Good evening Midway Route followers and family. This morning we found ourselves in a very thick overcast within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Heavy rain overnight had left the roads wet as well as any vehicles or bikes not under cover.
At our rally point, a few threats of rain drops were evident but never amounted to anything.
With the threat of rain this morning, extra emphasis on riding safety was expressed although today would not be anywhere close to the rain last night.
With the motors running and the wheels spinning up the road, we were off on a new venture and path up Interstate 81 to Fort Chiswell and then down Interstate 77 into North Carolina.
While traveling 81 and climbing higher into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cloud base grew closer to the ground surface until we were quite literally in the ‘thick of it’. Heavy mists and light rain coated the windscreens, however with the altitude, very little winds were encountered.
As we turned south on 77 and just before rolling down the pass into North Carolina, the clouds broke just enough to show the fog bank that we were above as it stretched out as far as we could see. And within a few hundred feet of pavement, we were going downward and allowing the fig to swallow us whole.
One we arrived at the bottom of the pass and inside North Carolina, the skies parted and the sun was shining. Our first fuel stop found us just at the base of the mountains where not only we received fuel, but coffee was on the house as well to warm any rider that wished to have some.
Folks also shed coats and any other rain gear as the path forward looked clear and sunny for the rest of the day.
Back on the road southward we found ourselves passing under overpasses that folks have gone all out to show us their support. Our next fuel stop was also just up the road from our lunch stop in Siler City and the Siler City Pentecostal Church where again the local townsfolk’s welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts, providing us with steaks, potatoes, green beans, peach cobbler and ice cream; all of which homemade. 
Shoutouts were given to North Carolina’s Highway Patrol as well as the Siler City Police Department for the escorts. The Siler City Fire Department and ‘Sweet Mitch’ as well as the Siler City Pentecostal Church for hosting us each year and supporting our family and mission.
After a wonderful meal and a bit of time to allow for some processing, we bid our farewells and headed back on the road towards Falcon and the Falcon Children’s Home.
On the way through the back roads and absolutely gorgeous countryside and small towns, we arrived to a Hero’s welcome from the students and staff.
After greeting the kids, both old and new friends, we were ushered inside where a presentation was given on the mission of the Falcon Children’s Home, both here and in South Carolina. The kids choir sang a beautiful song that brought a standing ovation from the crowd, and the graduating students were introduced and each were presented with a gift card as well as asked what their future plans would be. I must say, after all these kids have been through, and each one is different with their own story, their dreams and ambitions are off the charts. I myself am thrilled to see that they are given a shot at aiming for the stars and supported. If a supporting message from this run could be quoted, ‘Shoot for the stars and succeed in life. And don’t let anyone slow you down or step in your way. You deserve it.’
It was also mentioned that our visit year after year is one of the highlights of the students. They talk about it year round and cannot wait for the day the Midway Route Family rolls up to their front door.
On the way out, each rider was presented with a token from the children of Falcon, a simple but powerful message of ‘Thank You’ to each family member of the Midway Route.
On the road again in the late afternoon heat we travel down I-95 where every overpass is filled with at least one fire truck, but usually two or more with the rest of the bridge packed with people waving, cheering, and even saluting as we roll underneath. The dedication and commitment by each person to show their support as we come by is overwhelming.
As we turned off the Interstate and on down towards our final destination, our path would bring us through many more small towns were the street passes right down the middle of town, many of which was the only street. Folks were pouring out in crowds to wave and cheer. Police and Fire were standing by saluting. The turnout and support from folks that don’t know us, never met with us, yet still make it a point to take their time and say thank you just by being present as we thunder on by.
Our final stop was at Bizzell Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church where we are served homemade spaghetti in the most peculiar way. It has been dubbed and officially known by Midway Route Family as ‘Igloo Spaghetti’, served from Igloo coolers by the heaping spoonful. Also known for their homemade desserts and they loving and generous hospitality, leaving here without the sense of being a part of a family or with full stomachs would leave something to question. These folks go all out every year and pour everything they have into making sure we are taken care of.
As you can see we have had a full and adventurous day. I still cannot believe that Day 9 has come to an end. Our FNGs are completely overwhelmed at this point in the overall trip and what folks have to offer in thanks. Most would go their entire lives without knowing this, but luckily our small Midway Route Family understands the importance and needs of these folks and vise/versa. Folks across this great nation m, helping and supporting complete strangers on a common and vital mission, riding for those who cannot, and bringing awareness and the need for accountability for our veterans, here at home, abroad, and those who haven’t made it home yet.
I say this again and quote Disney’s saying as it is very appropriate for what we are doing, “…family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.”
Let’s see what ventures tomorrow will bring us.
Written by STITCH. Photos by Kim Butler
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 