Pictures posted on Facebook of Run For The Wall in Corydon

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LINK TO CORYDON INDIANA'S PICTURES

So many communities welcome Run For The Wall each day of the ride.  I've come up with some numbers.

There is 1 Run For The Wall.
There are 2 Routes, Central and Southern
Each Route has 3 chase vehicles that help with down bikes and riders
There are 4 extra days that RFTW participants are together - 2 in California for orientation/training and a mini reunion, and 2 in DC for the visit to the Wall and Rolling Thunder.
Each Route has 5 people in the Lead Element called the Missing Man Formation. 

|  | the first two bikes, Left leading, Route Coordinator Right - State Coordinator (changes each State)
|    this rider rides with a "missing man" to his right (this position changes each leg of the Run

|  | the Route Chaplain and Missing Man Coordinator ride these two spots


Each Route has 6 platoons made up of motorcycles, and one with motorcycles that pull trailers or trikes.
There are 7 Board of Directors for Run For The Wall, Inc.

After leaving California the Southern Route stops in 8 more states.

Once they leave California Central Route goes through 9 states. (see the map of both routes here)

The ride itself is 10 days.  We leave on a Wednesday and arrive on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.

We registered 620 people in California for the 2010 Run.
Not all of them traveled all the way to DC with us.
Southern Route registerd an additional 700 + people and CR almost another 700 across country.

The Routes totaled over 90 stops for Fuel or to visit VA Hospitals, Veterans Memorials or Schools or to overnight in a community.  That's over 90 communities across America that HOST Run For The Wall.

Pretty impressive.  Can you tell we love what Run For The Wall does for Veterans with a TOTAL VOLUNTEER STAFF!!

Thank you America!!

My Run For The Wall Mascot stayed at the Wall Friday Night

I'm listing the items that Sugarbear - my "mascot" for RFTW 2010 collected across country.

A flag pin in the shape of the USA Top Left Lapel
A RFTW 20th Anniversary POW, American Flag Pin (Bottom Left)
A 2003 (that was my first RFTW) HonorBound Motorcycle Ministry Pin (top right lapel)
A 2010 RFTW Pin (on the back by the miniature RFTW backpatch)
A 2010 Rancho Cucamonga, CA pin
Beads handed to us somewhere along the route signifying POW/MIA and American Flag colors
A Psalm 91 Scripture Dog Tag and a Cross Penny hanging with it.

 Still smiling after thousands of miles!!

It looks like my mascot is waving good bye.  The bear started out white, but rode on my motorcycle tank bag all the way across country, without a bath.  I see the reflection in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, it was emotional.  I have other pictures coming, my cell phone didn't do the greatest here.

Run for the Wall and the School at Rainelle, WV

Run for the Wall news article

I found this article from a local newspaper about our trek through Rainelle, WV.

The kids have grown up with us coming through their community.

A few years ago the 5th grade class wrote a book "Veterans Reign in Their Own Parade."

You can click on the link above to view the article.

Lewisburg, WV to Washington D.C. area

We had 3 easy legs of about 80 or so miles each today, the last 20 miles of the 3rd leg brought us into Arlington, VA where all the traffic in the world is stuffed into 2, 3 or 4 lanes, everyone in the wrong lane it seems, and everyone has an agenda, and probably written proof that their cause is most important than the people in the next vehicle..

We weaseled our way through all the traffic, kept our wits, and arrived about 9 minutes later than scheduled with hundreds of bikes and riders, in spite of the tough challenges of road work, rush hour and missing escort.

Breaking the pack into platoons helps keep each small group on track, we planned to arrive as platoons, but ended up arriving as one big pack as if we were escorted.

Tomorrow THE WALL

Post War memories - growing up with a knowing and expectations.

Being a Post War "Baby Boomer" - my elementary school years were filled with News Reels at the theater.

Saturdays we walked the 6 blocks from our downtown Indianapolis home to 10th and Dearborn for the matinees at the Rivoli.  Along with bonus full-feature length cartoons before the movie, there were intermissions with contests, prizes, sometimes clowns, or magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists or just comedians to entertain us.  Teenagers walked the aisles with flashlights to keep us all in our seats and behaving.  But just before the feature presentation, we were always fed a good dose of patriotism with News Reels that caught us up to date on progress since the big war that had just ended, and the battle on-going in Korea. 

