Well folks, we’re less than a month away from kickstands up for the 2026 Run For The Wall (RFTW), also known as the “Run.” With that in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to lay out some of the activities taking place in Ontario, as well as Springfield and Washington, DC. For many of you, a lot of this will be familiar; however, there is some new stuff here, and I hope this helps our FNGs. My intent is not to go through the meeting schedules but rather to focus on activities you can participate in when you’re not in a meeting. You can review the itineraries for meetings relevant to you, as well as registration times. Everything I will cover in this newsletter is available on the website (https://rftw.us), located in each route hub as “Pre-Run Ontario Itinerary” and “Springfield & DC Itinerary.”
Before you arrive, take time to thoroughly review each of these itineraries and your specific route itinerary. These are your guides for the time you will spend participating in RFTW. If you have any questions, reach out to anyone in leadership, and they will either answer your question(s) or direct you to someone who can. Leadership can usually be easily identified by a specific RFTW hat they are wearing. To understand the leadership hats, visit the website here.
Finally, before getting into the details, be sure you read and fully understand the Rider Code of Conduct. Non-compliance will not be tolerated and may lead to your dismissal from the Run.
OK, let’s get started. There is a LOT of information here.
GENERAL
Conduct. You are a guest at all locations throughout the Ontario, Springfield, and DC areas. No matter what hotel, restaurant, memorial, or establishment you’re in, always be courteous and respectful. You’re representing RFTW, and it is expected that you will always be at your best. Also, please thank the staff wherever you are.
Day-of-Departure Registration. New this year, registration will close at the Reveille, prior to the Presentation of the Colors, for both Ontario and Springfield. There is a very tight timeline to get all three routes out this year, and we need everyone registered, attentive, and ready to go. Remember: the morning meetings are mandatory, and failure to attend will exclude you from riding that day.
After Action Reports (AARs). Any time throughout the year, please take a few minutes to fill out an AAR, which can be found here—especially after you complete the Run this year while it’s fresh in your head. The Board of Directors (BOD) reviews every one of these and uses the feedback to improve or modify future Runs. If appropriate, depending on the AAR, a BOD member may reach out to an individual directly for further clarification or explanation.
ONTARIO, CA
Gold Star Memorial Event. New this year is a pre-dedication ceremony at the new Gold Star Memorial located at 11200 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga. If you choose to participate, this is a ride-on-your-own event. There is no organized group ride or Road Guard escort. The ceremony begins at 10:00 on Monday, May 11th.
Riverside National Cemetery (RNC). There is an organized ride to RNC that will depart at 08:00 on Tuesday, May 12th. Staging will begin at 07:00 at the Elks Lodge back parking lot, along the north fence line. The Elks will open for breakfast at 07:00. There will be a Road Guard escort to RNC as well as an LEO escort from the Elks Lodge to the freeway through Ontario. Be sure to explore the different monuments and memorials. You are on your own for the return to Ontario.
Marine Corps Band. They will be playing again this year at the Elks Lodge on Tuesday, May 12th from 12:00 – 14:00 in the main cafeteria area.
Sewing. Sewing will be available starting Saturday, May 9th, through Tuesday, May 12th, at the Ontario Elks Lodge parking lot next to the Merchandise trailer. Check the schedule for times.
Meals. Both the host hotel (Holiday Inn) and the Elks Lodge are offering meals. Be sure to look at the itinerary for details regarding days, hours and what is served.
Bike Wash. There will be a self-service bike wash available at the Elks Lodge beginning at 12:00 on Sunday, May 10th, through 15:00 on Tuesday, May 12th.
Rider Skills Practice. There are two sessions on Monday, May 11th, located at Lot D on Holt Blvd, across from the Convention Center. The first session is from 09:00–11:00, followed by a second session from 15:00–17:00. There will be two instructors to answer your questions. One is a certified Ride Like a Pro instructor, and the other is a MSF and Total Control instructor. Whether you’re a beginner rider or experienced, come out and test your skills!
