Murphybrown's Spyder Adventures 2017

[PrairieSpyder]

I'm in awe of you and what you do, Karyl.

I hope you got over whatever was making you ill and that you'll feel better for the rest of the trip!

[Machinegunner]

This is the BEST detailing of the ride I have ever read. So much patriotism. Thank you very much for sharing.

[R FUN]

Hi Karyl;
Hope you are feeling better,we love your reports. You are a HERO yourself and a big insperation to your country. We feel honored just to have been able to ride with you on the NTA ride. Keep up your good work and keep us posted. Ride safe and see you in Valcourt.
Roger & Linda

[SpyderAnn01]

I believe it was the platoon leader who was feeling ill.

[murphybrown]

I'm in awe of you and what you do, Karyl.

I hope you got over whatever was making you ill and that you'll feel better for the rest of the trip!

Absolutely haven't had a ache or pain...soooo alll golden Patti....but thanks for your care and concern. See you in a few...

[murphybrown]

Hello everyone: Last night was a very short night. Up at the usual 5 a.m. to get ready to roll on Day 6. We staged at a most appropriate parking lot in front of a business with big sign STAGED. Located in Forrest City, AR.

Weather report for today looks very promising. Blue skies...low 70's...nothing appearing on the weather radar that is cause for concern. So put the heavy ryding clothes in trailer. Means that the trailer got repacked....yep it always looks like an explosion happened in the parking lot of the motel...because I literally dump stuff out of trailer onto ground and sort through looking for what goes on the bottom...this time it was heavy winter type ryding gear. Next layer...is dirty clothes...figure I'm good for clean clothes until we reach Arlington...go trailer all packed nice and neat (well it will last until I hit the first pot hole then it all goes wherever it would like to anyway.

Had our, every morning, mandatory riders meeting. And then we departed at 8:00 a.m. Had our first fuel stop in Bells, TN...I'm still amazed at how efficiently they can fuel almost 300 bikes...the system the team has never fails...well at least I haven't seen any oooops....

Today we rode a total of 345 miles. We had 3 fuel stops...average about 110 miles between fuel stops.

We were hosted by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dickson for lunch. These host places give us the royal treatment. Police escort...folks along the route waving flags...folks on the overpasses. It just never gets ho hum...These folks love their veterans, military and those of us who support them.

Now getting through Knoxville was a test of our driving skills. We did not have any LEO's to help out and those cagers (cars, etc)...reallllllly don't want to share their road space with a bunch of bikes. But I can report that we made it safely through...got separated a few times, but all came through with flying colors and we regouped and fueled at Gordonsville, TN...

Then we headed for a final destination for today...Cookeville, TN...

Wow I have been impressed by the welcomes that we receive from folks in other areas. But Cookeville realllllly had the folks lining the streets and cheering us to th Leslie Tow Center where we were served a delicious pulled pork dinner. This carnivore is loving all this BBQ.

[YPILOT]

I must say that the folks making this journey are heroes just as the ones you ride for.
I can only hope to someday make a journey such as this.
Looks like you'll be bypassing upper East Tn by going up I-40 into Asheville NC tomorrow.
Good luck to you and all your fellow travelers. Dennis

[murphybrown]

Well started the usual wake up ring on my phone of The Ballad of the Green Beret.....luv that song...the words are sooooo poignant and relevant to The Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder. Now that song plays at 4:30 a.m. I am sharing motel rooms with another couple so we have the shower schedule worked out that 2 "get er done" at night and one in the a.m. So we pack up, load up, ate a wonderful motel breakfast...serious it was awesome. I'm telling you folks Cookeville, TN know how to make you feel like you are lifelong friends. And heck the motel coffee was even wonderful and BOLD...

At this point all things are rolling together smoothly. Head over to staging area at a Sam's parking lot .... thing are going great....meet a couple wonderful mute patriots with their sign interpreter. Wonderful time with them.

After opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance We had special prayer for England terrorist attack. Got weather update. Put on rain gear rain today. Then we were told delayed depart there has been a multi 18 wheeler accident with big rigs overturned and blocking I-40East...so back to bikes, put on rain gear and here comes Sam club employees with basket full of juices, bars, sweet rolls, oranges, apples, water and all sort of things because we were being detained.

