May 20, 2017 - Day 4 to DC --- Eagle Nest, NM to Goodland, KS

Well you all saw the snow last night, it was beautiful in the morning..... for skiers but not if you are on a motorcycle.  It was 24 degrees. Snow on seats, ice on controls and windshields.  They are not meant for snow.  Ron got out their first.  He has a full windshield and it was full of ice.  Well we normally do not carry ice scrappers.  So he used a spatula.  Worked great.  Those with heated  seat for sure turned them on to get things melted.  Then Larry tried to start the bike, no go. REALLY  now what.  Well he locked the forks and they got frozen.  With them locked you cannot start the bike.  This finally broke free and he got it started.  Next , went to staging and no front breaks.  Hang on, he was ok, just needed to pump them a little.  Again, these creatures are not fans of the cold weather.

Larry finally got enough snow off to move it.

 Outside out hotel

 Ron and Larry walking to breakfast.

 ahhhh baby "papa smurf " is covered in snow

 Everyone will see us coming.  Sami, Jenny, Jean and Teri

Larry and Jean.  I had more layer on than when I go snow skiing.

 Enjoy the snow pics as we head down the mountain.

 Sun is trying to come out.

 Beautiful blue skies

 At the bottom it was 36 degrees and another beautiful day.

 No Larry and Ron, you cannot stop and hunt them.  You are on a mission.

 Heading into Raton, NM.  This is just a gas stop.  OK a little longer.  But not much longer

 Gomez is the assistant route coordinator for NM and a veteran.  Ron is standing next to him.

 The junior marines.  They are our future.  Very polite young men and women.

 Jenny and I handed out RFTW pins.

 There was an Vietnam Vet , Jenny also gave him a pin.  Very proud

We always thank everyone for coming out, gas donation, food and drink.  Today was no different.  I stopped to thank an older women carrying a flag.  She holds my hand and said, "No, I want to thank you and all your group is doing.  I have had a long and happy life.  All made possible by our service and women."  I was speechless.  Needless to say, this was one of those moments, when i got on the bike, it really hit me and I started to cry.  Soooo many give all.

 The scene as we leave town.

As we rode under the flag, the wind caught it and made like a tent.  Its way of saying "I got you back"

We hit the state line of New Mexico and Colorado.  Our escort stands and salutes as we leave.

Thanks guys for your support to keep us safe.

 Missing Man Formation.  More on this tomorrow.  Ron will be riding for his George Kelly.

 Check out the background around this road guard.

 Beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Nothing around them.  And yet they sit on the side of the road , set up, and wait for us.

 Young and old.  Look at the flags.  We have a great country and please do not forget or service men and women.  This is why we ride.

 We roll into Fountain, CO.  What a reception.  We get to have lunch in the fire house.  Great hospitality.

Horn sounds and you have 5 minutes to be on your bikes. If not ready you go behind the last man.

 Down the road again.  Out their in the middle of no where.

 This was at an intersection.  Look how they are on the street.  I thought we would hit one.  Just as many on the other side

Many of us go all the way.  We leave family for 2-3 week for this great cause.  Here are some of Boilermakers family.  Kay will join him for the remainder of the trip.  Welcome Kay.

Sami got a pic of me and Larry.  If you look closely , I am writing.  I carry a note pad and pen.  You think I can remember a whole day of events.  No Way !!!!  They all start running together

Thanks Sami!!

 Here is a better pic of our lead as we process thru towns.  

 Staging team lining us up as we pull in for dinner.  

 She sand National Anthem.  You could have heard a pin drop.

I leave the day with this that was read to us at dinner in Goodland, KS

POW and MIA REMEMBARANCE TABLE

Is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from out ranks.  They are referred to as POWs and MIAs.

We call them brothers and sisters.

They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence.

This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms

The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood the many have shed in sacrifice to ensure freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

The yellow ribbon on the vase, represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our brothers and sisters who are not among us tonight.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt sprinkled on the place reminds us of the countless fallen tears of the families as they wait.

The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this night.

The chair is empty – they are not here.

The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from the captors to the open arms of a grateful nation.

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Pray for them to return.  

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Total miles: 404 (long day)

Temps: 22- 50

Route: I 25 N , I 70 E