The anticipation was so thick this morning that you could actually cut it with a knife. All three routes had converged onto the same lot in the same morning, something that hasn’t been done in several years.
Radio chatter was heavy with checks, open mics, and conversations within the same parking lot but none of it could be understood.
Bikes revving by as they twisted their way through the sea of people and bikes, just hoping to find a way through to their staging area. Volunteers at their tents handing out coffee, waffles and sandwiches while wishing everyone a safe journey. And all that was only between 5 and 5:30 AM.
Platoons gathered their FNGs (fun new guys/gals) and briefed them on expectations, nerve calming antidotes, and even slipped in a few stories from years past.
Midway was ready.
The sound of the bugle finally brought all the routes together for introductions, welcoming speeches, and the two infamous questions that everyone has been so longing to hear.
Is it May yet? YES IT IS!
How far are we going? ALL THE SAY!
And at 7:00 sharp, Midway was the first to launch, straight out to the street where a crowd had gathered to cheer us on, news coverage overhead in the helicopter broadcasting our every move.
It was an overcast morning In Ontario, cool too. Enough to put a coat on, but veteran riders warned against the heavy coats knowing as soon as we reached the rim of the desert the heat would be on. But getting out of the LA basin had a little more in store for us as we plowed through dense fog while climbing up the slope. Cool, damp, and thick.
Just as predicted, the sun broke through at the top of the rim and quickly heated things up from the low 50s to the mid to high 90s.
Our first parade was through the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow where active duty members, families and co workers lined the street to celebrate and watch us ride our journey east.
Just down the road Ludlow was our first fuel stop where the hospitality and service was great. However, this was also where the little gremlins began to emerge on our trip. Nothing serious, but enough small things over several riders were noticed, from bikes failing to start, or up and shutting down while on the road. But nothing was left to chance as the chase crews jumped into action to help remedy code issues, heat related problems at over 102, or even bringing a little bit of gas to help our folks on their way. Everyone was brought safely through to our next fuel and lunch stop at the Mother Road Harley Davidson in Kingman, AZ.
Our journey continued on through the desert and up the mountain towards Flagstaff where the VFW #1709 and the local Boy Scout troop treated us to a wonderful spaghetti dinner.
Stories were told, lessons were learned, and thanks given to everyone that went above and beyond their duties as riders completed their first day of the Midway Run.
It has long been known that the Midway Route is the ‘Family Route’, and today proved it once again with what I like to call Midway’s UN-Official motto: Family means No One gets left behind.
Tonight everyone is beaten, tired, and ready to see what tomorrow will bring, new tips and tricks as well bugs and gremlins worked out of the system and left in the desert.
Until tomorrow night,
Ride Safe
Ride Smart
and always keep the shiny side up.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 