Today was all about making miles. In fact, we rode well over 300 miles today. But without some very dedicated and often over-looked Teams, we wouldn’t go very far. So I want to talk specifically about the Advance Team, the Fuel Team, and the Staging Team.
As the name implies, the Advance Team leaves each stop about 30 minutes ahead of the main pack. They are responsible for getting to our next location “in advance” of the Pack. (The name kind of makes sense, doesn’t it!) This Team alerts the pre-arranged location that we are on the way, and then starts setting things in motion. They make sure that the fuel pumps are turned on, with someone ready to write a check at the end of our stay. Or if it is a lunch stop, they are there to make sure that all of our pre-arranged items are available. They are also there to make sure that the community and businesses that we are impacted are aware that “it is happening NOW!”
The Fuel Team is in charge of … The Fueling Process! Once the Pack arrives at a fuel stop, we are greeted by the Fuel Team that takes over from the Road Guards in pointing us in the correct direction. It is the Fuel Team that decides which pump lane that each vehicle goes too. They have lanes specifically reserved for Trikes and Spyders. If they see a Road Guard or other Leadership Members, They will direct them 
to the front of a line so that they can get back to work quickly. The Fuel Team will hand you the fuel nozzle and then you will pump your own gas. When your tnk is full, the Fuel Team will take the hose from you and pass it to the next person. If any fuel gets spilled during the process, they will actually wipe your bike dry!
One of the many hazards to these Team Members is the dreaded “highway pegs!” Many riders have extra footpegs attached to their bikes so that they can stretch their legs out. The problem with these pegs is that they stick out several inches from the bike. If the Rider doesn’t put their highway pegs in the “up” position, the Fuel Team Member runs the risk of having their shins hit. So to prevent this, we actually have a hand signal that we use to remind everyone to “put your highway pegs up!”
Once your bike is fueled, then you are handed over to the Staging Crew. These brave souls stand in an empty parking lot holding either a directional flag or a tall numbered banner. The people with directional flags point the (often circuitous) way to the final parking area. Here the Rider looks for their Platoon Number, and with the help of the Staging Team, pull up to the correct position.
It all sounds pretty easy, but please remember that we are fueling over 250 bikes, in less than 20 minutes! These three Teams are the first out from every stop, which means they miss any parades or special programs that might be happening. They even have to eat in a hurry, because the Pack NEEDS them at each stop. Without these Teams, the Midway Route will go nowhere!
There is another Team that I have to mention, even though we hope they never have to do anything. I am talking about our Medical Team. We have real, actual, trained Medics that ride with us. They keep an eye out for every Rider, making sure that they are well hydrated, fully functional, and safe to ride. If you are NOT any of these three scenarios, they can and will pull you from the Pack, put your bike on a trailer, and let you rest. If you happen to step off a curb while trying to take a picture and twist your ankle, well guess what? They will fix that, too!
That reminds me of another unsung Team, the Chase vehicles. If your bike breaks down, this Team will load it onto a trailer and take it (and you) to the next location or dealership. If YOU break down, they will do the same thing. Yeah, I will be in a chase vehicle tomorrow so that my ankle can heal. No one likes to have that “ride of shame” (Riders don’t like putting their bikes on trailers!) But I know that I am personally glad to have our Chase Team help us out!
So that is a quick rundown of some of the Teams that make the Midway Route run so efficiently. Folks, you may not be seen much, but we sure do appreciate you!
Now let’s talk about what we did today. We rode. Three Hundred plus miles, under gorgeous blue skies with amazingly white puffy clouds. The temperatures were cool but not cold, and lead into warm but not hot. So we just rode!
We stopped for lunch in Russelville, Arkansas. The meal was fantastic! (Yes, my Dear Wife, I ate something other than cookies!) The Veterans Park there is very nice, with lots of shade for us to sit under. One of the things that many people did while there was to pay our respects to “Ms Irene” 
who passed away two years ago, right after serving us our lunch. Everyone thqt knew her said that her last day was filled with joy and happiness, because she was doing what she loved to do: serving and honoring our Veterans. The Midway Route installed a memorial plaque for her last year.
Once we left Russelville, we headed to Forrest City, Arkansas, for our final meal of the day. The Colors were presented by the local High School ROTC. They did an outstanding job! After dinner, Singer Eric Horner performed a set of very Patriotic songs, chosen specifically to warm our hearts and fill our soul.
I do want to Thank the anonymous person that left a little gift for me on my motorcycle today. AS I approached my bike after helping out with some traffic directions, I noticed a small mesh bag gently tied to my tank bag. Inside was a card and a little silver camera charm. I love it! Your gracious little gift made me so happy and I could feel the love of this Family. I am truly blessed to e among all of you Heroes!
And with that, our day was over. Tomorrow, we will head to Cookeville, Tennessee. But that is a story for another day.
Cheers!
Jim “Hoofer’ McCrain
Midway Route Photographer and SITREP Author.
See a few more of todays photos at this link. Be sure to check back about a month after the Run, as I will be adding hundreds more for each day.
