May 25, 2018 - Day 10 to DC - Lewisburg, WV To Washington DC

What an absolutely gorgeous day!!!  61 degrees when we left and got warmer as the day went on.  Very warm but no complaints here!!!

So even though it was a great day, we were not so sure we were going to be able to ride.  This year one of the chase vehicles brought his son with him.  He is the mechanic for the Run. He has fixed 28 bikes before this morning, trying to keep the bikes on the road and not having to actually go into the dealer.  Seems the clutch went out.  "Wrench" was able to get us up and going YEAH!!!!  Bike 29 fixed.

Another father / son on the Run - this is Wrench's dad

As you have seen me write a few times before, Harlan will read a bio and someone will carry it to the wall. The lady in the middle if a gold star daughter.  Her father is shot down when she was 6.   She will carry his bio.

After this, someone came up to give Harlan some news.  A pilot was recovered this week after missing for 52 years from the Vietnam War.  He was from Salem, Washington.

THIS IS WHY WE RIDE!!

After all the morning business was finished, the FNGs get a zip tie to put on their bikes. This will allow them to ride into Arlington Cemetery for the wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Only FNGs get to go from all 3 routes.

 

Tigger updated us on the final number of bikes and riders registered:

       718 registered

       570 bikes

Father Daughter:  Ron "Drip" and Courtney "tweeter" ready to roll for the last day

 Brian "Diesel", one of  the road guards, was thanked for saving one of our riders.  Short story, a car was trying to race to get past one of riders and was getting too close.  Brian saw this and went between the car the rider. Car veered away.

 This is the rider.  Several from her platoon stated that had he not been there , she may have been pushed off the road.  Brian talked to that platoon this morning.  Very humble.  This is part of our job.  We need to make sure the pack get to there destination safely. Thanks Brian.

"Omelette" keeping thing lively before we head out for the day.

Group pic of the leadership.

 One last look at the morning sea of bikes.  Been seeing his for 10 day and still amazes me.

 Here are several pics from the day.  You know me, got to get some last time scenery pics in.  We have such a beautiful country with all kinds of landscapes.  Hope you have liked them.

Because of our FREEDOM, I am able to do this.

 Road Guard break away.  This happens several miles out from our exit.  They need to get to the exit and help set up for directing the pack: off the ramp, any additional turns, in the gas stop...

This next gas stop is a small one.  They told me today this is the highlight of the year for them.  She has a father with dementia.  The one day he remembers is when all the bikes come in.  He was not able to make it this year but here is his daughter and her son.  He was taking pics of all the bikes to show him.  (he  just got a new camera)  This station gave us .15 off per gallon.  SWEET!!

 

  Papa Smurf on the side , waiting for all to pass.  

Nice ceremony at the Harley dealer where we had lunch

 This little guy is our future.  We need to keep them safe.

 Check out the color of the shirts.  RED is warn on Friday.
       R- Remember
       E - Everyone
       D - Deployed
It is not just worn during the run, but all year long.  Keeps us reminded that we still have men and women deployed today and need to remember them.  So next Friday what color shirt will you wear?
Let me help you: RED

 RC  and Mama O: Getting or giving  last minute instruction be for we take off.

 You have heard me mention Scooter.  He is the birddog .  He is on the blue bike .

 As we leave the Harley Dealer and check out the color to the cars:  Red, White, Blue (just in case some of your are color blind)

Winding around the roads to get to the entrance ramp.  Again, it amazes me how many bikes.

Heading into DC.  Traffic gets a little ( ok a lot) more congested. 

 

As we see the miles to Arlington get lower and lower , I realize our mission is almost complete.  I also think of all the troops still deployed all over this world. And that some today may not be able to count down when they will be able to come home.   

There are still many MIA and POWs that we will need to bring home. Let us NEVER forget them.

We get some help on the way in.

Even though we have lots of traffic , they try to make is safe to get off the exit.

 One more block !!!

MADE IT... Hugs all around

 One more parking lot to squeeze bikes into.....

This is kind of getting to be a tradition.  Jamie ( Courtney, sister) is tossed up on Nate's shoulders. 

When I look at this picture tonght, Nate is like our troops.  Big and Strong.

Kind of like saying:  I got you, no need to worry.  

Gunny thanks his wife for going with him and putting up with him.

We went to dinner last night and talked to our waitress.  Come to find out her dad  is Lt. Colonel Beaumont. He served 12 months in Desert Storm, 12 month in Korea (not the Korean War), and 23 months in Iraqi Freedom / Kuwait.  He has 3 masters degrees.  So she has been around service all her life.  Last night we face timed him ( there was about 8 of us) and said "Thank you for your service".  It was pretty cool.  She is very proud of her dad.  

Total miles = 254
Temps = 61-80
Route = I-64 to I-81 to I-66

Our missions is not yet complete. We will be going to the Wall tomorrow.