Dear Sandbox Riders, Families, and Friends,
Happy New Year! I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday season, an outstanding 2025, and you’re looking forward to a successful and rewarding 2026. Planning for Sandbox Route is progressing well. State Coordinators are, as always, working hard to ensure our amazing supporters are ready for our arrival in May and have what they need to make RFTW XXXVI successful. Our Team Leaders are continuing to build their teams and ensure their areas of responsibility are covered with professionalism. Polar Bear and I are extremely confident in all of our leaders and truly look forward to working with each of you this year.
That being said, we do have some vacant leadership positions that need to be filled as we continue to plan for this year’s Run. Keep in mind, true Sandbox FNGs are ineligible to volunteer for these positions because we want you to fully experience the Run for the first time without distractions. However, if you are an FNG on a Coast-to-Coast Route, you’re no longer considered an FNG when we start Sandbox and may be considered for most volunteer positions. Check out the “Volunteer Sign-Up” page on each Route Hub on the rftw.us website for more information on positions and prerequisites.
Promotions Team
This is a critical position for the success of our Route. It is usually a two-person team, but can be larger; right now, we have nobody assigned. Without a team to help us raise funds, we won’t be able to donate to the outstanding organizations that support us along the Route. We’re seeking individuals who are outgoing and not afraid to ask others for donations to help us accomplish the mission. Fundraising activities while we are on the Run include 50/50 drawings, auctions, donations (such as the service branch challenge), and drawings for donated items. Please contact me directly if you’re interested.
FNG Coordinator
This is also a critical position on the Run and one that should be filled with someone who is willing to focus on the wellbeing of our FNGs from the day appointed through (and possibly beyond) the end of the Run. While Platoon Leaders are ultimately responsible for all of their assigned riders, to include FNGs, the position of FNG Coordinator adds a layer of leadership with the sole responsibility of helping FNGs be successful on the Run. The ideal FNG Coordinator is able to provide personal counseling and assistance for new riders who may have questions or issues they may not feel comfortable discussing with their platoon leadership. The FNG Coordinator can be described as a “second set of ears” or a “sounding board” for riders new to RFTW, ensuring they are prepared for the mission and armed with the knowledge to safely execute the directions of their Platoon Leader. Because of the importance of this position, the FNG Coordinator cannot assume any other leadership responsibilities on the Route. If you’re interested, please send me an email, or feel free to call anytime to discuss the details of this very important position.
Leadership Support
We need someone who is willing to help with the administrative duties of day-to-day operations while on the Run. This includes organizing plaques and certificates in preparation for presentation to our supporters along the way. Properly recognizing these outstanding organizations and individuals that make Sandbox Route possible is important and needs to be coordinated by someone who is organized and willing to assist the Route Coordinator at each stop. Again, please contact me directly if you’re interested.
Staging Team
If you want to join a team that is instrumental in our success, please consider volunteering for the Staging Team. This tight-knit group of outstanding volunteers
has the awesome responsibility of getting the entire pack staged and ready to depart every stop along the route smoothly and safely. They ride well ahead of the pack so they have time to get ready for our arrival. There’s nothing more comforting than seeing a Stager with an orange flag or platoon number guiding you into where you need to be, so if you’re able and willing, please submit a Volunteer Application on the rftw.us website and our Staging Team Leader will contact you.
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.
RFTW Website
I encourage everyone to check out the RFTW website at www.rftw.us. There is a lot of information available, including contact rosters for all four routes, an archived copy of the previous year’s route and stops, the RFTW Forum, FNG Stories, links to merchandise, and information on how to take advantage of the deals offered by our amazing sponsors. There is also fundraising information and the link to make it easy for anybody to donate to RFTW or one of the 4 Routes specifically. Donations are one of the ways that allow us to give back to the many organizations and individuals who support us and also help keep costs down, so please spread the word!
In closing, I’d like to thank you all for your dedication to the mission and the hard work you’ve put into getting ready for May. I look forward to meeting you all and continuing our traditions as We Ride for Those Who Can’t. Say their names, tell their stories, and never forget.
Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator
leo.rachmel@rftw.us
702-250-5512
Las Vegas, NV
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 