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

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.

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.