Divine Appointments - that's what we call it - some call it coincidence.

I had been at the Vietnam Veterans Wall for nearly an hour, along with nearly 800 Run For The Wall riders and the general public, and other groups arriving for Rolling Thunder, and I was standing back, near the chain, trying to see my hubby who had gone to find a Park Service employee.

It was time to leave, I had held a Run For The Wall ceremony with several riders.

When a rider registers with Run For The Wall the first time, they are given a large button (pin) that say's FNG and is dated.  During the Vietnam War the term FNG meant the new guy was going to have to be trained, observed, and worked into the routine, which was a negative for the experienced warrior, so it was a derogatory term.  Run For The Wall has a tradition, we call them Fine New Guys or Gals, FNG, and the pin means that we will not take our eyes off of this rider, we will assist them when things get stressful, emotional, or difficult and we plan on standing with them at every challenge, including facing The Wall.

There are several methods for this, but once you've accomplished your mission getting to The Wall, your pin can be turned upside down and worn that way from this point on.  That Pin also gets the new rider into an incredible presentation at Arlington National Cemetery the Saturday we arrive, so it is treasured.

One of the things that has been done with that pin through the years, that I so appreciate, is if they are standing at The Wall and their pin is not upside down, we step up, welcome the rider HOME!  Then ask their permission to call this "mission complete."  Then ask their permission to turn the button upside down indicating they've arrived and we have a brief discussion about their ride, the reason they rode, and get to know each other on a heart-to-heart basis during the brief ceremony.  Everyone breaks at this point, you're aware of the families pushing strollers, babies sleeping, toddlers chattering, teens giggling, adults glancing but afraid to totally look on, peek into the ceremony, it's private, poignant yet, a necessity.

I stood in one place and looked for Pins that were still upright.  When I would see one, I would gently touch the arm of the Run For The Wall rider and ask, "You are here, are you ready to turn this pin upside down?"  I explain the significance of the Pin, chat with them about their ride, and we do the deed with tears.

Michelle and I crossed paths, I had probably already done about 8 FNG pins, when I turned and there she was, she nearly shouted, "All these people, and look who I'm standing beside."  We had ridden several legs of the trip side by side in the pack, she on her Harley me on my Yamaha sport bike, we kept pace like clockwork, and got a lot of comments on our riding abilities.  She is the young lady I mentioned - who is going to Kuwait in July for ANOTHER tour.

We hugged, smiled, stepped back and low and behold her PIN had not been turned.  I started shaking and crying.  I said, "Is your mission complete?  Are you ready to turn your button?  May I have the honor.?"  She said she would love for me to be the one to turn her Pin.  At that instant another lady rider stepped up, and took Michelle's camera to capture the moment, as we hugged and cried and my hands shook, I told Michelle, "This is more than a ceremony for you and me, this is an act of passing the baton on my part representing Run For The Wall and my generation, to you our current heroes, our willing warriors.  Carry on, you have our prayers and support."  I told her that she was my inspiration across country, she's the reason I ride and that:

Our Memorial is your Memorial until you have one of your own.

I got my plaque for serving Run For The Wall on the Board of Directors.

It was with mixed emotions that I stood on the platform and held the microphone, talking to a small percentage of our riders and leadership.  The closing ceremony was in a new location at a new time this year, so it wasn't real well attended, but some very key people certainly were there, and I was so honored.

In my "farewell speech" I reminded the all volunteer participants and leadership that the Board of Directors exists to provide resources and support to the Route Leadership.  They have no other purpose, no agenda, even though we all know that when something is changed or goes wrong the Board takes the heat.

This year's planning went remarkably smooth, we were able to work out most debated details, meet the expectations of most leadership, and follow-up on some major changes that affected a lot of riders.  Our leaders were honored all across country.