It amazes me how conditioned I was by these News Reels.  I was prepared to be patriotic, I cried every time I said the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and memorized God Bless America, and the National Anthem faithfully belting out each word as a child.  My parents were married a few months after they met.  My Dad served in Europe WW II and when he returned his sister set the two of them up for a date.  This year they celebrated 63 years of marriage.  He didn't expect the welcome home he got from this country - but fanfare and celebration reigned.  My hubby's Dad lost an older brother on the SS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, his Dad dropped out of high school, married his HS sweetheart, and joined the Army.  They were separated nearly 4 years by WAR.  But they celebrated 63 years of marriage before he passed.  He continued his military service and retired a Chief Warrant Officer.  Patriotism ran thick in both of our families.

I wasn't too surprised when the hubby joined the Army - not happy about it, we were newly weds, but proud anyway.  But the reception he and his fellow comrades received when they returned from the "unpopular" war of the 60's and 70's was to our detriment as a nation and our generation.  It has caused a knee jerk reaction, we know, as we make every attempt to welcome home the warriors who are serving this day,  and we forgive America for this oversight, but people, war is what it is, soldiers serve out of a love for their fellow Americans, and their country.  Gotta respect them and treat them like warriors for this very reason, THEY ARE OUR HEROES!!

437 Korean War Prisoners Return To Freedom (ca. 1950's)

Run For The Wall (May 24, 2010)

TRUCK

We give each other road names.  Don't know how he got his, but this time last year, TRUCK was asked to be honor guard at Arlington National Cemetery, laying the wreath for Run For The Wall.  We were all so honored watching him our guest of Run For The Wall, a new participant who is still active duty military.  He stood alongside a veteran rider of Run For The Wall, "Manybikes" guess how he got his name.  This guy works his heart out getting us off the right exit as we roll down interstates across country, then stands in a salute as we follow his directions, with a sweet grin on his face.

This year I had the opportunity to get to know both riders a little better.  I had the honor and privilege of working with Manybikes at registration in California.  We registered 620 riders, whew, fast and furious!!

 Here's a pic of TRUCK in front of somebody's RV all decked out for Run For The Wall!!


Then TRUCK was asked to step up to the 6-pack, a group that rides just behind the lead element, keeping an open space called a POCKET, for the Road Guards to come in and out.  I had the distinct honor of pacing many of our riders that were active duty as we rolled down the highways of this great country - wish everyone could see the AMERICA I SEE on Run For The Wall, does the heart good.




me

on the 9th day - RAIN

Stormin!!

I do have a theory.  Thunderstorms build over motorcycle events.  If we stayed in one place long enough we would have them after a day or two.  Every event we attend has a day or two of storms!!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  No-o-o-o this isn't my photography it's google images... I wish I had taken this pic, I'd be famous (and retired).

It did storm to day on the riders - in the mountains - but ya know what?  I still haven't heard complaints - we ain't completed the mission till we go to the WALL on Saturday, and nothing is stopping us now.  Who's got time to complain.

Dinner with friends in a a few hours, a good night's sleep, staging for one more day together, greetings in DC by the Southern Route tomorrow afternoon, and Friday Night and All Day Saturday events ... and we all start our goodbyes.

Another year of planning, has worked its way into a safe, memorable, healing mission for our warriors, Veterans of the US Military!  Thank you and Welcome Home soldier.

West Virginia - Hurricane to Lewisburg - with Rainelle sandwiched in-between.

I passed out patriotic pencils at breakfast this morning to people who needed gifts for the kids today.   The pack rides into Rainelle and passes several school kids who come out of their buildings to the street and wave flags at the pack as we parade by.

Once we land in Rainelle in the mountains of WV, the school cafeteria feeds us lunch, there's a presentation and Run For The Wall hands the school a check representing the coin collection we have done all the way across country before our morning rider's meeting.  Every year the children return with stories, and many have autograph books they have made to get signatures of the riders, they look up people they've met in the past and they know to look for the FNG pin that new riders wear, so they can seek them out and greet them.  This is an elementary school that is relatively isolated, and the veterans have done a good job of putting the community on the map through the years.

There are other riding groups that go through Rainelle these next several days, some even spend Memorial Day weekend in Rainelle instead of going to DC.  It has become the heart of patriotism for bikers over the years.

Run For The Wall in 1989 was on the way to DC when they knew the toll road was coming up and they ran out of money - saw hwy 60 on the map and chose to avoid the toll by running through the mountains - the rest is history ...

see "History" on the Run For The Wall web page.

The 5th grade class of Rainelle Elementary jointly authored this book Veterans Reign in Their Own Parade
with the assistance of the Authors, Martin and Delia Bowman Wach a few years ago, the book is listed on Amazon.

