The day dawned early for participants in Rolling Thunder. Staging began 5:45 am in the underground parking garage. SR road guards were responsible for escorting RT participants to the Pentagon parking lot this year. The responsibilities rotate every year. After a quick ride over to the Pentagon, it’s a long wait for the ride to begin. The first rider rolls … Read More
Southern Route – Day 11 – Mission Accomplished – Washington D.C.
Today began early with staging in the Holiday Inn underground parking lot for the ride into Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). Run for the Wall is the only organization that is allowed to ride motorcycles into ANC. We are given permission for 400 motorcycles to ride in. All bikes must enter together and exit together. The FNG’s are given first priority … Read More
Southern Route – Day 9 – Wytheville, VA to Lynchburg, VA
The day dawned beautiful and dry in Wytheville. I think it rains more in Wytheville than the sun shines so it was a welcome sight. The “Why we ride” moment was shared by “Cobb”. He met the sister of Gregory Benton in Ontario and he carried him to the wall for his sister. At the end of the rider’s meeting … Read More
Southern Route – Day 7 – Meridian MS to Chattanooga, TN
Another emotional day on the road. Day began in the agricultural pavilion in Meridian, MS. The arena is for cattle auction. This city girl is not accustomed to cattle auction arenas. if it weren’t for the run I would not have the opportunities to see things out of my norm. Just another thing I love about the run. The riders’ … Read More
Southern Route – Day 6 – Monroe, LA to Meridian, MS
As usual, the day began with the morning rider’s meeting. After the prayer, pledge and anthem, Bugs gave out the thank you plaques to the community supporters. Sam’s Club employees took up a collection and donated $2,239.24. An amazingly wonderful gesture. Thank you Radar for posing with the check. You’re a good sport and an excellent route coordinator assistant. Thank … Read More
Southern Route – Day 5 – Grand Prairie, TX to Monroe, LA
Today began with church, not in the Wildwoods but in the Wal-Mart parking lot. I always enjoy the RFTW church service, it’s short and sweet but invites the Lord into the ride. From my earlier post, you already know that I believe he is with us. After the church services, “Bugs” opened the rider’s meeting with the pledge, National Anthem … Read More
Southern Route – Day 4 – Odessa Tx to Grand Prairie, TX
Today was a picture perfect day to ride, azure blue skies, white fluffy clouds, shirt sleeve temperatures and wild flowers galore🌸🌺🌼🌻! The day began at the Odessa, TX American Legion Post 430 with a delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy. Yum – Yum! MIA daughter “Hoops” introduced KIA son that she met on the internet. In the … Read More
Southern Route – Day 3 – Las Cruces, NM – Odessa, TX
My day began very early this morning. My husband, “Doc” is a Road Guard in Training “RGIT”. They had a team meeting at 5:15 am in the hotel parking lot. I admire and respect the road guards, first off because they are very skilled riders (or crazy) jury might still be out on that one, secondly, they work so dang … Read More
Southern Route – Day 2 – Chandler, AZ to Las Cruces, NM
So much happened today, it’s hard to know where to start. Let’s start at the beginning… the stagers are responsible for staging us in platoons so we can roll out in an orderly manner. It’s a thankless job, riders tend to grumble when the stagers don’t get things perfect. The staging team like all the other RFTW teams are volunteers … Read More
Day 1 – Ontario, CA – Chandler, AZ 348 miles
Oh what a beautiful day ☀️ to ride across the Mojave desert into Arizona. We pulled out of Ontario about 10 minutes ahead of schedule. A smooth start to Run for the Wall-2019. We rode through a light overcast, 60 degrees. About 10 miles out we rode into fog which dropped the temperature slightly. Rode in the fog for about … Read More