Hello everyone!
It’s hard to believe it’s already September (feels more like July!), but planning for the Sandbox Route is well underway. Polar Bear and I are working on selecting Platoon Leadership, building team rosters, and finalizing our equipment inventories as we prepare for next year.
AARs
Thank you to those who submitted After Action Reports (AARs). We’ve reviewed them all and are already making operational changes based on many excellent comments and recommendations. If you haven’t submitted an AAR yet, it’s not too late—your feedback is always welcome and helps us improve our route.
Expanded Outreach Opportunities
I’ve asked Michael “Taz” Harris, our Outreach Coordinator, to expand his Outreach Missions so we can connect with even more Gold Star and POW/MIA Families, Veterans’ Homes, and Memorials along the way. These missions are a vital part of Run For The Wall’s purpose, and my goal is to give as many riders as possible the opportunity to participate. They are deeply rewarding, though at times challenging, and they truly embody the heart of our mission.
Registration
Registration opens this month on September 11 at 8:46 a.m. Eastern. Please register early—not only will it save you money if completed before January 31, 2026, but it will also help us plan each stop and give our supporters an accurate rider count. Early registration allows the Platoon Coordinator to assign riders sooner, sparking early communication and, ideally, leading to shorter meetings in Springfield on Saturday.
Volunteer Leaders
If you’ve ridden All the Way, Wall to Wall, or Coast to Coast, I encourage you to consider volunteering for a team that matches your interests. We have openings across all teams and in platoon leadership, though some positions do have specific requirements. The Volunteer Application is available on the RFTW website—reach out directly to your team leaders for more details.
Fundraising
This year, our fundraising efforts will begin at the American Legion in Springfield, VA, and continue along the route until Mission Accomplishment. We plan to conduct drawings, auctions, and service branch donation competitions, among other activities. Your generous donations allow us to support those who support us. Every contribution matters, so please remember to carry cash and give when you can. RFTW riders are known for their generosity and support of the mission!
Breakdowns and Chase Truck Policies
As you know, Sandbox is only three days, and two of those are holidays, when dealerships and repair shops are closed. If your bike breaks down and you need serious repairs, chances are, your Run is over. Our philosophy of never leaving a rider behind means we won’t leave you stranded, but if you or your bike are incapacitated, our Chaplains will ensure you are transported to the next (forward) motorcycle dealer of that brand and in a safe spot, with access to the assistance you require. We can’t transport disabled bikes or injured riders all the way to Marseilles because we need the trailer space for possible future breakdowns. Remember that riders are responsible for ensuring their bikes are properly secured on the chase trailer. Although the chase trucks carry basic tiedown equipment, you should carry any specialty straps that might be necessary for your bike.
Politics
Please remember that RFTW is a non-political organization and as such, political discussions are not authorized and will not be tolerated. These political discussions can easily become arguments which detract from the Mission and can create a hostile environment that is not conducive to the healing effort of RFTW. Please keep your political opinions to yourself while we are on the mission and refrain from wearing inflammatory and divisive slogans.
Thank you all for your dedication and support. Together, we’re building another successful Sandbox Route and strengthening our mission from Wall to Wall.
See you in May!!
Leo Rachmel
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Midway Route Photos from previous runs are no longer available. 