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.
Showing posts with label honorbound motorcycle ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label honorbound motorcycle ministry. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 23, 2011
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.
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.
... 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.
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.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
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.
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.
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