Run For The Wall

May 18-28, May 2011

      Dan could write a book about this event, and he has
     over 500 photos.  Here’s Dan’s Narrative:

     The Run For The Wall event is : To promote healing
     among ALL veterans and their families and friends,
     (and I might add America in general);  To call for an
     accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing
     in Action (POW/MIA);  To honor the memory of those
     Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support
     our military personnel all over the world.  This
     event had two routes, the Southern Route and the
     Central Route.  Each route consisted of approx. 
    400 riders.  I rode the Central Route through Williams AZ. – Eagle Nest NM. – Goodland KS. – Warrensburg MO. – Hurricane, WV.  – Lewisburg, WV. – Washington DC.

 The Motto:  ”We ride for those who can’t”

 The event:  Strives to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.  There are three Goals:
    1. To guide the participants across America.
    2. To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime
         actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.
    3. To participate in Rolling Thunder in support of their demand for government
         accountability for POW/MIA’s.

The ride itself had great challenges for both rider and bike.  The weather in Williams, AZ was snow and 29 deg., the temperature in DC over 100 deg.  The speeds went from sustained 5 mph below posted to stretches with police escort of 80 mph.  Many bikers had made the trip numerous times and they taught the newbie’s.  Until you ride with this group you don’t know what formation is.  Riders held a side by side formation while working to keep between 1/2 to 1-1/2 second separation, with 1 second being the target separation between pairs of two.  The bike on the left was responsible for setting separation.  Breaking was not to be used except when very necessary.  Continuous up and down sifting was expected.  The columns of side by side bikes were in 9 platoons of approximately 40 bikes each with all 9 platoons stretching about 3-1/2 miles.

400 Bikes were refueled in less than 25 minutes.  The entire time for fuel break and potty runs, 45 minutes.  Not bad for 400 riders.  The bottle neck was at the toilet, not the gas pump.  A five minute warning horn was given before the columns moved out; better be ready, no place for slackers.

 Veterans organizations, schools, Churches, Lions Clubs and a host of many civic organizations provided support.  Indian casino’s contributed to feed the entire of 400 bikers every meal from coast to coast.  I didn’t pay for one meal from the night before I left West LA until after I left Washington DC.  Many private gas stations filled all bikes for free.  HD of Kansas paid for one fuel stop.  The gratitude of the American People was awesome.  Rolling in to a town, we were most often greeted by police and firemen standing at attention saluting until all had passed.  People would line the streets waving flags and holding signs of gratitude and support.

 It was a very emotional ride when one saw the outpouring of love across this great land from the American People to Veterans and their families.  It enhanced my view of the character of our nation and the greatness of the American People.

Is America Great or What !!!!

Anyone wishing to learn more about Run For the Wall or considering making the trip can find information at their website:  http://www.rftw.org

Some Photos of the Journey

Â