May 20, 2916 - Day 3 to DC --- Gallup, NM to Eagle Nest, NM

WOW!!! What a beautiful day!!!  We had sun all day and great temperatures. Check out the background.  We started out the day with the pledge and prayer.  I forgot to mention that they recognize those currently serving, vets that are on the run, and Blue and Gold Star family members.

·                     Blue: families who have a loved one serving in the armed forces

·                     Gold:  If a serviceman dies, the blue star may be replaced by a gold star.

Ready to go!

 Lots of people from Gallup have come to see us off.  WOW. getting up early just to see a lot of bikes leave.  This is true support. Check out all the kids

All above are from the first few miles leaving town.  AMAZING

First stop is at Route 66 Casino for gas.  Check these pics. Gas stop was donated, and so is the next one.  No counting today.

As we are walking around the parking lot, I see Gomez.  Some of you may remember him from last year.  On his way to Ontario he was in an accident.  Lower part of his leg was shattered.  He came out to see us here.  It will be 8 months for his recovery and longer before he can ride again. But knowing him, he will ride!!  Positive attitude, greatful for life, and always smiling.  He is a great role model.

These kids were walking around parking lot.  What a great site to see the patriotism. Thanks all.

This may be kind of hard to see but look up the hill.  The guys you see are the first platoon. I got lucky on this shot. Took me about 6 to get this.  I held the camera backward and hope I got something.  Mostly I was getting road, grass, sky.....

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Like I said earlier, we have a full escort across NM.  Here are the state and Santa Fe officers. Albuquerque officers will be join when we get closer.  THANKS GUYS.

Check this out. Now think of this.  How long do you think it took and how many participated to get this up?  We roll thru in probably no more the 5 minutes. This is truly support.

Great story from Jenny:

The 2 buses are for the kids of Cochiti.  Several years ago the school was trying to get the kids more energized about learning.  So there was an incentive idea.  If you have perfect attendance, get good grades and have good behavior, you could ride the bus to stand on the bridge to see RFTW go thru.  The first year there was 20 kids.  Now check out the bridge.  Soon they will have to make a bigger bridge.  They also have to rent the bus at $35 to get there.  To do that, the kids would have bake sales and other events to raise the money.  Great lessons.  This year they have 2 buses and check out how many kids are there. Again a very poor part of the country.  If you have earned the honor to go on the bus in May, around Labor Day, Jenny, Ken and a few other RFTW member go back to the school and the kids get RFTW pins.  They love it.  This past year, the school struggled to get enough money for school supplies.  RFTW was able to take $1200 to help the school out with some extra money.  The people there were sooo greatful.

If you look closely, there are no cars just motorcycles. This is SO nice.

Cannot get by with out some great pics.

Next stop Camel Rock Casino.  Again donated and here is lunch. Thanks Brian.

Nice dining hall.  Great Food.

Larry chatting with the local law enforcement.

Heading out and see this not long after lunch.

Heading to Angel Fire.  BEAUTIFUL

This is Ken.  I love seeing the respect everyone has on this run to our service man and women.

If you look close you will see all the bikes on the road. It was all ours

 Heading into Angel Fire for the Vietnam Memorial

Since we are up front, I turned and saw the rest of the pack.  Amazing the number of bikes.

 The bricks can be purchased. The are to honor or a remembrence brick of someone in the service.  It is really nice to see all the brick.

Here is Ken's

Ken and Jenny.  I could not resist. The background is so pretty.  This is much better than last year. It was rainy, cold and windy.  Today was just the opposite.

There is also a section for Medal of Honor Recipients.  If you remember we rode with Leroy last year

Not much parking at the memorial. We were packed in like sardines.  Was interesting trying to get out.  Since we stayed 9 miles away in Eagle Nest, everyone left at different times.  OR waited until you could get out.

This is a little hard to see but it is the missing man formation.  This is not one mile that is ridden all the way cross country, without someone riding it, no matter how short a distance.

Food here was soo good.  All homemade and lots of it. This is a cake on a 6 foot table of an eagle.  Saying under "All gave some, some gave all". It tool 4 1/2 days to make.

Our Freedom is not free. Let's never forget all our service men and women.

Traveled 290 miles with perfect temps, between 60-80

Elevation is 8200 feet. I was told it will be chilly in thr morning.