Day 1 of the Run - May 13

Yeah it is finally here. So much preparation by so many people. We were up at 4:30 and in the staging parking lot by 5:45.  All 3 routes are staging in the same place.  This means aroung 1000 bikes in 3 groups: Central, Southern, Midwest.  We are in the central. As we pull in we need to look for Platoon 3.  We were one of the first ones there so the staging group was still getting a bit organized.  We see out sign get lined up perfect, then the guys says "southern, right?"  Oops wrong 3. So we had to look for Central 3.  He was still looking to find where Central was staging.  Got all hooked up and parked.  The guys staging looked at us and said " good , I have staged my first bike". Everyone still trying to get it right.

There was a hot breakfast for us and it was cooked on camp stoves.  And the line was long. Lots of hugs as you see old friends greeting each other.  And more hugs for the FNGs.  They really make you feel welcome.

Tim and Aaron got to the parking lot so early, nothing was set up.  They have still been on Cincy time and getting up at 4:30 every day.  Also a pic of Brian for the tail gunner meeting.

Here is Larry with Keith Flom.  He is giving the Vietnam Veterans a medal as a “Thank You”.  Since Larry’s  brother was one, he gave us one to give to him.  Glenn: THANK YOU from Keith.

 We started off the day presenting colors, signing of the Star Spangle Banner and playing of taps. Already starting to see a few tears (including me) in the crowd.  The recognized blue or gold start families.  They even recognized the FNGs.

  

 We also had a fly over.

 There had been some items left during the meetings yesterday and they wanted to return them.  Will the person here left vest and they made him to push ups , then had to pay a fine.  All in fun !

 This person is James "Gunny" Gregory.  He is one of the founding fathers for this mission. First run was May 26, 1989.   Great guy!!! We met him briefly Monday with PattyO.  Great couple.

From Gunny:  FREEDOM ISN'T FREE.

 Next you met the officers.  Ken "Catfish" Ward is treasure.

 Prior to dismissing every one to their bikes, there is a question asked: How far we going?  And you here form all 1000 riders:  ALL THE WAY!!!!!

We are off and as we leave there is a flag you go under.  We are in Catfish's platoon.

We are in Catfish's platoon. Gomez is his assistant.  He is with us for 3 day as a cancer survivor.

As we head onto the highway,you will see lots of pictures where it has been shut down.

The day started out over cast but soon cleared up

First gas stop: they are so organized.  2 guys at each pump: one collects money and other helps with nozzle.  Line up side by side.

 check out the organizaton

 every stop has fluids and a snack.

Bill, Larry, Brian

 Dave and Gomez

 Bill, Dave, Jean, Gomez

Please zoom in if  you can on the gentleman left of the sign

SAD NEWS: At this gas break, we heard there was a wreck involving 3-4 in the 3-wheel platoon. This also includes those pulling trailers.  4 people injured.  No on seriously injured. Keep them in your prayers.

Here are some pics of the road guards. They are amazing and really keep the bikes safe and moving.

Catfish gave Larry and I a very special surprise.  We were allowed to ride in the 6-pack.  This is the first 6 riders that lead the WHOLE thing.  It was amazing!!!!  Being in front of 300+ bikes.  We stayed there all day.  We are really spoiled for tomorrow.

 There are bikes in front of us. Those are the Road Guards. There are maybe 20+.  sorry do not have a count.

Papa Smurf is the Asst. route coordinator and leads the 6-pack

We were able to talk to Leroy.  Found out he is part of the GE veterans board.  we will be talking later to him.

As we arrived at Needles, you should have seen the people waiting for us.

Needles, CA was a free lunch and great hospitality.  there was the high school band. And kids colors flags as decorations for us.

E-Z ( Central route coordinator) will be presenting plaques at every town from RFTW. This is in recognition to all the organization that have support, fed, waved flags..... along the way.  This one  is to the Town of Needles.

Here is what the plague looks like

(this happens to be one give out on May 14):

Here is where we parked for lunch.  We took up the entire street. Lunch was to the left.

As we leave, here is what we see 

Here is what we saw coming into Williams.  Please take a look at several of the people saluting.  Amazing!!!!  The power of this missions has many people really pulling together, united.

 Here is dinner. Provided by the American Legion of Williams.

Today's temps went from 60 to 93 thru the desert and back to 60.  And we covered about 400 miles