Happy Armadillo Day from Weatherford, Texas!
Another arctic blast is heading down to greet us here in north Texas – we’re expecting temps in the lower teens before Friday, or as Den Mother would call it, “Just another weekday.” This weather makes me even more thankful that Gunny’s original plan was for a late Spring run instead of Winter because the Run don’t stop for weather! By the way, Bee Cave Bob predicts an early Spring here in Texas.
Route Update
Your SandBox Route Leadership team has been hard at it with making and confirming Preparations for our Inaugural Run next May. Having traversed the Route myself last May, I am very happy to report that you are all in for some of the most enjoyable countryside riding you could imagine. Our first lunch stop will be at the VFW, Pleasantville Post 9219 in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania. The roads we’ll take leading to the Post are the exact type I’d look for on a back country ride in May. When I visited there on my Run last May, the folks were awesome and they are looking forward to seeing us come back. From there, we’ll have more countryside riding on our leg into the Flight 93 Memorial where we’ll lay a wreath to honor the Patriots whose lives were taken on that fateful day over 20 years ago. We’ll linger there for a while to allow everyone to take in the full depth of the legacy left us by the Patriots on that flight who chose not to allow terrorists to win the day. From there we’ll proceed across the mighty Pennsylvania Turnpike as one of the only large groups in the nation afforded the guided and protected passage that we will enjoy. The day will end with a dinner and a visit with Earl Gilman at North Star Polaris in St Clairsville, Ohio. After dinner, you’ll have an opportunity for an afterhours tour of the Tri-State Veterans Memorial Museum. And that’s just the first day!
Sounds like a great day on the road, right? But how does this support the Mission? I firmly believe in the Mission and strongly support the efforts of RFTW to fulfill it. The first part of that Mission Statement is, “To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends…”. That “ALL” refers not only to those who we support and visit along the way, it’s also YOU! You the Rider, you the Support Team Member, you the Team Leader! On this first day of the Inaugural Run of the SandBox Route, we will be bringing together riders from all over the country, with various experiences on other routes and truly melding all into one diverse family of Veterans and Patriots on this 3-day emphasis of the Mission and its focused application toward our SandBox Era Warriors. On this first day, we embrace new family, honor the sacrifice of those who went before us, and build upon the bold synergy of purpose that will carry us toward the 2nd, 3rd , and 4th tenets of our mission statement over the next two days.
Yes, it will be a great day on the road, but we all know it’s much more than that. As we push out from DC on Sunday morning, 29 MAY 2022, here’s my challenge to you – enjoy the ride, savor the day, love the family, and CONTINUE THE MISSION!
Standby Registration Update
The first group of StandBy registration closed on Monday morning and the second group has now been sent registration instruction with a link and new password. If you are not registered for the SandBox Route and have not signed up for the StandBy Registration List, it is NOT too late. Please write to me at sb-registration@rftw.us to sign up. In that message, please tell me two things – 1) Your full name, and 2) whether you are registering as a motorcycle rider, motorcycle passenger, or if you will be in a 4-wheeler. That’s all I need to get you listed – the rest will come when you actually register.
I closely monitor current registration and will make every effort to include everyone who wants to join the Route. Following that thought… If you are registered and know that you unfortunately won’t be able to participate, please let me know as soon as possible. I will ensure that your spot is filled by another rider who is anxious to join the Route.
All Hands Virtual Briefing
Your leadership team has tentatively set Tuesday, April 5th at 7pm Central as the time for our final All Hands Virtual Briefing before the Run. More info and a Zoom link will follow as we get closer.
Y’all stay safe, stay well and get ready – May is just around the corner…
Remember, all roads lead to all roads so wherever you go, TOGETHER WE RIDE!
WALL 2 WALL!
Bugs out!
