Sunday, May 14, 2017

May 14, 2917 - In Ontario

Today was a beautiful day.

Started out that we had to head to the Harley dealer for 5000 miles service.  We were there for about 4 hours.  After that we headed back to the hotel.  The vendor trailers were there and we usually buy something: t-shirt (I need one more), pins, patches....

We then see Gunny and his wife Patty.  They normally bounce between all 3 routes.  Got a picture of Ron with them.  There are a great couple and always time to talk to you.

 Ron, Larry and I went riding for a bit today.  Here is the mountain pics real near to the hotel.


Looking down onto Ontario


Got to have palm trees  😏



Very little going on today.  We kind of decompressed a little.
After dinner, we went to register.  We got to connect with those we have met over the last few years.

I thought this would be a good time to explain the logistics of how the Run rolls everyday. As you read the blog, you will see more details and pics to help explain them.

Remember everyone volunteers for this.  You can see below , how many it takes to get everyone cross country.  I have the roles, how many per role, and their duties. This is also the order of each team.

TEAMS (ahead of the pack)
Advanced road guard - 10 = first to go out and confirm there are no issues on the roads. Ex: detours, traffic issues, ...

Staging - 30 =  Get to the next stop and set up for each platoon to be staged 

Fuel - 24 = They get to the gas station and clear all pump for the platoons to come in.  so there is no one at the gas pump when we arrive.  They also direct the pack how to get to the pumps and leaving the pumps

Ambassador - 15 = Usually thanking the people on the bridges or in the towns for coming out and supporting the Run.

Hydration  - 6 - they carry water, gatorade, snack and are at every gas stop.  All donated by someone or organization

Registration - 8 = In every city, they are there  when we arrive, and every morning before we leave.   Since not everyone can ride 10 days, many rider only a few day, therefore this team gets them signed up.

Merchandise team  - 2 = travels with the Run selling t-shirts and other trinkets


State coordinator - Total 21 for the length of the run. But usually 1 -2 per state.


The Pack Formation:
Missing man : Route Coordinator (RC) , state coordinator, person representing the missing man, missing man coordinator, chaplain

Road guard - 30-35 = they have many jobs: stop traffic on all entrance ramps, guides us thru towns at each intersection, help direct at fuel stops......you will see more through the blog.

6 pack - 6-8 = Assistant Route coordinator (ARC), state coordinator, leadership (Finance - Jenny, Larry and Jean), any dignitary, .... this changes daily. Could be the mayor, POW... we never know who will be here  leg to leg.

Platoons - 15-25 = each platoon has a platoon leader, assistant platoon leader and 2 tail gunners.  In the middle are all the participants.  There are usually 10-11 platoons

Communication team - 3 -  talk to truckers and are usually in platoons and 1 in back

Medical team - 6 - there for any injuries or illnesses

Chaplains - 8 = this is a very key role.  Many are on this for healing.  Others remember comrades lost in war.  This is an emotional trip for everyone.

Last man - 1 - conveys to RC when the last bike is on the road/ expressway

Chase vehicles  - 5 = pick up anyone running out of gas (yes this does happen) or break downs.

===============
Totals:
If you add all this up, it is around 160 people that have roles
Participants = 15-25 per platoon - so 200-250 
At any given time, we are at 350-450


Many of the roles above will become clearer as the days progress.

Remember May 17 the Run starts.  Hope you can watch us thru this blog.  Keep in mind not only those on these 3 routes but especially all those still serving.  




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