It’s 221 days to KSU and counting. Laura and I have returned from our European tour, although the same can’t be said of our luggage. Our travels took us to areas where we could see firsthand and reflect upon the sacrifices that were made by Allied Forces in Normandy; the uncertainty of the Cold War in the former East Germany and Berlin; and finally standing on a small hill in Estonia looking east, less than 60 miles from the border with Russia. Where the threat of an invasion always looms in a country established in the 13th century, yet with about a combined total of 56 years of independence since the 1700’s.
Registration is now open, but we are down slightly in numbers compared to a year ago. Even though it is early in the registration cycle, one concern is that we have no Trailers registered for the Central Route. I am sure this number with change but as a result there is currently no leadership identified in the Trailer platoon.
Please get the word out for people to register so that we can determine how many platoons we require.
Early Bird registration fees for the Cross Country Routes are $100 per person until January 31, 2026, when it will then increase to $120 per person on February 1st. The Sandbox Registration fee is $40 per person and goes up to $60 per person after February 1, 2026.
The Central Route leadership is currently reviewing the route itinerary and volunteer submissions. Volunteers are still needed for several positions along the route. As the forms come in, they are sent to the various teams leads for review.
Shorter riding days are now upon us, especially in the northern latitudes and it would probably be a good time to figure out how to configure and/or mount your latest gadgets to your bike and test it out now rather than in May on I-40. The RFTW forum is an excellent way to find out what others are doing to their bikes as well as configuring their GMRS radio. Also be sure to check out our partners on the Merchandise page for deep discounts on riding gear.
Be sure to check out the RFTW Podcasts. Hitch and Boots spend a lot of time and effort in the production of these informational discussions, and you might even learn something. Be sure to subscribe to the RFTW channel on YouTube so that RFTW can earn some money.
Condolences and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of RFTW Director of Operations, Michael” Wizard” Turner as well as healing prayers to his wife, Linda, as she recovers from her injuries.
Celebrating the United States Navy’s 250th Birthday.
On Friday, October 13th, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty men, and to send them out to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. This was the birth of what today is the United States Navy. Over the course of the War, the Continental Navy sent more than fifty-armed vessels to sea. These vessels were used to seize enemy supplies as well as carrying correspondence and diplomats to Europe, returning with much needed munitions. If it were not for these supplies, the revolution would not have succeeded.
In closing, let’s remember our Mission Statement, Philosophy and Goals:
Mission Statement
To promote healing among all veterans and their family and friends
Call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War & Missing in Action (POW/MIA)
Honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA)
Support our military people all over the world
Run for the Wall Philosophy
We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois in the hope they can return home to a new beginning.
Run for the Wall Goals
To guide the participants safely across America.
To educate future generations on the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind.
Keep these things in mind going forward. Remember this is a mission of healing and politics does not play a role during the Run. Let’s all be nice to one another.
Is it May yet?
Jim “Who?” McDonough
XXXVI Central Route Coordinator
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 