On to Lewisburg. Tomorrow: Washington DC!!

Corydon, Indiana to Hurricane WV

Today we gear up for the VA hospital in Louisville, and the Memorial in Frankfort.  Both are equally rewarding and emotional, then end up with a long leg to Hurricane West Virginia.  Several surprises in Mt. Sterling KY this year also.  Will blog on all this later.

When I entered the lobby of the VA hospital in Louisville today the first think I saw was a very large plaque with Robley Rex's likeness in bronze and a dedication to his volunteer service.  It was extremely moving, as the Hospital has changed it's name in his honor.  We were greeted by him every year our first 6 years on Run For The Wall, and he passed away last year a few days before the Run.  There was a memorial patch made last year, and I see it on many biker vests. 

Here's one article about him: 

Robley Henry Rex, a World War I-era Army veteran renowned and beloved for his volunteer service to other veterans, died today at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville just four days short of his 108th birthday.
Rex was born May 2, 1901 [This is incorrect according to emailer JT Major. Rex lied about his age when he enlisted and was actually born January 2, 1903. I guess that would make him 106? -S] in Hopkinsville. He credited his longevity to his wife of 69 years, the former Gracie Bivins, who died in 1992 at age 91.
"I married the right woman," Rex always said. He called her "the smartest woman in the world."
The two met at Camp Taylor in Louisville in 1919 before he was sent overseas with the Army. They married in 1922 when he returned to the United States.
Rex was "delightful, bubbly and an energetic, fun guy to be around," retired Brig. Gen. Les Beavers, commissioner the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs from 1998 until December, told The Courier-Journal a few years ago. Beavers had shared the stage with Rex at many veterans ceremonies.
"Robley not only had a long life, but a quality life. It was an honor to know him," Beavers said....

I broke out of the pack today to get out of the heat ... this has definitely been the hottest RFTW we've done, but before breaking away we experienced the first Mt Sterling free fuel, free lunch.  Every year for 21 years Run For The Wall has had lunch and fuel on your own in this fine city.  This year the mayor told Run For The Wall, "We've ignored you, when you came through our town, long enough.  We want to welcome you."

9 families lost a loved one in Vietnam from their community, and 7 of the families were represented at our lunch.  The lunch was pork loin sandwiches - wow what a great lunch, what a great community, and good job Garth Vinson, KY State Coordinator.  THANKS Mt. Sterling for the fuel and lunch.

Wentzville to Corydon Indiana

Off to Mt Vernon and then to Corydon.  We are the State Coordinators for Indiana, and we have great friends from a couple of Assembly of God churches in the Evansville area providing hydration and snacks, etc at the Evansville Indiana gas stop today, plus CORYDON, IN really turns out when we arrive. 

Mt. Vernon Illinois is always a great lunch stop and fuel!!  We hope to rejoin the pack there today.  This is the first time in 8 years we haven't made it to the Jefferson Barracks, we'll miss it but Russ has to get his strength back before we ride, safety first.

Hated to miss the VFW in Wentzville last night too - they always do a good meal and ceremony. 

me!

Junction City to Wentzville, MO

Our son lives in Kansas temporarily, so he was able to come to our fuel stop in Topeka and meet a lot of the fine folks from Run For The Wall.  He got some pictures of us leaving and standing around on break, I'll see if he wants to share them here.  Thanks for coming out Ken, and thank you for your service to our country, (4 years in the Navy.)

Going through Kansas City escorted by so many law enforcement was quite an honor.  Not sure the pack could find the right lane and the right exits without such an incredible escort.  Of course our fearless leader is from the area, so we know he could've gotten us there, but the escort was impressive, thanks guys!!

It was so awesome to be close enough to the front to watch the ballet dance that motor cops do as they weave in and out, stopping traffic at the on-ramps and pass the pack at very high speed, then rejoin their group in the front.  STAY ALERT was the word of the day.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE - how many times do we hear this from each other and fellow riders.

Well, Monday (day 6) took a major toll on Russ.

He was overheated at lunch.  I could tell he was winding down, and several of us showed concern, he finally got cooled off enough to ride the next 160 miles out of the pack (ahead of them).  We arrived at the hotel hours before the pack, he went to bed at 4 PM and now at 8:00 AM is in the shower, ready for a short day.  We'll meet the pack at lunch in Mt Vernon Illinois and decide from there if we're going all-the-way.  The heat and humidity are giving him labored breathing, he's a little congested which may be adding to the breathing problem.  He's so exhausted, it worries me.

