May 14, 2026 – Day 2 to DC - Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM
Today
was a beautiful day in Williams. Every year as we stage, we are heading east. The sun is blinding as we stage on the street but so warm.
Today was the first day for all the fund raising. We had great response and lots of items were auctioned.
Jim read a bio to be carried to the wall. These bios are very surreal. You think of the families that have lost a loved one.
Say their name, never forget.
Boots is our Head Road Captain. Day 1 with all new riders and this big of a group can be a bit tough for the FNGs. So Boots goes over a few things to help them.
Can you guess how he got his name?
In the platoons, we got over hand signals. Here James is demonstrating a fast "slow down". Meaning the bikes in front of us are slowing down quickly and may be breaking.
There are currently 6 platoons with 2 wheels and 3 platoons for trikes and bikes with trailers. The 2 wheel bikes rotate positions in the pack. We were first yesterday and today we are 6. This is a much tougher position. There is a lot of rubber banding (speed up...slow down) the further back you are. As the days tick by this will get better
Yesterday: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Today: 2,3,4,5,6,1
One positive thing is that I can get great pics of most of the pack.
Check out this.... looks like a funny tree... really a cell tower.
Here is a shot of some of the road guards as they pass us.
Remember I showed a few custom painted bikes before we left? Lance's bike is spectacular!!
Anyone an Eagles fan? Remember the song "Standing on the corner in Winslow AZ".
Well here it is.
As we head to a gas stop just before Winslow, there is a 9-11 Memorial.
It has 2 pieces from the Twin Towers.
Fun Facts:
The centerpiece consists of 14 and 15 foot beams that were entrusted to the citizens of Winslow by the City of New York, making them the largest pieces given to any community in the nation These metal beams serve as a poignant tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks.
Heading thru down to head for lunch, I think we had past every school in town. I love this enthusiasm. They are screaming "USA" and waving flags. Here is our future.
Lunch at Holbrook American Legion.
They always have a band. Each year they seem to get better. And now they look like high school age. Thanks guys you are sounding good. They have always played out of the back a truck.
Inside we are treated not only with lunch but entertainment.
First there is a lady that sang the Star Spangled Banner. This version was sung slow, and very sincerely felt by the singer. Every word delivered with passion. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Anyone have a tissue? my allergies are kicking in.
The Navajo kids danced several dances they have been working on. Amazing. And the colors are so vibrant.
The gentleman announcing the dancers in 72. He father was a "Code Talker"
Code Talkers
Code Talkers are people in the 20th century who used obscure languages as a means of secret communication during wartime. The term is now usually associated with the
United States soldiers during the world wars who used their knowledge of native
American languages as a basis to transmit coded messages. In particular, there
were approximately 400–500 Native Americans in the US Marine Corps whose
primary job was the transmission of secret tactical messages. Code talkers
transmitted these messages over military telephone or radio communications nets
using formal or informally developed codes built upon their native languages.
On the road again and we head to Gallup, NM. I never get tired of seeing this. It continues to remind me of the mission we are all on.
The closer we get to Gallup we see people every where...
Check this one out!!! They are on a little hill off the highway. Image how long this took to set up.
Police in the median. We were supposed to get a police escort all the way cross New Mexico. 2 Cars are sitting here. Not moving. Where are the motorcycle officers? We are now about 10 miles in the border.
OH HELLO!!! there they are. Coming thru the grass median... I think we were coming thru a bit early.
Ok Boys let's get going!!
I love this sign. "Most Patriotic Small Town in America".
After seeing the people along the highway for at least 5+ miles before we get this the exit, it is well deserved.
Just wait....for the next 14 miles (we took the milage), there are people all over. Waving flags and yelling. Here are a few examples but you should see all the pics I took. I finally stopped and just enjoyed the patriotism. You think this country has lost it, look at these.
Check out the bikes as we roll thru.
How cool is this... heading into Red Rock State Park.
Couple of RFTW guys as we enter the park.
As we get off the bikes, I walk over to Dan. He was an FNG last year but started in the middle. He said his allergies were kicking really bad, so we gave him a tissue. Hope you feel better soon, Dan.
From here we hear the drums and chanting. They have been here for several hours praying for our safety here and for our journey to DC.
We are then asked to join them dancing around the circle. Here are the leaders.
Here is one of the last code talkers.
RFTW at its best. Nice dancing to all.
Kim met up with the women carrying the flags. This is the first time the Women Warriors of the Navajo Nation carried the Colours at the Gallup Ceremony.
PHEW!!!! What a spectacular day.
Guess what!!!??? We get to do more tomorrow.
All the people we have met so far in just a few days, tells you that we are still a nation of pride.
Temps: 55-84
Route: I40
Miles: 224
Quote of the Day:
Home of the free, because of the brave
