RFTW Day 1: Guest post by Duane

We are now in Gallup, N.M. Yesterday was Day 5 for 2 guys on 2 bikes over 22 days. It was also Day 1 of the Run For The Wall. We rode over 400 miles and were hosted until late, so there simply was no time to post anything. As it was, we had about seven hours sleep, more or less, mostly less. Our first actual leg was from Ontario to Barstow. As our Platoon leader, “Tanker”, would say, “It was a little Jinky.” There was a lot of speeding up and then braking, speeding up and then braking. I think you can get the picture. How you quickly gas up 300 bikes is something to behold. They never shut the pumps off and have two bikes side by side during the whole process. On the second leg things were much smoother, but I had to “tap out” to fix my luggage. Gusty winds added to our speed, made my reflective band come off and vanish in the Mojave. Then the rain cover tried to escape. I fixed everything and then, all by myself, raced after the pack. I caught up just as they were pulling off for fuel at Ludlow, CA.

They rest of the day was fine. Except, of course, we were crossing the Mojave. It was HOT. We tried to drink enough, but it was still hot. Lunch was provided for us at Needles where

We’ve seen scenes like this all along our route. It’s amazing. Image courtesy of “Mama G”

we experienced an unusually cool day for them–91 degrees. They fed us very well and entertained us with the local high school band and the Indian Marching Band from Fort Mojave. They happen to be the oldest Indian marching band in the U.S. of A. They were founded in 1906. It did cool off some by the time we reached Kingman, Arizona. From there to Williams, our overnight stop. I was privileged to be the Missing Man Escort. Every leg of this trip someone rides as escort for the “missing man.” POWs and MIAs are the main reason for this run in the first place, so on each leg someone rides in the leading group as escort for one of our soldiers who is gone. I rode for Thomas Duane Utter, 2nd Lt, US Army. He was a buddy of Chuck Dalrymple, a friend from Mt. View Church of the Nazarene.

I would like to tell you what that was like, but it isn’t easy. The escort is charged with

Talking with Tom “Bones” Pogue, the Missing Man Coordinator

riding at attention for the entire leg. I was told not to wave at anyone, make any signals, or lift my feet from the footpegs. It was like being one of the guards outside of Buckingham Palace. Many thoughts went through my mind as I rode. I was thinking of Andy Anderson, a Navy buddy who died in a car rollover. I was thinking of the thousands of young men who never came back from so many conflicts. When we reached Williams, the entire town had turned out to cheer us. Then I saw several men standing at attention and saluting as we went by. Before we reached the end of the parade, it was “raining’ inside my helmet. My eyes were burning and I could hardly see the lead rider. I was truly hoping I wouldn’t run into him when I was trying to clear my sight. It was an awesome experience. I was honored greatly to be the escort for Lt. Utter. If he is in heaven looking down on us, He got a “Welcome Home” from Williams, Arizona, but I hope he had an even bigger “Welcome Home” from our Lord.

All ready to depart.

P.S. from Daniel.  I met a really great couple today; Jean and Larry.  Jean is also doing a blog. Since she’s riding as a passenger, she has the luxury of taking more photos than either of us. I’m also posting from a device that isn’t very conducive to image downloads/editing. So, I’d like to provide you all a link to her blog.  There are lots of pictures from yesterday’s Day 1 and I suspect, there will be a post up later tonight from today. RUN FOR THE WALL Jean and Larry