I know we saw more people on overpasses in communities that were never aware we came through, for instance in Kentucky, the State Fire Commissioner heard we were coming through and had at least one Fire Truck on every overpass we went under.  It was pretty incredible know all through that state people knew who we were, that we were blowing through their state on a mission and that we were honored.

The plaque is beautiful. 
It has a very large disc inlaid with the POW/MIA emblem and two Challenge Coins one heads, one tails.  And the plate itself recognizes my service as Chairman of the Board this year.


I was very honored at the recognition ceremony - and nervous giving my speech, but I certainly felt the support and love of the leadership and ridership of Run For The Wall.

The emotions of riding across this Nation with hundreds of Veterans.

I had a position in the pack of motorcycle riders with another lady rider.  We kept pace nearly perfectly, she on her Harley, me on my sport bike.

She is active duty, I've never served in the military.

She was young enough to be my granddaughter.  I felt old enough this trip to be put out to pasture.

We shared many tears and hugs, and I know I would do it all again for her, for the willingness she has to take this time before she goes overseas again in service to our country, to ride with a bunch of old people who started this ride years ago as a remembrance of those "Left Behind."  A POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) mission an awareness ride has turned into a healing mission. The purpose, get people like Michelle to our wall, she can take us forward, continue the mission in Kuwait, on her next duty station ... we can walk away knowing the mission continues.

I was honored with an over-sized plaque last night for my duties as one of the Board members on Run For The Wall.  It represents a lot of fine memories, great hard working people and nose to the grindstone challenges.  It will be a reminder to me that giving so much the last 9 years (5 on the Board) was worth it because of the Michelle's out there, and Truck, and Butch (who I met my first year), Larry from Salina, J.R., Brandon's of the current war(s).

I had to have by bike on the trailer yesterday because I left my bike key in a restaurant that didn't open until after the pack was ready to leave.  When I connected with the manager to arrange to get my key, he said he locked it in the office so that when someone returned for it he'd know where it was.  The janitor who was there cleaning when I went looking, didn't have access to the office.

I carry an extra key and it would work on the saddlebags and even to unlock my gas cap, but it wouldn't start my bike.  One person in our group could get the key to work so, he was called upon to start my bike, got it off the trailer, pulled it up to the building, left the key on, went in to use the restroom,

... and some fine gentleman (they all take care of me) turned my key off!!

In the restroom I had the thought, if someone sees my lights on on my bike they probably turn the key off, and sure enough ... when I came out and saw the lights were off, it was hilarious.  I said, "crapola!"  Probably the harshest word I've said in front of these people who have known me for years.  It's my own version of some four letter words used to express about 10 days of frustration.

So we finally got the key to work one more time, and the hubby and I did the last leg into D.C. ahead of the pack.  At this point I was so frustrated and exhausted, I didn't need to be in the pack.

My bike on a trailer - my d-i-l said it looks good there, she worries about us when we are in the pack.

One of our riders is prepared for ANYTHING.

This run has been so full of emotions.  I'm so honored to hear the stories of how people make the decision to come on the Run, where they joined us and how they found out or were invited.  I also have such a broken heart knowing the Run is changing and as it evolves it won't have the same impact or mean the same to others.  One thing I know for sure, the young people who have a passion for this event are raising up and taking the reigns.  And for that I am proud, honored and humbled.

God bless each and every rider at the Wall today - in a few hours we will pose for a picture in front of the Lincoln Memorial at the end of the reflecting pool, then we will walk the longest quarter mile of our journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall where we lay it all down as a collective mass of grieving warriors.

My bike sits among the others waiting to hit the road.

I pray that the tensions I have felt on this year's Run is released there, that the love I have for these people is felt, and that hurts and disappointments can be mended before each one takes their journey home.  I love each and every one of these people who throw their lives into making this work.  I pray that when the riders arrive home their families will have open arms to hold them and open hearts to receive the changed being they've become on this journey.  