We love Run For The Wall because of the healing it has brought us and the friends that we have made over the 8 years we've been involved, but we gotta be wise in the decisions we make about continuing.

Goodland KS to Junction City, KS

Yesterday we dealt with wind most of the afternoon, the rider behind me said my bike was riding at a 45 degree angle all the way across Kansas!  Go figure - wind in Kansas.

Here's a pic I took after Breakfast at Goodland (riders meeting with Platoon Leaders) this morning,  The platoons get their final instructions before we head out across more of Kansas.  We had so much open space that platoons looked tiny, they had several clusters of riders out in the open air.  We don't know what to do with so much space on Run For The Wall!!

Goodland really turned out - it's so amazing to see small towns come out on their lawns, step out to the curb, come downtown to the center of their hometowns and greet us waving flags, holding banners, honking horns, truly a heroes welcome for all the HEROES in our pack ... always outstanding job.  Thank you Goodland.

So fun seeing Kevin's bike set up for Registration ... we've got people trained now to look for his bike - and the wonderful canopy supplied by Annie - super job.

We were promised more than last year in Junction City, and oh my goodness, I wish there was a way to take pictures and ride (well there probably is but it wouldn't be safe for me to attempt it).  We rode into a town that had people out all along our route, then when we hit the intersection that took us to their memorial park, there were so many people holding full size flags, narrowing our path to simply just enough room to ride through flags, it was a RED, WHITE and BLUE tearful event, I could hear sobs over the rumble of bikes ...

Angel Fire to Goodland KS

Arriving Angel Fire is downhill twisties all the way to a beautiful valley.  I made myself focus and not use my brakes on my bike almost all the way, yet was able to relax and enjoy the ride.

I tapped my brakes a few times on the switchbacks, so I gave myself a little grace.

Then a fine gentleman gave me a few pointers at dinner on downhill curves, I tried his advice leaving the canyon and walla - I thoroughly enjoyed riding the curves even in the pack, and was able to leave the canyon, arrive out of the mountains - no brakes!! (personal best here folks - gotta have new goals all the time - keeps me young)

The Angel Fire Memorial is always a site to behold.  I've been there several times, and as a memorial to Dr. Westphall's son lost in Vietnam, it's always emotional.  I had special circumstances this year that I won't go into details, but ended up pretty upset for a few minutes...it's all over now.

I had never noticed that the entrance to Angel Fire was supposed to look like Angel Wings (duh! that one got past me big time).

Here's a great pic of the hubby with the chapel in the back ground and some of our riders on the pathway.

Did I mention how emotional Run For The Wall is?

Angel Fire is now a New Mexico State Park.

Gallup to Angel Fire

Well - no internet access here, so goes the progress of the daily blog.

entered 5/23

Angel Fire was incredible, so many new riders on Run For The Wall and the friendships and healings that are taking place are rewarding to be a part of. I observed an interaction today that was too emotional for words, which defines Run For The Wall.  Two men, a brotherhood that spanned the generations, speechless.

Williams to Gallup

Run For The Wall 2010 - California to Williams Arizona

Brought my computer with me to post on this blog, but it has to ride with Russ for "packing" purposes, and his schedule is much earlier and much later than mine, so here I am in Williams day 2 reporting to you from the hotel computer.

What a wonderful day.  We had 350 registrations for starting this leg of the Run on Central Route

I believe a lot of people registered for the amazing opening ceremonies.  Very moving!

We had 180 bikes in the pack and over 100 out working staging, fueling and Road Guards guiding us, plus so many support vehicles with workers in "cages."  (four wheel vehicles)

Yesterday will be forever remembered by the "wrong turn" our little pack of 3 made.  (First leg, second right turn.)  It allowed me to travel from the back of the pack to the front (it took 34 minutes) and see the entire pack from my bike (well not platoon 7) and it was such an amazing site, usually only people who don't ride with us and people working in the Road Guard position or in cages get to see this view (and of course this is what the traveling public sees.)  And it was so incredible I was extremely emotional realizing how much work goes into this brings me to tears ... I just have to focus on the mission and ride now!  The work is done.

Jean, my friend from Kingman was on the overpass all alone filming, I was so excited to see here, if I could've jumped out of the pack and hugged her I would have, it lifted my spirits on a day that I was kinda down.

Today my brother-in-law would have been 66 years old, but Cancer stole him from us last year.  It's tough gettin' older and losing favorite people. 

Run For The Wall - we meet in 45 minutes for Day 2 - more tonight.

2nd Day of Registration for Run For The Wall

Today after 11 hours of Registration and meetings, I'll need to re-pack my bike for tomorrow's start of Run For The Wall 2010.

