May 19, 2018 - Day 4 to DC - Eagle Nest, NM to Goodland, KS

This morning in Eagle Nest we had about the same temp as last year except last year we had a few inches of snow.

The sun was shining today to a nice 34 degrees. Everyone was bundled up and had theiroffee

 Line them up!! Go get breakfast.

Again, Harlan read 2 POW/MIA bios that need to be taken to the wall. FNG will carry this and place them on the wall.  We need to bring them all home.

"This is why we ride"

 Ready for platoon meetings.  I guess you have to be here to see this really is organized.

  We have sun!!!

Here is the 2017 pic of the same bend.

2018 - I am liking this year MUCH better.

 Going down the mountain was absolutely beautiful.  Only thing is you needed to watch the shadows as it makes it sometimes a little tough driving.  Guys did a nice job. it was slow and easy so we really enjoyed the scenery.  well.... at least the passengers did.

 This is about 7:30 on a chilly morning and we still have  people coming out to see us.  Great support

 No, Ron and Larry you cannot stop and go hunting.... you are on mission.

Bottom of the mountain.  The mountains were so clear today

 Since we were again in the mentor position, I tried to get the thumbs up from the ARC seat.  Road guards are not supposed to pass to get back the their platoon until get signal.

 We are now heading into Raton for a Fuel stop.

 

Fuel paid for ... YEAH!!! and some food and drinks.  This town like so many others love we come thru.  This is so go to see all the kids help out.  And they are very aware of our missions.  Many have been coming for years.

This is so impressive.  They have the young Marines.  Some of these kids are only 5-6 years old.  We have talked to some of them.  Yes sir ... very respectful and very disciple.  They are very proud to show what they have learned.  This is out future.

Singing of our National Anthem 

 

As the ceremony ended, there was one young man that read the following.  This is always such an emotional trip for so many.  It is healing, it is family, it is friends.

Prayer was said by you of the young men and done very well.

May the sun rise in front of you

May the rain fall behind you and the wind follow you.

May the angels guard your travel.

For they know the road ahead of me.

May they keep you safe on your journey.

May the guide you as you ride for your brothers and sisters who could not ride with you today.

May you all be blessed.

Ok so I was done..here come the tears... There are just thing that really hit home. Does not make a difference of the kind of journey as we all have our own.

A little fun before we get ready to ride out.

 Jackie McKinney road with us since Gallup... he help start us before he head home.

 Any time we come into a town or leave , these 2 will open the flags: POW/MIA, American, State  and lead us in.

Almost out of New Mexico

 Now we leave and this is a bummer. We had complete escort all the way across NM. This is were they leave us..... THANKS guys.... you are amazing.

 Hope you enjoy the beautiful day we had.... at least this part of it.  

Here we are going in for a gas stop only in Pueblo, CO.  It will be a gas and go then we head down the road.  Look at the flag and all the work for maybe a 30 minute stop.  Oh My Gosh..

 This is stop has us going on a few back road that are full of pot holes and bumps.  There are a lot or road guards on this road to help us stay clear of them.

  Never ever, ever get tired of seeing this. There is so much respect for the Run .

Pueblo Police blocked all traffic  getting on the highway.  This is ALWAYS so appreciated

 Road construction is always a lot of fun...NOT.... go staggered or single file.

Down the road to Fountains, CO for lunch

 This is what is looks like when a bunch of hungry bikers jump off their biked for lunch.... or maybe they need to use the restroom.... haha

 Trike platoon with trailers..... 

Great big facility for us. 

 No  only are there lines for food , the restrooms are no different.

 The guy on the right is a mechanic on the Run.  He is just a rider but has been using his skills to help many of the riders fix their bikes to keep them rolling.  He only has a few tools and it is kind of hard.  so several people chipped in to give him some additional ones to make his job easier. The chase vehicle will haul it.  Tears again.  What a great family this is.

 As we leave. WOW

ON the road again... heading to Limon.

 Jenny and Roger, check this out.... the officer has a Spyder....

The wind got a little crazy after Fountain.... and I think that is an understatement.

We road hard for 1.5 hours an were wiped after that ride.

But people still came out

 FLAT... FLAT...FLAT.... and straight road.  Everyone really needs to be focused

 Check out these flags and they had a heck of a time holding on to them

 Arrive at Limon, CO for just a gas stop ... look at this flag.

 Many of us have been on the road for a few week...We miss family.  Here are a few that met us.

 Grandpas....

Thanks to all the family member at home that keep things going while we ride.

Back on the road..... Can someone please turn off the fans.....!!!  We are not in Kansas yet!!!

 Now we are in Kansas.... and the winds still are blowing.  Normally this is a busy street with lots of people.  But by the time we get here is it cold and rainy.  still a few came.

 Dinner is set up for all.

 Curtis give the blessing.  He gave thanks for the wind (really?)  because is must have generated LOTS of electricity.  ( lots of wind mills).
We also find out from the Kansas state coordinator that we will have an escort all the way across Kansas and all fuel is paid.  SWEET!!!!!

 Last is this table.  Heard it before... does not make it any easier to hear.

POW and MIA REMEMBARANCE TABLE

Is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from out ranks.  They are referred to as POWs and MIAs.

We call them brothers and sisters.

They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence.

This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms

The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood the many have shed in sacrifice to ensure freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

The yellow ribbon on the vase, represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our brothers and sisters who are not among us tonight.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt sprinkled on the place reminds us of the countless fallen tears of the families as they wait.

The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this night.

The chair is empty – they are not here.

The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from the captors to the open arms of a grateful nation.

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Here is Ron and Courtney showing how most us were dressed... Many layer, rain gear, gloves....  you would have thought is was winter... and it felt like it

Thanks for all the prayer keeping us safe.

Total miles = 404

Temps = 34-60-46

Route = I- 35 too I-70