Run For The Wall is not a religious or Christian or denominational organization, but it attracts a lot of strong believers who care about helping others heal.  The stories we will all hear over the next several days will help encourage and strengthen our wounded warriors who have served this country and still continue to battle for liberty.

Our Motorcycle Ministry was well represented on this Run this year, and for that we were so honored.

When you ride a motorcycle, weather is a huge part of the ride.

Out in the elements all day, packing in the rain, riding in snow, the heat of the Sun the power of the wind, and all the debris that flies your way, being outside without a roof heading down the highway 60 to 70 miles an hour, weather is important, so ....

If it seems like we obsess over weather when we give ride report - wanted you to understand.

We have had heat and humidity for two days like it may rain any moment, and rain it just did, for about 3 minutes (after getting into our motel).  And now - heat and humidity will return with vengeance.

Praying everyone makes it to the night stop or Rainelle or Lewisburg, West Virgina safely, they're predicting strong storms with wind and hail later this afternoon, wanting all riders indoors before that one.

Some gave all - that's a sobering thought. All gave some and we're sobered by the sacrifice.

We pause every morning at the rider's meetings on Run For The Wall, have a moment of silence for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country, dying in military duty.  Every one is a hero.  We are all affected by the loss.

Visiting one of the Veteran's hospital I snapped this photo of an HonorBound Motorcycle Ministry member visiting with a patient.  HonorBound is the Motorcycle Ministry my husband and I founded 12 years ago and Stoney (road name) was one of our original members.  So much ministry goes on behind the scenes on this ride.  PTL  This year we had several HonorBound members throughout the pack, Duane Gryder on Southern Route brought a member with him, Stoney, Chaplain Curtis and Kevin, and a new Minister Duane rode Central Route.  Every time we see the patch we are so honored.

Yesterday one of our "favorite sons" on the Run, Brandon, was highlighted in the morning meeting, because the day before he "just happened" to meet up with the Gold Star Mother of one of his comrades.  Yes that means that this Mom lost her son in war, and Brandon was there.  The Mom had joined Run For The Wall and Brandon has been with us since California.  Brandon is one of our Run For Them All recipients this year.  We have a new program on Run For The Wall that allows our Post 9-11 Veterans the opportunity to join us and helps them financially.  We eventually hope to pass the baton to today's heroes.  Until they have their own memorials to ride to, we take them to ours and honor them.

Not everyone camps, some motel it, others bring what they need for camping.  This is one of the bikes riding with us ... Run For The Wall hasn't seen rain, (snow in Williams, AZ) but I believe this rider is ready for ANYTHING!!  Ride safe out there.

Two more days with no rain, Wentzville Missouri to Corydon Indiana to Hurricane West Virginia

 

Photo courtesy of National WW II Museum LINK:

Because we met a POW from WW II Battle of the Bulge today, I did a little research on that battle.  I found this telegram, and I have to tell you that this brought back such a flood of memories, I nearly changed my mind about blogging about Run For The Wall.

My Mother worked for Western Union, I used to go to work with her and watch her make up these telegrams.  My Dad worked there, too, for many years, he started with the Teletype and Morse Code, and worked there through computers in the 70's.  He is a World War II Veteran and I'm so proud of him.









NOW FOR MY UPDATE on RFTW Days 7 and 8

Well it happened, I couldn't blog in Wentzville Missouri because we didn't have wi-fi and I barely got time to shower and sleep after doing the Famous Fish Fry in Corydon, IN.  So here I am doing what I hoped I wouldn't do this year - posting for two days riding.
Getting to Wentzville Missouri is always a great ride.  We've gone from Ocean to Desert, from Mountains to Foothills, to PLAINS, snow, hail, and now through the windy state of Kansas, into Missouri.  The highways are surrounded by standing pools of overflowing rivers and streams, the fields smell of recent rain, and road kill is everywhere.  Everything is growing, bushes, trees, they're spreading out all over the sides of the roads, medians, power lines and road signs.  Tree trimming will be a huge industry this year.

http://www.nationalww2museum.org/history/bulge.html

After leaving Wentzville, Missouri, we stopped at the Veterans Hospital in Jefferson Barracks, in St. Louis and the hubby talked with a WW II Veteran who was a POW and at the Battle of the Bulge.  He had the opportunity to pray with him.  The gentleman was in his 90's and noticed I was a lady Chaplain, he was so excited to meet a lady that was a Chaplain, he was a very sweet man.  He loved having prayer.