I have gifts for the hard workers around here, but yesterday we were so covered up with people wanting to register and meetings that the gifts were in my room about 100 yards away and one floor above me and I never made it to my room to get them to distribute them.  Today it is my #1 priority, after I eat, have another Board Meeting, get registration started and step into a couple more meetings ... no really, my # 1 priority.

We had an incredible time of reunions yesterday with familiar faces, and Tuesday's registrations and meetings are all about the new guys and gals that show up.  We so look forward to meeting these people and helping them get across the miles to the Wall. 

I have some FNG ladies helping us at registration and several "old hands," that stepped up to the plate for us yesterday, and it could not have gone smoother.  Just seems like every year the process is slicker and makes life easier for all involved.  Couldn't do it without so much support and planning throughout the year.

Tomorrow about 7:15 AM after I'm introduced to the ridership of Run For The Wall, my tasks are complete and all I have on my plate is to ride my bike to D.C.  Russ has the honor of opening in prayer at the general session of the Rider's Meeting tomorrow, also, before the two packs go their separate ways, Central Route heads up to I-40 and Southern Route over to I-10 and we meet again in 10 days in Arlington, VA.

Off to a great start, don't know how many we registered yesterday, went to a late dinner and straight to bed, so I'll get some counts this morning!!

Sugarbear

Registration for Run For The Wall 2010

I'm so looking forward to today.  It's a huge reunion and a lot of busy work, meetings start at 8:00 AM and go throughout the day, and all day Tuesday.  For me, dropping in bed tonight only to repeat tomorrow, but Russ only has a few meetings, so he'll do laundry so we can start the Run with everything clean.

We start registering all the riders who are starting Run For The Wall, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at 1:00 PM.  Our Registration Team have an Organizational Meeting and a Finance Meeting in the morning, getting us all on the same page.  There are over 450 people pre-registered for this location, and we're expecting several riders to walk-in and register also.

We hope to be set up at the Marriott Courtyard by 1:00 PM with enough staff to zip everyone right through.  Tomorrow we start at 9:00 AM (as long as there aren't a lot of breakfast customers in the Courtyard Cafe).

There will be a reception area in the Marriott Courtyard Lobby with refreshments during Registration and we're asking any registered RFTW participants to mingle there to compare notes and answer questions for the new riders, "FNGs."

If the weather is nice we may have walk-in registrations fill out their paperwork and pay in an outside patio area so that their line can be controlled a little more organized than last year.  We're a little cramped in the registration area on Monday afternoon, especially.

Welcome Home and Welcome to Run For The Wall

Sugarbear

A few statistics about the 2010 Run For The Wall

For the last 3 years Run For The Wall has registered nearly 2000 participants along the route(s).

The number of Pre-Registrations last year was nearly 900, this year it is 947.

Of that 947, over 450 are pre-registered to begin in Rancho Cucamonga.

Feel free to watch us arrive in your area, but please don't attempt to ride with us unless you're a registered participant and have attended your morning meeting - read details on the specific route below.

Last year's pre-registrations represented half of the registrations at each location where riders join the Run.

Run For The Wall starts in Rancho Cucmonga, East of Los Angeles, CA, May 19th.

The Central Route heads for Williams Arizona, and the Southern Route leaves 15 minutes later for Phoenix.

The Central Route overnight stops include Williams, AZ; Gallup, NM; Angel Fire, NM; Goodland, KS; Junction City, KS; Wentzville, MO; Corydon, IN; Hurricane, WV; Lewisburg, WV; and in to D.C. May 28th.

The Southern Route overnight stops include Phoenix, AZ; Los Cruces, NM; Odessa, TX; Weatherford, TX;
Monroe, LA; Meridian, MS; Chattanooga, TN; Wytheville, VA; Roanoke, VA, and in to D.C. May 28th.

Most of the ride is on interstates so if we're coming through your area, check the MAP on the WEB PAGE

And/or go to the detailed itinerary that actually shows the route turn by turn, day by day
CENTRAL ROUTE

SOUTHERN ROUTE




Also click here to check out Jim Sloan's RFTW PICTURE it's incredible!!

We start registration on Monday at 1:00 PM Pacific Time in CA.  We're hoping this year's preliminaries go smoothly for all involved.  Ride Safe my friends.

Getting a Rubbing of a NAME ON THE WALL the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Park Service in D.C. helps you find names of 

loved ones and friends on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  

Walking to that name, stopping at the correct panel, stepping up with the special pre-printed rubbing paper they supply along with the park service pencils, pause, breathe ...

