California Rocked it today!

California redeemed itself (slightly) today. Normally we ride through California and there is nary a person on the over passes or lining the streets. Not today boy! To start with, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution came out to send us off. These ladies are members of the Katuktu Chapter. Ladies you're the best! Senior, one of the Southern Route, Road Guards photo bombed us which made it even more fun. 


And April Laing a member of the American Legion Riders, Chapter 716 also came out to send us off. Sorry I didn't get a photo. Thank you for coming out to support us!

As we rode from Ontario to the Arizona state line, I counted five overpasses with flag wavers. One over pass held a firetruck with the firemen standing at attention. Oh my heart swelled. Then 10 miles outside of Blythe, CA we were escorted by the California Highway Patrol into Blythe.

Say what you will about California, we are Americans!

Every year, I start off a little nervous. This year was no different. Wouldn't you know it, on the first day, the first maneuver is a u-turn. Those of you that don't ride won't understand what a big deal a u-turn is. I am not a very big person and I am riding a 950 pound motorcycle. It's not easy to make sharp turns. (don't believe everything you see on you tube). Well, I nailed that first u-turn and everything that followed. I got this, 2017 is going to be a breeze!

I am going to bed now, I will write a better blog post tomorrow night. I need a little sleep tonight.

I want to leave you with this quote:

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave" Elmer Davis

I am so thankful for the men and women that stand guard at the gates of our country. God Bless them one and all.

Santa Ed Receives a Book

The run hasn't even started and I have already shed tears. Let me tell you the story.

Four years ago I went on my first Run for the Wall. I met so many Vietnam Veterans. One in particular touched my heart,  Santa Ed (pictured here). I told him of my plans to write a book about the run. The book was to help ALL veterans heal from the scars of war. I held both of Santa Ed's hands and said, "look into my eyes, I want you to see into my soul and know that I WILL write this book". Santa Ed, became very agitated and said, "that's it, that's it, you can't use my words on me!" Your road name is Eyes. Every since that day, my road name has been Eyes.

Well today, I had the opportunity to present Santa Ed with a copy of the book Run for the Wall - A Journey to the Vietnam Memorial. He cried, and I cried. Yes, it's been a four year project.

It is still my prayer and hope that the book makes it into the hands of every American Veteran, that they can see and feel the love, support and appreciation of the American people.



Another wonderful surprise was when another one
of my favorite Vietnam Veterans came riding into the parking lot.
This is "On the Five" 😂, years ago, he was left waiting on the 5 Freeway for a bunch of his buddies. They didn't show up for hours. Well, the name stuck.

One of the best things about the run is the friendships you make and renew year after year as riders gather from all over the world to once again partake in this Patriotic, Veteran loving, flag waving event.