We talked with several patience and completed our ceremony for that location, and began rolling through Illinois, kind of on a South East track, things continued to get greener, and soon we were in areas that were being mowed.  Now many have their allergies acting up.

One man commented on the Southern Indiana "Hog Farm" odor.  He was nearly sickened by a smell that is very common to us - being from the Midwest.  He's from the Mojave Desert.  I guess there aren't hog farms there.

Odors are definitely a topic of discussion when you're riding a motorcycle.  We had our share of manure and fertilizer spreading wafting our way, but the closer we got to Corydon, the more beautiful the hills became and the sky was perfect, it was close to 84 degrees but cooling, and Overpasses were occupied with Hoosiers waving flags.  Slowing to make the turn into the little town where we would soon have a fish fry, there were families, groups of children, business people all standing at the curb, in backs of trucks, up on hillsides, and all along the sidewalks, out in front of homes and businesses waving flags, clapping, some sitting in lawn chairs, waiting for this parade of nearly 400 bikes to roll through their town.

There was not a dry eye in the pack.

Leaving Corydon this morning we went to the Robley Rex VA Hospital in Louisville, KY.  Then on to the Frankfort, KY Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  At the hospital we talked with a lot of the staff, who need encouragement because of the nature of their jobs.  The hubby was able to spend time with some interns and hear of their needs.  It was a great visit.  I stood and talked with a patient named Jerry who was a Vietnam Veteran.  He really wished he could get on his bike, which was in his garage, and ride with us, but he had health issues that had him hospitalized.  I hope we were an encouragement.

I also spend some time with office employees who asked several questions about the logistics of the Run.

Biker Ministry Along the Route - and oh my aching wrist!

Another totally unique day.  The pack pulled out on time, made all of its stops on time, had no incidents to report, and had exceptional receptions, but I wasn't in the pack.

My first full meal was Sunday night at the American Legion in Junction City.  They do a great home cooked meal too.  In Eagle Nest (Angel Fire stop) they had every imaginable home cooked side dish to choose from and several main dishes.  We definitely are served good food along the Route. 

One more day to recuperate from the stomach thing that has had me down and out.  

I've ridden the same number of miles, but separate from the pack.  

Staying ahead of them has been an awesome adventure.

I stood in the street with one of our new riders and two young ladies from the hotel for about 20 minutes waiting to grab video of the pack leaving on day 5, but they didn't come, and we realized there is another entrance to the interstate 2 miles east that they used instead.  But during that wait the  two young moms opened up to us about losing a friend to suicide 2 months ago that day, and counted Run For The Wall coming through as a way to memorialize their friend. 

A 20 year old took her own life, gave up on life.  

We talked a great deal about the stages of grief and 

how being angry at her for dying is one of the stages,

being angry at God is right in there too, as a stage of grief.

They are both working through it, and I told them both I'd be praying.

... feeling so guilty about not being in the pack, then once again, realized God can use me anywhere ... besides, you can't minister going down the road, it's off the bike where true ministry happens. 

Now on that topic, I know that just doing the Run 9 years is a ministry to some, riding safely is a ministry to others, smiling as I pass, having a good attitude, coaching other riders, etc. all are ministry.  I told someone the other day that bad things will happen, disagreements, confrontations, etc., but I just want to give a Godly response.

I've been a Christian for 33 years, and my goal has been to be Christlike in my responses.  Sometimes it's hard, I'd really rather give a thoughtless little slap, but I pray for self-control and patience. 

