number of bikes we will be allowed.

Midway Route Honors

Remember, this is going to be a very special Run in 2026 because it is the 36th Annual Run of RFTW and it is the 35th Anniversary of the end of the Gulf War.  Again, as a reminder due to these special anniversaries, we are making an extra effort to salute and honor our Gulf War Veterans this year. Many made personal sacrifices on the altar of freedom. They are a major part of the reason we ride today.

The RFTW Forum is BACK and BETTER than ever!

This is where online RFTW discussion should happen.

The new and improved RFTW Forum is up and running.  This is the FIRST place you should go and ask online questions about RFTW, Routes, Discuss, etc.  It is a much better online community tool to keep topics organized. Facebook groups are great, but topics get lost in long threads. The RFTW Forum should be your first go to.  It’s yours, it’s free, so please go and register and use

 2026 Hotel List

The hotel list officially will be released in early January, exact date to follow. Remember, if some places are full, there are always neighboring hotels and options that may not be on the list. Let Google be your friend.

Register for the 2026 Run now

The Midway Route now has over 100 registered riders and participants. This is just a little less than we had at this time last year. This means that if you have not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. Early registration helps us plan for our stops and hotel accommodations. Early registration ends on January 31, 2026, and registration costs increase on February 1, 2026. You can Register HERE.  If you are in leadership, please register now and Lead by example.  If you are an FNG, please register as early as you can.  We know plans can change. PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

We are one team and one family with a Mission.

Riders!  Now is the time to recruit participants for the 2026 Run.  You are all ambassadors and recruiters for the Run.  Please get the word out and actively promote the Run. Challenge your friends, join a local riding group and bring them with you. Put your significant other in the number two seat and bring them with you on this adventure.

This ride will be different from any you have done before. It will change you in many ways. All positive!!!!! There are SO many patriots out there that want to say “Thank You” and show you that they care about you. Lots of them want to give you a hug! I will never turn that down!!!

I wish you and your families the very best this Christmas and Holiday Season and seeing you all in May 2026!

“Say Their Name”      “Tell Their Story”         “ Never Forget”