May 19, 2017 Continued

Ok I am back and internet is much better in Goodland KS.
But this is continuation of yesterday.  What a great day and the pics will never do what we saw justice.  Hope you like them.

Since Larry was at the Harley shop, Ron graciously left me ride with him so I could keep the blog going. THANKS RON!!!

For all interested, here is the issue with our bike.

From Larry: We have a hydraulic clutch and there was no pressure.  Dealer (Thunderbird Harley, Albuquerque, NM) replace master cylinder.  Did not  fix. Went into engine and found a “plunger”  mis-aligned. Removed it , cleaned it, new seal, and lubrication, aligned it, bled the lines = back in business.

Most of the trip we are in the 6-pack. You can go back to May 14 and see this is normally the 3rd group.  Ron and I will be riding in the platoon in the 4th position. I was able to get some pics from being in the middle to the pack.

Here is what we see as we leave.  Light cover of snow.  Was in the low 30s.

Going down a hill, pretty cool to see the line of bikes.  Love seeing this.  Really make me think of how many people are giving up their time from work, family, .... for this mission.  And all the new family we now have.

 In this pic you can see how the platoons are separated a little.  This is for safety when there is other traffic.  Cars need to got off exit ramps .

BUT in New Mexico there are NO OTHER CARS on the road.  It is so nice not have to worry about the semis and other cars flying past us.

 Was cold but yet another gorgeous day.  The sky and cloud were like a painting.  As we ride I take this opportunity to get them because on any given day was may have bad weather , then there will be few pics.  This is only a small portion of what I have.  😏

More organized chaos.  Since I am with Ron, I am in the middle of it all.  Fuel team is amazing.

ALL fuel stops were donated today!!!!!

 Leaving fuel stop.  This is not even  a meal.  Sooo many people to show support

 Back on the road.  check out the entrance ramp.  All stopped

 This is a great story:

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.  Last 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.  Zoom in on this one, amazing how many kids are there.

Even going thru town, no traffic!!!

 Lunch and Gas stop.  People always there.

 This even flew over.  Love my camera.  Thanks Jackie.... looks like it is stopped in mid air.

 Ron with several from his platoon.  Great meeting all of you today!!

 Ron and Jean

 Next pics are all gong to Angel Fire Memorial.  I could not stop taking pics.  Sorry.  Hope you enjoy.

 Catfish stopping traffic at one of the entrance ramps.

 Sign says:

 Land of the Free

Because of the Brave

 People thru  the little town , no matter how small.  Great respect and appreciation for what RFTW represents.

 Next 2 pics were on a round about we rolled thru.  Look at all the work they put in for us.  We roll thru in a total of 5-10 minutes.  My third year and I am still amazed at all the time and effort.

 As we are a few miles from Angel Fire, check out the clouds.  The snow is coming.

Skies looking worse.

 There are bricks along the walk ways. The bricks can be purchased. They are to honor or a remembrance brick of someone in the service.  It is really nice to see all the brick. This is all done by RFTW volunteers on Labor day weekend. It is a beautiful memorial.  

Here is Catfish's Brick.

The memorial was begun by Victor and Jeanne Westphall, the grief-stricken parents of Marine First Lieutenant David Westphall, who was among sixteen young men in his unit killed in an ambush on May 22, 1968 in Vietnam.

 The memorial maintains a UH-1D model Huey helicopter known originally as "Viking Surprise," one of the first smokeships used in Vietnam. On March 26, 1967, the helicopter, while rescuing service personnel, was so badly damaged – 135 bullet holes – that it was returned to the United States for repairs. The copter returned to Vietnam and was later sent to the New Mexico National Guard, which donated it to the Angel Fire memorial.

 About 10 miles to hotel... NO snow please.

 Made it to dinner, no snow.  YEAH.  This town has a population for 290.  We over double it when we arrive.  They make every thing and it is just so good.  I always over eat.  They always have something unique for after dinner: cake, cookies, pies....then something special.  This is made with rice crispies.  AMAZING

We gave them a standing ovation for all the work and just to show our appreciation.

 Not sure if you can see this.  This is a license plate.  Pretty unique

After dinner, we got the snow.  Cannot tell much on this one but check out the next 2.

Jenny's bike looks like one of the characters in the movie Cars.  Almost grinning at us as we passed.

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

Total Miles: 289
Temps: 33 , 50 , 40
Elevation: 8500 ft.
Route : I 40E , I 25N, back road to Angel Fire