It's been a great journey, considering more than half of our riders are new this year.  Running down the road with a 4 to 5 mile convoy of motorcycles is a daunting responsibility, and I think the heaviness of the duties from planning and last minute decisions got the better of me the first few days on the road. 

The only thing left of my miseries is my right wrist, managing the throttle in a pack is constant throttle, unless you want to be independent and use cruise and brakes, which messes up the entire pack behind you.  Brake lights go on anywhere in the pack and they go on all the way back, frustrating.

Riding Separate from the pack - Run For The Wall

At breakfast in the hotel I met up with several riders who are riding separate from the pack today.

I'm still not 100% from a stomach something or other I've had the last few days, we have a little over 300 miles to get under our belts today and we're doing them in our own time, to conserve energy.

Others have necessary business to take care of before hitting the road, some have appointments at motorcycle dealerships so they want to get out ahead of the pack, in case their bikes don't make it to the dealership, they can be picked up by chase vehicles.

Run For The Wall is so organized and so challenging and everyone who has ridden with the group knows there will be times you need to break away and ride your own ride, for your own safety, sanity or for the safety and sanity of others, ha!!

I'm so thankful for the incredible leadership teams we have this year, all working so hard to make it a safe and successful journey.   I've learned to love and respect so many quality people that God has put in my path.

I remember our first Run when I had to ride separate from the pack after an anxiety attack coming down the mountain from Angel Fire, NM.  I'm so glad we rode separate that day, we ended the day seeing our son who lives in Denver, it gave me courage to ride the rest of the Run in the pack.  It can be very intimidating.

THAT WAS YESTERDAY & THE LONG SALUTE - we see it so many places

On an overpass you may see a silhouette of a person saluting, as you approach in the pack of motorcycles.  We had the opportunity to be ahead of the pack on Friday, so we saluted as they arrived.  It was such an honor to make eye contact with nearly every rider who had just came down out of the mountains into the valley of Angel Fire.  Even though my arm ached from the awkward position of the salute, it was worth it to be there honoring each rider on day 3.

Russ was remembering his first stop at Angel Fire.  Seeing the Huey helicopter nose down in it's pose as a memorial, he broke.  He stood alone that day pondering, remembering the rides he took, the jumps he had to make, the gut wrenching fear that was all a part of the atmosphere of War.  He thought he was alone anyway.  A Run For The Wall rider stepped up to him and said, "THAT WAS YESTERDAY, THIS IS TODAY."

Well, what a healing statement.

He finds himself doing a lot of ministry now at that same location. 

WELL - riding safely, but got a bug!

It is weird riding on a tight schedule with Montezuma's revenge.

Don't know if it was something I ate or what but, we had to drop out of the pack for the second day and ride ahead.  It started with a major headache and all has finally let up somewhat tonight.

Yesterday we stopped at Angel Fire, got there before the main group, and stood at the top of the uphill entrance to salute all the riders, THAT's a LONG SALUTE!!  The memorial there built by a Father when his son was killed in Vietnam, has become one of the highlights of Run For The Wall, Central Route

We left California yesteday - now in Arizona headed to Gallup New Mexico.

Well I joined the Chaplain's Corp as one of the 5 or 6 Chaplains who rode at the back in case of motorcycle incidents.  Chaplains are dropped off to make sure everyone is taken care of by first responders, and to keep the pack and traffic moving.

William Arizona loves Run For The Wall.  The community has traditionally welcomed us in style.  It's such beautiful country and small town atmosphere.  They are patriotic make a veteran proud.

SNOW - did I say snow.  Well this isn't a first for Run For The Wall on the Central Route, but yes, we had snow when we arrived in Williams.

It looked to be 2 to 4 inches depending on who you ask.

It was so weird seeing snow covered bikes, and knowing what they had to come through to arrive.

We finished over 400 miles with over 300 bikes and nearly 400 people with no incidents.  AMAZING

God is so good.

