It seems like Chief and I started this six months ago. Left from my sisters house at 7 am sharp. Followed Jeff and Dara to Reno. That’s when I lit out being trailed by 20 hounds. Hope I get to sleep tonight before the morning comes around.
Landed in Coloma CA. Yes that is 4 state on the first day. Sitting by the American River. Found a good buddy from 40 years past. He was camping along the American River in Coloma.
Sunday morning at the campround. Before I go on Happy Mothers Day to all deserving of that honor.
Day 2 the lovely Mrs. O’Banion, Makayla, Renee and Gary. Bonnie discovered Ruth was back in town. When I came around with her son Gary she made sure I got to see Ruthie. If not for her I my not have had the pleasure of 40 years with my beautifull wife.
I leave the campground and ride 135 miles to Turlock.
Today in Turlock I met up with Chief (Michael Bryant). It is also the wedding of Dara’s grand daughter, Violet and Efron.
Also at the wedding is the newest member of the family. River Lynn was born in April.
The first of the forth generation.
Leaving Turlock today
Day three Chief and I have some decent and included continental breakfast at the hotel. Jeff abd Dara are on thier way to the national cemetery in Santa Nella. They visit mom and pop who’s ashes are buried there.
The bikers are heading South a little after 9 am. The weather warms up a bit as we head toward Ontario as our final destination for the start of the run. By the time we finish this short 345 ride the sun was shining high and hot. The last 50 miles in Southern Cal traffic is not as enjoyable as the prior 300.
The last shot is where the sun snuck in between my shorts and chaps.
We land at our hotel here in Ontario and begin finding our friends who are showing up from around North America for the ride east.
Day 5 Limon CO to Junction City KS
Danny is not making the run this year but is coming in to see everyday to assist as needed. He still has a job and a vacation planned to go see the olymics in Europe in few weeks.
Little big Mike pouring ice cream into a shot of Kahlua.
Calling it a night, time to hit the rack.
It’s Monday the 13th. Time to pick up registration materials and get some instructions on how our platoon will be riding.
A few cool bikes, good friends old and new and a great hug the compleating registration. Good job Chief.
Second day in Ontario. Up @ 6 out and at the VA by 7. A giant burrito for breakfast then @ 8 a quick meeting for a ride to Riverside National Cemetery and March air force base for a private tour.
Last night while asking questions if Danny Boy I learned that on every one of his 15 rftw rides something special happens. This one is about a Blue Star mom. I remember each morning we were sent off by one of these moms. They then would arrive before us at every gas fillup and event. One day this mom say a rider with a desert storm hat and patches of the 104th on the hat. This guy was from platoon as her son who died in Afganistan a few years earlier. She asked him if he had heard her sons name. To this he stated that he was his best friend and bunk mate. Parents never get the full story from the military. This young man stated that her son had died in his arms. I am sure a lot more was talked about after all the tears.
A few images from the cemetery museum.
Wednesday morning central route and southern route heading out in an hour.
Midway left yesterday they get a break in the middle of the ride.
and Chief Michael
Day 5 and we are ready to roll. Line up @ 5 eat breakfast and hit the road. Destination Williams Arizona. Only a 427 mile ride today.
I am beat today so this is Mama G writing deep details about the run. She really has it covered. https://rftw.us/central-route-hub/central-route-sitreps/
We head out with the local police closing down the freeway for our departure. Not bad to coppers close down east bound I-10 for are saftey.
We fuel up in beautiful Barstow
We get lunch at Santa Fe park supplied by the chamber here in Needles. Not on my list of places to live but great people out in the street supporting us.
After another we end or day in williams. Of course another parade through town, streets lined with well wishers.
By the time dinner came around I was full from big lunch.
By the time we called it quits I was and ready for shower and bed.
Lets talk about the road. A little fog and a bit cold starting I was perfectly dressed for warm weather. As we are nearing Barstow it’s hot but not crazy Barstow hot. Still we depart I am sporting my leather chaps over a light pair of shorts. Still hot as we approach the final fill-up. I hear it could be 20 degrees cooler over the pass to williams. I prefer my summer cloths. Bad idea, a lot of rain and temp dropping.
Day 2 Williams to Gallup
Day starts off @ 6:00 AM for staging. Chief and I are first ones there so we line up behind the platoon leaders. Best spot if your not the leader. Hit the road for a 90 mile trip to Winslow. Rode through the corner but not time to be “standing on a corner”.