GMRS Q&A. Are you new to GMRS, or still baffled about how to set up or use your radio? This is your chance to get your questions answered, as well as get help setting up your radio. This event will be on Monday, May 11th, from 15:00–16:30 in the Holiday Inn Citrus Room, so be sure to stop in. Also, if you are planning to use a GMRS radio while participating in RFTW, be sure that “Audio Relay” is off under General Settings. Several people had this turned on last year, and it caused unnecessary interference with leadership communications. If you’re not sure how to turn this off, come to the Q&A—or do not use your radio. Finally, do not forget to get your FCC license if you plan to transmit. No license is needed for listening only.
Motorcycle Repairs. Returning from last year, there will be someone at the Elks Lodge parking lot that can help with small repairs. Inquire with the individual regarding how he can help. For larger repairs, service or maintenance, visit the list of local shops in the itinerary.
SPRINGFIELD, VA
Route Arrivals. All routes will arrive and park in the garage next to the American Legion Post 176 (ALP). New this year is that we will have Road Guards directing the routes into the garage. Trikes only will be split off from the main pack to park in the ALP parking lot to provide easier access for those who may have trouble walking.
Tailgate Party. ALP will be hosting a tailgate party on Saturday, May 23th, from 12:00 until the food runs out. This is available to all RFTW participants.
Arlington Assembly of God (AAG). They are supporting RFTW by providing food and services throughout the weekend. You do not have to stay there to participate in the meals or activities. The address is 4501 N Pershing Dr, Arlington, VA 22203.
GMRS. There is no Q&A or other scheduled training for Sandbox riders. However, reach out to someone in leadership if you have any questions. They can either answer your question(s) or direct you to someone who can. Also, as mentioned above in the Ontario section, it is extremely important that “Audio Relay” is off under General Settings. Please double-check this setting before departing on the Sandbox route.
WASHINGTON, DC
Friday, May 22nd
Candlelight Vigil. This event is hosted by the AMVETS at the Vietnam Memorial shortly after sunset. There is no organized RFTW ride, so you are on your own if you are interested in attending.
Marine Barracks Parade. Run For The Wall has arranged for a block of tickets and there is no fee for this. For those interested in attending with the RFTW Group, contact Mike “Bonehead” Kyzer at mike.kyzer@rftw.us. He will need the first and last name of all attendees. The parade is in the evening, so plan to arrive at the corner of 8th and I Streets SE no later than 19:00 hours. NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND, including knives, are allowed inside the Barracks. Food or beverages are not allowed, except for water bottles. For those who wish to attend independently from the RFTW group, please contact the Marine Barracks directly for reservations/tickets.
Saturday, May 23rd
Group photo. The group photo is Saturday morning at 09:00 exactly. Plan to arrive no later than 08:30 at the platform of the Lincoln Memorial. Any chanting, yelling, or loud voices are PROHIBITED when gathering for our group photo at the Lincoln Memorial. Failure to abide by this rule may result in RFTW losing the privilege to obtain future permits. Following the photo, we will walk to the Vietnam Memorial to place our 2026 RFTW plaque at the apex to complete the mission.
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) ride is for FNGs only and is limited to 75 bikes and 150 participants total. RCs will coordinate and provide the details regarding who will attend from each of the four routes. The meetup location is the Pentagon south parking lot (I-395 exit 8B), and there is a mandatory meeting at 14:15. All riders will arrive and leave together—no exceptions! Also, weapons of any kind are prohibited. Visitors are subject to search, as ANC is a controlled federal property.
Sunday, May 24th
Rolling to Remember (RTR). RTR event staging area is at the Pentagon North Parking Lot. Bring cameras, snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Anyone planning to go to RTR who is registered for one of the RFTW C2C or SB routes and is not going on SB can come for the morning breakfast buffet at the ALP. Breakfast will end when SB departs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There have been a few reported accidents and injuries recently, so be safe out there. Please take things slow and easy to start off, and never ride beyond your training and riding capabilities. Stay focused, hydrated, and ensure you are getting enough sleep. Also, be prepared for the weather. It can be unpredictable, with everything from rain, sleet, and snow to high heat and humidity—and even a possible tornado. Be sure you have the appropriate gear to deal with any weather situation.
I look forward to seeing you on the Run this year and wish everyone safe travels to wherever you’re planning to connect to your route. Let’s make this a spectacular 2026! See you in May.
Alan “Xbox” Steiner
Director of Operations
Run For The Wall Board of Directors
Central Route Tailgunner, Photographer, Road Guard
https://rftw.us
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 