There are so many things to write about today that I’m afraid I’m not going to do any of them the justice they deserve. In short, we encountered friends we’ve not seen for several years, visited the amazing Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, were welcome at two locations by massive flags, had lunch at Man O’War Harley-Davidson, ate dinner in Nitro, WV and surprised my daughter there with the arrival of her brother and mother, who wouldn’t dream of missing Crysten’s 18th birthday, which is tomorrow.
Myself and Crysten with “Mama G”
We started our morning with a short sixty-five-mile ride to our first fuel stop. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see friends from my two previous rides with another organization that takes a similar route across the country. Hugs, smiles, and introductions were made to expand Crysten’s biker family to include some of the great people that comprise what I consider my “ride family”. Our two-wheel platoon swelled at that gas stop to include several more riders who will go with us the remainder of the way to Washington DC.
After our gas stop, we rode a short fifteen-mile leg to the Kentucky Vietnam War memorial. This memorial is not only a spectacular monument to the Kentuckians who lost their lives in Vietnam, it is also an amazing work of scientific art. At the monument, Marine SGT Reynolds opened our visit with a heart-moving story of how as long as he has breath, he fulfills his friend’s wish to make sure that on the Wednesday before Memorial Day at 10:00 am he would be there. The story was moving, powerful, and exemplifies the honor a warrior brotherhood bond forges between two people. While many of SGT Reynolds’ words were powerful, I greatly appreciated these; “If you don’t want to be prayed for, don’t come to Kentucky.” Nothing can stop a man who is a warrior both in his constitution, but also in his spirit on his knees. I look forward to seeing this man again. Next time, I will be sure to strike up a conversation and meet him, which I did not do today. The memorial is a sundial that casts a shadow on each fallen’s name on the date that he perished. It is a scientific work of art. I’ve put a link below to the memorial’s official webpage, which I highly encourage you to spend time reading.
Follow this link to learn about the amazing sundial Kentucky Vietnam war memorial.
Following our visit to the Kentucky Vietnam War memorial, we traveled a short distance to Man O’War Harley-Davidson where they graciously hosted us for a hamburger and hot dog lunch. Their service department also checked the fluids on my bike, which has been running really hot. I’ve resorted to riding a good amount of the day with my right leg on my highway peg to keep the heat from burning me. I was grateful for both the generous lunch and their report back to me that everything looks fine with my bike and that the hard riding we do where we frequently engine brake is likely the cause of the heat.
Another 30 miles down the highway and we rolled in to Zip Zone gas in Indian Mound, KY. There, we were met by a fire ladder truck with an enormous flag flowing graciously in the wind. I missed who gifted us with gas, but the stop was paid for. The donors also provided coffee, water bottles, and some amazing caramel candies. To those who cared for us so graciously, thank you. If you happen to read this blog, please reach out to me so I can properly identify you here.
Jean and Larry ready to ride Missing Man
The final leg of the day was very special. Before I left my home in Olympia Washington, I spoke to my friend and Worship Pastor, Andrew, about honoring his recently deceased grandfather by riding for him on the Remember our Fallen ride. Luis Castro Acobes was a three war veteran (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) who served in the army for 28 years. He was a Silver Star recipient and attained at least the rank of LTC. I was unable to verify his final rank, the photos provided to me show LTC rank insignia, but it also appears to show Brigadier General rank as well. Regardless of his final rank, his service and dedication to country through combat, enduring the trials of being a tortured POW, losing three KIA brothers, and finally finishing his service to the USA in the Secret Service, is extensive. I had previously ridden a missing man leg and also was responsible to the run filling the position of tail gunner, so I asked if our newly arrived friends Jean and Larry could ride the leg on my behalf. Thank you Ride For Our Fallen for honoring this veteran and thank you Jean and Larry for fulfilling the missing man escort role on such a long 120 mile leg.
Upon arrival in Nitro WV, we were met with two enormous flags held aloft by two fire ladder trucks. I’ve never seen such a massive POW/MIA flag. It was amazing to ride under those flags. There was certainly rain in my helmet as we approached our destination. Nitro, thank you for the warm welcome, super tasty bbq chicken and pulled pork and the gift of free gas. Your hospitality is equally as big as your hearts.
From before the ride began I’ve been harboring a secret from my daughter. Her 18th birthday is tomorrow so I arranged for my wife and son to fly out to meet us here in Nitro and then continue the remainder of the journey to Washington DC by rental car. The surprise reunion was all I’d hoped it would be; Crysten was completely surprised and so very happy to see her mom and brother.
Photos are below, as always click them to get a bigger, better view. Most are self explanatory but I want to expound on the small doughboy silhouette. These are painted and equally spaced on the sidewalk in the area of Nitro were we were hosted for dinner. They are there to honor the men who fought in WWI and to be a reminder of the city’s role in nitroglycerin production in support of the WWI war effort.