This is so emotional, it is extremely moving, and private amidst droves of people.

Among the visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial some are simply looking and moving on, others pausing to take in the reason some items are left at the wall.  Kids reading names out loud, tourists talking as if they're on a walk in any park in the USA, bumping into others on the crowded path ... yet the somber, sacred place is transformed as you kneel or stretch to obtain your rubbing.  Others are shut out, and the graphite of the pencil against the pre-printed "rubbing form" and the reflecting black granite bearing more than 58,000 names  becomes one with you for an instant, making the name appear more real than the air you finally gasp and breathe.

It is an awful place, it is a wonderful place.

Memories flood into the brains of the visitors.  Whether you were there in your youth, or a loved one or friend never returned, or you simply came to the Wall because a loved one needed this trip, each one is choking back his/her knotted up throat, and leaky eyes won't obey.

How many tears have been shed in front of this massive display of loss since it's unveiling in 1982?  We didn't lose in Vietnam, we gained.  Along with our own lives, we have a wonderful respect for those who serve America right now.  We are free to walk that path because we've chosen to look back, look ahead and always remember to say, "Welcome Home."

Run For The Wall, so many people have made this Run, hundreds of people will go for the first time in a few days.  My prayer is that they ride safe, arrive safe and experience the healing that the mission called "Run For The Wall" has prepared for them. 

 Russ "Sheepdog" approaching the wall 2009.

GET AN ARIEL VIEW OF THE  WALL HERE

I think I need a mascot this year.

Russ is going to be a Road Guard on the Central Route, and I will be riding with the pack.

Since Pop Top started giving me little white Teddy Bears with Run For The Wall vests, they've been riding from California to D.C. attached to my luggage.  Last year I put "Sugarbear" inside my bag and kept her clean the entire run.  This year, she has several pins on her vest, and plans to be in a lot of the pictures.

Follow Sugarbear across the miles.

 Here, she's looking at the map on-line on the Run For The Wall web page.

With an American Flag pin, an RFTW 20th Anniversary pin, an HonorBound MM Pin and an Angel on a Motorcycle Pin she's ready for the ride.

Thanks, Pop Top!!

me

The Run For The Wall Guardian Angels

There are several Leadership positions on Run For The Wall.

I suppose the most visible to all the riders as we traverse this great Nation is the Road Guard.  He rolls past the pack to reach the front, points out slacking space in the groups of riders, checks for loose gear on bikes, condition of the bikes and riders and in general ushers the entire pack.  There are several on each route, and they are methodically trained for their cross-country trek.

They wear Yellow Arm Bands that you get used to seeing form a long way off - in your bikes rear view mirror or way ahead alongside the highway exit with a flag directing the pack onto an off ramp.  They zip past checking all riders, then move into a pack of their own awaiting instructions or ride out ahead and move to the next stop.

So many potential misunderstandings come along with the job.  It almost always happens with new RFTW riders.  They are in the wrong place at the wrong time - probably totally innocent, but maybe weren't listening in the morning riders' meeting ... and a Road Guard has to quickly and firmly get their attention.  It happened to me - more than once.  There are so many bikes, and so many instructions and it's hard to know who's lead to follow when you're in the middle of a pack of riders who are all waiting for instructions or guidance, and things get confusing quickly.

The reason I feature the Road Guards is because over the last 8 years, riding, volunteering, preparing for Run For The Wall and in Leadership posiitions, I know Run For The Wall would not be what it is today, a very organized, safe, methodical process of getting nearly 2000 people across this great Nation from California to Washington D.C. each year, if it weren't for the hard work and dedication of the Road Guards while we are on the road.

Russ arriving at a gas stop last year, the pack is coming in all the way to the horizon.

Communities greet us - 

School Kids always doing something very moving to 

let us know they've learned about what we are doing and why.

The behind the scene efforts of community volunteers, the State Coordinators who stake out the routes in their area and plan all stops assigned to them, the Route Coordinators who each oversee more than 100 volunteers per Route, and each of the Team Leaders, Assistants, all the way to the motel clerks and campgrond operators who host us each year, Run For The Wall has thousands of volunteers who get us across country, and being a Board Member, along with my husband being Route Coordinator last year and several other positions in the last several years, has taught me that each position has it's purpose.  Run For The Wall is successful because of the passion our volunteers have for it's completion each year.

This year my hat is off to Road Guards, they play an integral role in getting us from point A to point B, over and over and over and over again, we know they get tired, and sometimes impatient and they also are not respected like they should be, but we love them, obey them and keep the murmuring to a minimum because we appreciate them - our Guardian Angels.