Now on to Gallup, NM

I had too much of the snow and the slushy arrival, ended up with a brief meltdown, headache, backache and not able to join the pack from Williams to Gallup.  We rode separately, and arrived minutes before a hail storm.

An Early Start Today RUN FOR THE WALL DAY #1 2011

I'm wondering if the person who left this boot and flowers at THE WALL carried them across country on a motorcycle?

Registration and our Road Guards head to the staging area before 5 AM to get set up for the arrival of the riders.

At a huge shopping center parking lot there are two sections blocked out for staging areas.  Another area reserved for vendors preparing breakfast, giving out ice water, sports drinks, chapstick, snacks, and for those last minute arrivals for registration.

A sound stage is set up to hold an opening rider's meeting with some special presentation by Leadership.

At 7:35 when the ceremony ends, the 10 minute and 5 minute warnings are given for the Central Route to leave out of Rancho Cucamonga, 15 minutes later, the Southern Route leaves 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

Another day of meetings, reunions and an opening banquet.

"It's all good," has become my theme.

Lot's of last minute details, but in the long run for the safety of everyone involved, we got 'er done.

Probably have close to 600 people registered now, it's raining, so lots of people hanging around hotel lobbies getting to know each other, catching up on stories and going over details of the ride.

Tonight's dinner is donated by various individuals and organizations.  Our California Coordinator(s) have been working hard all year making the California starting location exceptional.

The Board members have been asked to serve the meal at the opening ceremonies, and of course we all responded with a huge, "Of Course."

There are several important meetings today, as the new riders arrive, the returning riders will be meeting them, answering questions and getting them oriented.

Riders will pack and re-pack, check their bikes, fill them with fuel, and stand around motorcycles discussing all their individual customized parts and pieces.

Always an adventure!

After a leisurely morning packing and headed into more desert, we quickly realized the desert was having a cold snap.  So we stopped to add a layer and hydrate.  Yes even though it's in the 60's in the there still is no humidity, and we found ourselves getting a little disoriented.  So, after a brief stop at Carl's Jr. in Thousand Palms, we started riding into some pretty dark clouds that looked like they may dump on us before they lift over the mountains, which brought us to another brief stop for another layer.  The wind was so strong even cars were slowing on the 5 lane highway headed to LA.

(I've always wondered if these people going 85 or 90 miles an hour, 5 lanes sometimes as many as 7, headed down this mountain all of rallying for the front of the traffic, ... do they know there is an ocean in front of us, and all this rushing comes to an end right up here? It is the most aggressive traffic with lane changing going on bumper to bumper at literally 80 - 85 mph, make no mistake!)

Anyway, back to our second stop for more layers, wind, rain, and what? (Dope deals going down in the gas station parking lot ... OK - maybe we chose the wrong exit to stop, but it was here that I saw messages, texts and FB posts, when my phone has been so quiet for 4 days.

And at the same time the hubby states:  "I believe  left my phone at our last stop - remember Carl's Jr?"

So, I'm so brilliant, I decide to check my voice mails, emails and texts etc on my phone and they are all about the hubby's phone.

The waitress calling phone numbers to find it's owner, friends calling my phone to get a phone/owner reunion going, and in all those calls we have no idea where that Carl's Jr was.  Finally deducted it was 30 miles back, and at the same time remembered Don is coming through on the same route tomorrow, so he's getting Russ's phone, giving a sweet thank you to the waitress for her honesty and efforts, and we will be able to stay in communication on Run For The Wall.  Our jobs take us different directions so much the next 12  days, two phones are critical.

Cell phones what did we ever do without them?

We arrived in time to attend a memorial for one of our riders, Vance Scott, who died since we were all together last year, we also lost, Tom Lockett, and were thinking of his wife Julie.

Caught up with several friends, and met a new couple, Karen and Jim, and already exchanged patches and pins, what a sweet couple, we're going to keep track of them across country.  This is such an emotional event.

