May 19, 2016 - Day 2 to DC --- Williams, AZ to Gallup, NM

Woke up to another sunny day but was a bit cold - 47.  The people of Williams fixed biscuit and gravy with Sausage. Also had oranges and drinks.  Even though was cold everyone enjoyed it. Today we head to Gallup, NM a Navajo community.

Papa Smurf presented Jenny, Larry and I with a challenge coin thanking us for what we are doing. Also in the pic is Winky (assistant route coordinator)

Boilermaker is our 50/50 and raffle guy.  All the money raised is for the kids at Rainelle.

Mama O is the ticket lady.  She stays pretty busy in the morning.. Again you can see more volunteers.

 Jean and "Wild" Bill. He is one of the road guards.  He is from Texas

 These are the FNGs we have. Quite a few!!!

 Papa Smurf reads about one of our MIAs.  Goal is to bring everyone home. We still have over 1600 unaccounted for.  Someone will take the sheet and carry it to the wall.  There will be a few every day.

Send off  by many including this little girl

Beautiful skies all day.  Sorry you have to put up with the pics, I could not help myself

 This is Ken

 Heading into Winslow , AZ.  Nice reception!!

Here are a few guys from the hydration team.  Drinks and snacks for all. Again volunteers !!!

 A few boy scouts are at the gas station to thank the riders.  The have snacks to give to anyone.

Larry and Jenny are paying for the gas.  So here is how this works.  The fuel team has a bank bag per gas pump.  As the bikes come thru they will pay for their gas rounded up to the nearest dollar.  Larry, Jenny and I get to count the money.  There are about 8-12 pumps per stop.  We collect any where from $80-120.  It is all in $1,5,10.  Most of the time we have to count it out per pump and pay. Some gas stations have an automatic counter.  This makes it easy.  Anything left over goes into the general fund, for chase, hydration, registration... vehicle.  Most gas stops are pretty quick so by the time we get done it is about time to go.

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Check out the 3 boys in the middle. These are the boy scouts you saw earlier. 

 Best part of the trip!!!  Cannot get enough of this

This is Daniel Slocum.  He rode in the "missing man" today. He is riding to DC with his father.  Later he will send me some more information on his story.  He and his father both served. Thanks for serving gentlemen!!

LOVING IT !!

We are now heading into Holbrook, AZ for lunch.  AMAZING TOWN.

 Kids EVERY WHERE!!

 Another part I cannot get enough of.  The respect and love for this country.

 The Fuel team

 This gentleman and a few others were handing out "Pocket Prayer Squares".

You keep this in your pocket.

Jean, Aaron and Jenny waiting in  line for lunch.

 Little music from the high school students.

 Members of Holbrook to be remembered. Every branch was represented on the wall of the hall.

 Kids have these within the dining hall for us.  So cute. 

 Sorry more pics.  The sky from Holbrook to Gallup was absolutely beautiful, white puffy clouds on a beautiful blue sky.

  Check out the road guard on the left.  He is turned around trying to get a car or truck to get passed the pack.  These guys are amazing on what they do to keep us safe.

 There is a guard on the left ready to rejoin the road guards in front of the pack.  They are not allowed to move until Winky or E-Z give them the thumbs up.  Hope you can see the arm out with thumbs up. If you cannot see it, double click so the picture is bigger.

Remember these people come out and stand and wait for us.  With in maybe 2-3 minutes we are past.  Nice to see the patriotism.

 Ken

 We are now in New Mexico.  Here we have an escort across the entire state. AND we are car/ truck free.  They make sure the road is clear for us.  Here is one of the highway patrol guys coming from the west bound lane to catch up with us.  It was pretty cool seeing 5 come across the median.

 Our exit guy got a little hot.  Pretty funny!!!

 Our reception into Gallup.  Several years ago was voted the most patriotic small town in US.  They just received the Purple Heart city award.  Neat town.

 The road guards will block the intersection to keep cars from interrupting the pack.  This is Wild Bill

This bike leads us into the town. On the run the flags are tied up.  Only unfolded in town

 Closer look at out buddy at the exit ramps, and his new toy.

As we arrive, we can hear them chanting.  They have been preparing for us all day.  We are all asked to enter the circle.  Well wishes to keep us safe on our journey to DC.  Here is a ceremony with all the flags from other Native American tribes.

 People from the Run are participating.

 "Gump" carries the POW flag.

 Papa Smurf carries an American flag and Jackie McKenna, the mayor of Gallup, walk with him.

Brian also had a flag.

 Jenny and Ken participate.

 Here is Larry and Jean.  You all know Larry, we were trying to dance / walk like them.

Remembering our fallen and those not yet home.

 National Anthem being played.  This is Aaron and Tim.

Great dinner from the people of Gallup.  Jackie McKenna actually came and sat with us for dinner.  Ken and Jenny stopped over.  He will be riding with us tomorrow to Angel Fire, NM

Ken and Jenny in front of us as we head to hotel for the evening. The flag were standing straight out as if to say, thanks for coming and we will see you next year.

224 miles today