Winslow to Holbrook is the next run. Tempurature is rising fast. Time to put on sunblock and take off any heavy gear.
There was a young teenage girl who belted out a great rendition of our Star Spangled Banner. More sunblock applied. I hear it’s about 15 degrees cooler in Gallop. 90 minus 15 equals 75 I am not donning heavy. I go for it in the long sleeve moisure wicking shirt. Soon it starts to rain. Sweat, rain and sunblock in one eye. Getting colder and now it’s really raining. 20 more miles to Gallup. Finally a one eyed motorcyclist rides to town.
Day 3 Gallup to Angel Fire
I get chosen to do a “Break Out” run.
These two vets were code talkers
One from the Pueblo Tribe the second a Navaho.
Wife, neice and grandson accept the honer. I am with the grandson here. He told me he came and was a farmer for rest rest of his life.
I was the only one to talk to him so he gave this to me. Said his dad made it representing the seasons of farming. I will hold this in special honor. One of these two men recieved our nations highest honor. The medal of honor.
Day 4 Eagle Nest MN To Limon CO
We landed in Pueblo for Chick-fil-A. Something different then enchaladas and burritos
This morning as the sun come up in Eagle Nest
We had full police escort border to border.
Day 4 Eagle Nest to Limon CO
Nice riding thru out the day. I spend the longest upfront as Assistant Platoon Leader. A fender bender hurt our tailgunners bike. Sat out for a while. Our asst. went to play gunner while I took over for him.
Day 5 Limon Co to Junction City Kansas.
First breakfast that was not a burrito is served at 5:40 this morning.
Here we are in Bunker Hill Kansas. We spent about 30 minutes riding in the biggest hail I have ever seen. Just praying we may all be safe. we made it are final gas stop for the day. About halfway through we were sent indoors to a tornando shelter. The blue was the eye of the storm. The town next door just got clear. Govt. Warning for this spot. A few riders stopped at underpasses. Pipes went missimg but she was at the underpass with her dad.
Riding out the tornado
Day 6 Monday May 20th Junction City KS to Wentzville MO
This day starts with a great leg riding beside Papa right behind the Platoon Leaders. After the first fuel stop Chief and I tap out and hi-tail it to the hotel. There we deal with dirty clothes and went everything. All good so it’s like we are starting the ride anew. We do meet back up for meeting and chow at the post in wentzville. Glad to have dinners with the boys. NY steak new potatos and salad. Every meal seems to come with so many home desserts the people in these towns must think we are addicts. I had a small piece of pinapple upside down cake for our daughter Lauren. Sorry Lo ate it all. Then comes a little one offering strawberry cake. Please have a piece Mr. I made it with my mom.
Day 7 Wentzville MO to Corydon In 299 miles
Day 8 corydon IN to Nitro WV
Day 9 May 23 Nitro WV to Lewisburg WV 135 miles
Not too much riding today but a lot happening. 6 A.M. breakfast again. Mike and I line up @ position 2 & 3. We were there before the road guards and stagers were ready. Patricia was there before us. Let’s not talk about her. Although Papa Steve had some serious words with her. I just decided her entitelment attitude and “helpfull” chats could be easily ignored.
She is a good rider but sure made me laugh when she knocked over a cone in Rainelle in front of several hundred people.
I rode most of yesterday and first leg today with Jim. Side by side and locked in. Great riding buddy. BTW our group added a few people over the last couple days. Now running at 21 in the platoon. Well since we are talking about woman riders Becky is the opposite of Patricia. Becky is the best female tider I ever rode beside. She is also a very sweet person and TV personalty. She was interviewed at the VA hospital yesterday by the local news station. First in a room with a patient then in front of the hospital. Hope I can find that footage when I get home.
We also have “Papa” Steve. Picture to follow.
Our first stop was the capitol building. 39 states have a domed capital building. This here in West Virginia has a great capital complex.
On both sides of the capital there are matching buildings running parallel to each other. Sorry no good pic.
From Ontario to DC 3,055 miles
May 26th partial day riding Wall 2 Wall. 188 miles with the group for this leg. Also called Sandbox. Total miles ridden with RFTW 3,133. Total miles since leaving home 4,632.
My last stop with the group was the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksburg PA.
Starting an adventure on my own today. I am in Altoona PA for a full nights rest and sleeping in. I did not get out of bed till after 7:30. What a pleasure. Heading into New York today. Will see parts never seen before as the “Apple” is far from my route.
Jim's Adventure 
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