Run For The Wall starts in a few days.

Well, people are arriving,

Reunions are happening,

Vendors are setting up,

Motorcycles are everywhere,

Signs and schedules are going up

AGAIN - it's Run For The Wall XXIII

Just a few miles from here in 1989 a small group of bikers took off on a venture to see their new memorial in Washington D.C.  I'm sure there were visions of a growing event, and they tossed around names of what the event would be called, but I'm also certain they had no idea their meager 20 or so riders would grow to over 2,000, nor did they comprehend the amount of organization and planning that would be necessary to replicate their journey annually.

With that in mind, we welcome over 600 pre-registered riders and many walk-ins in California, and prepare for hundreds more as we traverse this great Nation.

This is my 9th year on the Run.  This year, I'm Chairman of the Board.  I've conducted the monthly meetings for the Directors this year.  Our duties include all financial, legal and liability responsibilities, oversight of the route leadership, documentation and public relations.  Run For The Wall has it's own merchandise that is sold to the riders also.

Some of the meetings the first day include getting all our support teams up to speed on any changes from last year, and orienting new leadership team members.  Small groups holding their own meetings and mini-reunions everywhere.

When Merchandise opens there will be lines of riders buying patches and shirts, and the stitchery will be busy.

Motorcycle Riders are on their way to Run For The Wall's starting location.

Here we go.  People are leaving home, packed and ready to ride Run For The Wall.

The web page www.rftw.org has a link called Runs to the Run, groups of riders are meeting up via the net, and the Forum, and riding to California for the organized ride that leaves next Wednesday.

In California next Wednesday hundreds of riders will leave Rancho Cucamonga headed across country in an event that celebrates it's 23rd year.  To ride with this group is such an honor it's hard to put into words.  Just standing back and watching the riders who are joining for the first time integrate into the group, ask questions, pack and repack, and get photos ... knowing how much work and preparation goes into the final project, gives me pause.

I'm praying for safety for all the riders on their way, and for a wonderful trip to THE WALL.

You see everything on America's highways.

Last year at Sturgis, I had to snap this photo.  Sturgis, SD  bike week is one of our annual ministry locations.  We were walking downtown before the huge showing arrived.  We set up about 3-5 days before the event begins, so that we can get in and out with our trailer.

We were walking downtown, waiting to cross at an intersection.  The city only allows motorcycles on the main roads during bike week, but a lot of people come in vehicles before the events get started to gawk and check out the rides.

This man was actually riding his motorcycle dressed like this, (not unusual in this setting) but here he is stopped at an intersection taking a phone call.  So funny, people everywhere getting the shot

OK BACK TO PACKING FOR RUN FOR THE WALL

Lego Land in San Diego - miniature Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

This is adorable, moving and I'm so honored that the San Diego Lego Land would do a miniature of the memorials in Washington D.C.  Kudos!!

see my blog on my run for the wall

Over 1100 people are pre-registered for Run For The Wall XXIII

The 2011 Run is in place.  Over 1100 people have pre-registered on-line.  People are on the road now headed to California.  All across the Nation communities are preparing for the parade of motorcycles.  Several last minute details are being loaded into support vehicles.

And a huge thank you is going out to all our volunteers.

In 2 weeks we will be on the road with Run For The Wall.

I have been honored to serve as the Chairman of the Board on Run For The Wall this year.  When I step down at the end of my term, I know that I will miss all the people I've worked with through the years.

All the preparations that the hundreds of volunteers have made are coming to fruition.

As we relax and visit with family, and tidy up details on the home front, I also am in touch with people who are registering and those in leadership.  This event sees over 2000 participants join the event.  Many travel from California to Washington D.C., some travel a few days or through a few states.

Everyone who experiences Run For The Wall is touched emotionally by the outpouring of volunteers, communities and fellow riders.  RFTW XXIII - 14 days away.