Greetings from hot and sunny Las Vegas! I hope you’re enjoying the summer and getting some riding in.
I’m happy to announce Kris “Cyborg” Borg has agreed to return as our Road Guard Captain in 2026 and has been confirmed by the RFTW BoD. With Cyborg and his outstanding team, I’m confident that the Sandbox Route will continue to arrive at our destinations safely and on time.
Our other leaders are in the process of building their teams and working on ideas to make 2026 even more efficient and safe. If you have been Wall to Wall or All the Way Coast to Coast, please consider volunteering for a position on Sandbox. Our success depends on the hard work and dedication of volunteer riders filling positions within the teams, and we appreciate all that they do!
Sandbox Route is different than the Coast to Coast (C2C) Routes. We’re shorter, and we have a different destination, but we remain committed to the mission of RFTW. We’re comprised of 60% riders from the three C2C Routes and 40% Sandbox Only riders. The ability to combine techniques and best practices from all three Coast to Coast Routes with fresh insights and ideas from new riders and those who only ride Sandbox is one of our many strengths. After only four years, we’ve developed our identity and approach our mission with a clear focus.
RFTW is a mission. It’s not a party, rally, or long-distance motorcycle event. There are many organizations that conduct those activities, and I encourage you to enjoy them throughout the year. The nature of our mission requires long days with early mornings, and late evenings. Riding a motorcycle in formation all day is difficult and can be dangerous. It requires selfless service and personal courage reminiscent of military service. When you’re tired and frustrated, remember those we ride for. Think of what they would give to experience the hardships you’re currently enduring and then remember why we ride.
After careful consideration of a possible later departure for Sandbox, we’ve decided to keep our kickstands up (KSU) day of Sunday, May 24, 2026. It’s important that we maximize the use of the holiday to help riders who may still be working and would like to participate in this amazing event. This is an opportunity to complete a route from start to finish in three days. To experience the camaraderie and healing that comes with being part of something bigger than yourself with a mission that matters!
I’d like to encourage everybody who rides Sandbox to participate in some sort of fundraising activity. This can be as simple as approaching your local veterans’ or service organizations, explaining the Mission and Philosophy of RFTW and asking for a donation. There are many resources available on the RFTW website to help you communicate the message clearly and accurately. Please make sure Polar Bear or I am aware of any funds you raise so we can properly thank those generous donors.
It’s easy to give directly to our route by clicking on the “Donate” link on the website. There are also instructions on how to send a check directly to the Treasurer. Some riders organize and conduct Poker Runs or drawings at their local motorcycle dealerships. If you want to do something like that, please contact me so we can discuss proper procedures for such activities.
Another source of funds to keep Sandbox running is drawings and auctions held during the Run. We’re always looking for unique, or collectable items for use in these activities. If you have any ideas for our Promotions Team, or would like to donate items, please reach out to me or Polar Bear and we’ll get you in touch with the right people.
Unfortunately, due to rising costs, registration fees will increase this year. Sandbox registration will be $40 until January 31, 2026, and will increase to $60 after that. I encourage you to register early to help with headcounts for our supporters, and to allow our Platoon Coordinator to get you assigned to a platoon as soon as possible. Your Platoon Leader will keep you informed throughout the year and prepare you for the Run.
To learn more about RFTW and Sandbox Route, please visit www.rftw.us. You can also check out the RFTW Podcast under the “Connect” tab.
I look forward to seeing you all in May and experiencing the magic of another successful Sandbox Run!
Leo “Clutch” Rachmel
Run For The Wall XXXVI
Sandbox Route Coordinator
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 