Tuesday, May 17, 2016

May 16, 2016 - in California

Sorry for delay. No internet access last night.

We had 2 meetings.  First was the Finance meeting run by Ken and Jenny.  Since Ken is treasurer, this is a meeting with all the routes. This picture shows all the folder they have to distribute to many different teams. They have done a ton of work prior to this week preparing.


Ken then starts to address the teams.  Each team will get folders to keep track of gas, mileage and receipts.  The team represented were: Chase vehicle, merchandising, registration, last man and hydration. So donations that are made to RFTW help with fuel, ice, drinks,....  

Kia donates 4 vans to follow, one per route (2 for southern).  These van will carry plaques that are presented in every town and to organizations to support RFTW.  Vans will carry some of the raffled items donated by individuals, towns and companies.  These too get a folder.

Next is a trip to the bank.  WOW what a long process.  Ken had to get the signature cards changed for each route.  They each have 2 representative.  We were there for over an hour and a half.....

Next meeting is with leadership.  This is Papa Smurf , the central route coordinator.  This has the finance team (we are part of this), route coordinators, assistance route coordinators, platoon leaders, tail gunners, etc

Here  are some of the items:
  • Safety for everyone 
  • We are part of leadership and must set example
  • Could have as many as 400 riders a day 
  • We will have side by side and staggered platoons. also 3 wheel and camper platoons
  • LEOs (Law Enforcement officers) will be flying up on the right, be aware
  • Keep it tight as we do not want cars to come in

Parking lots filling up as people are rolling in.

I have mentioned that lot of people help make the Run successful and safe.  Each one is represented by a different color hat.  The number here is amazing. There are many people, not just one person per type. I have probably left some out.
  • Route coordinator - leader of the whole route
  • Assistan Route Coordinator
  • Platoon leaders - the 300+ riders for the day are broke down to 10 platoons,each has a leader
  • Assistant Platoon leaders
  • Platoon Tail Gunner - these are the guys the are the last per platoon
  • Platoon - consists of 20-25 riders
  • Road Guards - usually go in front of the group to verify it is safe, they will make sure all riders are riding safely, they will radio for assistance if anyone needs something. They also talk to semi truck drivers to let then know what is coming.
  • Last Man - he makes sure the chase vehicles assist any one in need. no one left behind, last man of the whole 300+ riders
  • Chaplin - this is a very emotional ride for everyone.  We have 5 on this route for any one that needs help
  • Staging - they will stage us at every stop: beginning of the day, meals, gas stops
  • Fuel team - goes ahead of the group to the gas stations to verify all ready and help the staging group get set up.  They will assist the riders fuel up and collect money.
  • Ambassadors - they will ride to a town prior to the group to let them know we are coming. Most towns have local law enforcement blocking streets and watching the crowds.
  • Hydration team - water / snacks at some of the stops



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