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CR – May 23, 2025 – Day 10 to DC – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

May 23, 2025 – Day 10 to DC – Lewisburg, WV to Washington DC

First I need to correct something from yesterday.  The young man at the capitol building is Jared McCormick.  Thanks for the correction.

In 2023, there was an FNG that wrote a poem to summarize the run for him. Ed read it before we left Ontario but I thought since we have now finished the 10 days, and many people now understand the logistics of the Run, it is a good place to read it again.

We start are day with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.  Where are the FNGs, our veterans, those currently serving, Blue Star families and a moment of silence for Gold Star, MIA and POW families?  I believe I will be thinking about this everyday.  I do not want to forget.
Gunny came up and said a few words One thing that stuck was that a moment in time does not end today, we have love and a family, and that will never end.
Several people came to see us off.

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It was a bit overcast today BUT no rain.
It soon changed to this.   Yeah!!!  Did I already say no rain?
Another one of my backward shots.  This one only took 2 tries.
The ride in the morning was spectacular.  Beautiful, amazing,….
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Gas stops. Fueling and staging are a piece of cake now.  See I knew we could do it!!!

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Hydration is always there and ready.
I noticed the back of Dennis’ truck has a person he is riding for. Look at the back left.
You do not have to be a bike rider, everyone can remember our MIA/KIAs.
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Back on the road.  Lots of traffic today and fun with semis.
Here the road guards got caught behind them.
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Heading into our lunch stop at Northern Fauquier Community park in Marshall, VA.
What a welcome!!

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What a great day and venue for a picnic with your family.  This is what it felt like.
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For the last 10 days I have been trying to show you all the teams needed to get RFTW across this beautiful country.
One I forgot is one you do not want to have to work.  Crawfish is our medical person.   Thanks Crawfish.  I hope you were not busy on this mission.
There was a pinning ceremony for those that served in Vietnam 1955-1975. The lady here lost her father when she was 3.  She and others are sons and daughters of Vietnam Veterans are working to find all MIA/KIAs and bring them home.
Her father was one that was found.  His name will now have a diamond by it instead of a cross on the Vietnam Wall in Arlington.
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Back on the road.
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Then we hit the outskirts of DC.  UGH….I do not like going into DC as the traffic is crazy.
BUT….. thanks to the VA state coordinator, Ed, we ran in the HOV lane alone….
CHECK THIS OUT!!
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Then we need to start moving left… yes…. they are blocked for us.
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…6 lanes open.
What a reception.  Midway and Southern are already in and they greet us as we roll in.
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WOW… into  a parking garage to park?  It worked.
Valor and Hitch send a great big smile to all.  Thanks for being out raffle rouser!!
A flag ceremony was just outside the garage.  All 3 routes were meeting, just like we did on Ontario.
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The National Anthem was sung and it was amazing.

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HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

HOW FAR ARE WE RIDING???

ALL THE WAY !!!

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BUT the mission is not complete until we get to the Wall tomorrow. 

Temps: 45-65

Route: I-64 E, I-81N, I-66E

Miles:257

Quote for the day:

A veteran is someone who at one  point in their life wrote a bank check

made payable to their country for an amount up to, and including their life.

THANK YOU!!!

Here is a flag on the back of a helmet. It reminds me that I am able to ride on this mission because I am free and those that serve have preserved it for me.

REMEMBER: Please thank our men and women in the service as well as our police and firemen. A simple hand shake goes a long way and it only takes a minute.

Last post will be tomorrow.