A Few Last Minute Details for Run For The Wall before I go!

Well, today at Midnight Pacific time Pre-Registrations end.  Anyone who wants to register for Run For The Wall needs to show up with their $10.00 cash at their starting location at least an hour before the morning rider's meeting.  On Central Route look for Annie or Sharon, and on Southern Route ask for Shirley or Val.

Once I close out the Pre-Registration Feature I will print a Registration Form for each person pre-registered, in alphabetical order, when people show up to register, we'll pull their sheet and have them sign and verify that all the information is correct (great time to update any info.)

There are so many super people that assist with registration all across country.  It is a major "family reunion" in every location where we stop.

There are so many people that do so many things for Run For The Wall it is hard to even estimate how many people help prepare for our arrival.

Here's some idea.

Let's just use one fuel stop for an example.  The local law enforcement know we're coming through and often escort us and control traffic.  The fuel stop employees welcome us, assist us, and often a fuel stop becomes a central welcoming point for local veterans, citizens and relatives of the riders.

What I Pack for Run For The Wall (along with a few lady-like items)

Well, as best as I can remember - here is what is on my bike in Phoenix, waiting for me to fly back there next weekend. 

My Olympia mesh riding pants, along with my First Gear black mesh (with zip on panel) riding jacket, in a bag strapped to the passenger seat.  I wear all the gear all the time, including a helmet.  Not saying I always have, but now I do - more to conserve I guess.
 
The older we get the less tolerance to pain.

My Gerbings cold weather heated jacket and the cool vest you soak in water and wear over clothes in 110 degree weather.

Long Underwear
6 changes of easy to wash and dry undergarments and boot socks.

Motorcycle Boots are by the bike with socks (I'll be flying to pick up my bike wearing a pair of comfortable sandals (to be used evenings along the way).
Toiletries (my fav. shampoo because I like babying myself a little on the "Run")
Very little make-up (although I like make-up, I've learned that it evaporates in the hot Sun and burns your eyes and tearing while riding your own motorcycle is totally not safe!!)
Sun Screen and chapstick
Gloves
An MP3 player for the trip to CA and the trip home. (charger fits mp3 player and phone)
Tested my CB Radio, GPS and had my oil change

I packed enough tops for 4 days (we do laundry in the room) Under Armour 2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve and my velour vest and long sleeve pull-over. 

The new sleeveless denim shirt from RFTW Merchandise, and my Run For The Wall Vest.

My treasured army surplus wool scarf - a gift from Gunny 2009.
Rope for clothes line in the room and "All" detergent to hand wash (shampoo works, too) Clothespins
I'll have a pair of jeans with me and my rain suit (Frog Togs) fits over my riding clothes.

In my left saddle bag - just behind me when I get off the bike - I keep my toiletries and overnight items I need, I have a tank bag for the quick cash I need at fuel stops, in my right bag on the other side, I carry my rain suit - on top easy access, my Gerbings when not wearing it and my extra cold weather clothing for standing around inthe cold.

On top of my passenger saddle, strapped down, I carry an extra waterproof bag with lots of extra room so that when I need to shed a layer or buy something new there's room for it.

I have my phone charger, my id, my camera and charger, my insurance card for my bike, all that stuff.

John Gosser, Virginia State Coordinator for RFTW filling me in on 

last minute details.  Note how stacked my bike was last year (on left)!

If I forget anything at all chances are the person on the bike next to me will remember it.  I used to ride Run For The Wall with several bags strapped around, thinking of all those things that I may not be able to live without them, over time I learned - just take the basics.

My helmet is a flip face - full-face helmet.  My first year on Run For The Wall it rained from Kansas to Washington D.C.  I had a half helmet and goggles which failed me every day!!  The full-face you get some wind air circulation to keep the fog down and no water in your eyes.  Love it!

Oops! Didn't pack long underwear - guess I'll have a few last minute items to carry on the plane.

We didn't used to fly part of the way - but our calendar and budget don't have room for the 4 days out, not this year or the last 2 years.  We leave Phoenix early May anyway, head to Indiana for a brief visit and for very cheap tickets fly back, rested and ready to hit the ground running.

Some of the volunteer positions we've done on RFTW.

Our first Run For The Wall was in 2003.  We simply survived that one!  I could do an entire post on this topic, but I'll summarize it by saying, that I quit every evening, ate, rested, re-fueled and re-packed, and got up the next day and gave it all I had, one more day.  At some of the fuel and meal stops I nearly quit too.  More later.

In '04, Russ was asked to be Chaplain for the Run, he was honored.  We've managed to ride side-by-side, or with me on my bike behind him most of the Runs.  That year he did the opening prayer each morning, prayed over several of the small community celebration events, and collected prayer requests from the riders throughout the Run to include in the morning Rider's meeting.  We got to know so many super people as a result.  We were hooked on Run For The Wall.

Last Year Greg and Russ laying the Plaque at the Vietnam Memorial Wall

Southern Route and Central Route Coordinators

In '05 Russ continued on the Chaplain's Corp and we participated in the new process where Chaplains were assigned to the back of the pack of bikes, to be ready and available for ministry for any accidents along the way.  We had a few minor accidents that year, followed the ambulance to the hospital and made family contacts, got the motorcycle taken care of, then re-joined the pack.  It was another opportunity to serve the Run For The Wall riders.

In 2006 we were asked to drive (pull) the merchandise trailer with our truck from California to Washington D.C.  This was so much fun - a lot of work - but what an incredible experience serving nearly every rider on the Central Route.  We really began learning the inner workings of Run For The Wall at this point.  In October I was approached about stepping up to the Board of Directors as Secretary to finish the term for the lady who needed to step down.

In 2007 I still owned my Harley and it had become very unreliable, so I rode on the back of Russ's bike all-the-way.  He had a new BMW 1200 LT which was comfy!!  We assisted and trained our new Merchandise Team all across, and it was unique because we weren't with the pack much at all, but it was such a great time being there to greet them at many of the stops.

I got my new '07 FJR in time for the run in 2008.  Russ was asked to be the Assistant Coordinator working under Ron Young Central Route Coordinator.  This incredible honor meant that he was in training for the 2009 Route Coordinator, so he (and I) dug our heals in and learned as much as possible about the inner workings of this amazing volunteer organization.

Looking back we both know that 2009 was the greatest honor of Russ's career.  All the hard work and preparation was rewarded at the front of the pack across America 2009.  With over 100 volunteers reporting in to his key leadership, all the supplies and identification materials distributed and displayed, we pulled out of Rancho Cucamonga with well over 200 bikes following us, laying down the 3000 plus miles in 80-100 mile increments for 10 days.  There were a few minor incidents, which made us very sad, hated to see any one injured.  There were days where we had police escort for nearly the entire day, and ran through major cities on interstate highways with absolutely no traffic joining us.  When you have over 300 motorcycles in a pack you can be a 3 to 5 mile convoy on the highway depending on whether the pack is up to speed or not.

I'm still secretary for the Board, I was re-appointed in 2008.  My term ends with the 2011 RFTW.  The other Board of Directors I've worked with and the Route Coordinators I've gotten to know since 2006, the Leadership Teams all have become great friends.  Looking forward to RFTW 2010.

I may do a post on what has changed since my first Run For The Wall in the next few days.

Harrison County Trailblazers capture the 2009 Run For The Wall in Corydon Indiana

In this video Russ and I are the first two motorcycles.
Stop it at 1:04 and you'll see a great picture of the
two bikes and the shadows of the group on the by-pass.

My bags are packed for Run For The Wall 2010

Because of our unique schedule and the cost of traveling across country, we left our PACKED bikes in a friend's garage in Phoenix this year.  We traveled home to Indiana and are here for a few days of spring cleaning, visit the g-kids, last minute paper-work for our ministry, then fly back to Phoenix to ride to California.

I've served on the Board for Run for the Wall since 2006.  I'm on my last year, second term, and have so enjoyed working with leadership.  Run For The Wall, www.rftw.org is completely run, oraganized and directed by volunteers.  Leadership changes every year, Board of Directors serve 3 years, maximum 2 consecutive terms, and nearly 2000 people register to ride each year.  More than half of the persons registered are new to Run For The Wall.

Two weeks from today I will be very involved in orientation, registration and leadership meetings, taking care of last minute details, meeting new riders and enjoying a reunion with old friends we've met along the way.

This will be my 8th Run For The Wall, I ride my own bike, and I'm so honored to serve in leadership.

We ride from the Los Angeles area to Washington DC leaving May 19th, arriving May 28th the day before my 62nd birthday.  The closing ceremonies will be held May 29th at the Arlington Assembly of God, Arlington, VA.  I hope to post pictures,  I'm currently looking for a mascot for my ride, and I'll highlight a lot of the leadership and the new riders in my posts.

Ride with me by following my blog.

Judy