Then it registers in my addled brain that our trip yesterday was through Nashville without any LEO support and that today we were headed to Knoxville...sorry hope no one was planning a trip with my directions!!! Yep that's why I have adventures and misadventures.

OK after about a 40 minute delay we get the 5 min warning sign...which is get your helmet on and butt on the saddle...cause the platoons are about to depart. The be there or be square time. We depart one platoon at a time. Now because of all the highway traffic there are allowing about 2 - 18 wheeler lengths between platoons. Get on highway and I notice that my helmet face shield is not right...I'm about to have it blow off at 75 MPH. So I "tap out"...which is the signal you give when you are living your pack/platoon...so I tap top of my helmet with lefr hand and point over my head to the right...indicating that I'm pulling off to side of road on right. At this point if all under control you are to give a thumbs up sign until every bike, vehicle, small animal or wild animal has passed you. That way they keep rolling. So since I need bothhands to fix my face shield. I wait until I see the last chase truck/trailer go by. yea I'm following rules like a good soldier!!! Get busy putting helmet together and immediately there is a tail gunner saying in my face ARE YOU OKAY...whoops I didn't know they were back there. I had them stop cause I had not given them the thumbs up. Told them yep....they left. I fixed helmet...didn't even have to get out my Gorilla tape....and I catch up with the end of the pack. Until the next stop.

Which was at the Knoxville Veterans Memorial. A beautiful permanent memorial to all lost in all wars from TN...Had a beautiful wreath ceremony with our Gold Star Mom placing the wreath...but the couple I'm sharing room with, Terry and Connie Verellen, were asked to be part of that wreath ceremony. Had bagpipes ... a very moving event... Then the local VFW fed us a wonderful lunch of chicken, wraps, tossed salad and Moon Pies....holy cow now there is a dessert that I probably won't miss eating!!! I don't like Spam either .. just sayin' before they run me out of TN for stating such a sacrilege as ugh on Moon Pies!!!

Oh yep and it has been raining alllll day.

Yep came upon the 18 wheeler wreck. a Dandy mess...pray none of the people were injured.

Total was a short ride of only 223 miles...but we still didn't get into motel room until 7:30 p.m.

Today we lost another hour of sleep .... eastern time zone now.

The local Harley dealership here in Asheville had a great BBQ of pulled pork....yep carnivore "heaven"....One of the speakers was Wayne Carringer, World War II, POW and surviver of the Bataan Death March...the 60 mile march that killed thousands. Then he was a POW for over 3 years.

Run for the Wall MIssion Statement: To promote healing among ALL veterans and their familes and friends, 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.

Such a blessing for me to be part of this Mission.

You and I are having our freedoms and the cost was HUGE and so not FREE

[PrairieSpyder]

I know you love bagpipes, so I'm sure that ceremony was even more special for you.

I also dislike Moon Pies. I tried one while I lived in Georgia. That's good, so now I don't ever have to have one again. Kinda like Vegemite!

[Desert Spyder]

Wow what a day...Alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. because we had to be to staging at 5:45 a.m. This morning was everyone that is doing the Run...there are three routes: Central, Midway and Southern. I am ryding in the Mdway ... So at the staging this morning we had close to 1500 people. The people who run this do an incredible job. Very committed to making it an amazing experience whether it is your first year or your 17th. First they had assigned us to platoons. This would be the group within my route that I will ryde with for the entire journey. While we were waiting for the mandatory riders meeting they were preparing and serving a hot breakfast to all of us. Eggs, sausage, potatoes, sweet rolls, juice, coffee, milk. All you can eat. Let me tell you bikers sure do like to eat!!!!

After we were all lined up I was in group #6 which is bikes with trailers. The mandatory riders meeting started. Always open and close with prayer from one of the chaplains that rides with each group. Then the honor guard presents arms and a gal sang out awesome National Anthem. Soon there was a roar in the skies and we had a full fly over....one of the planes was off by itself...I still have not found out what the significance is, but everything has meaning..so know there is a story about that particular position. The fly over was east to west and north to south. Very exciting.

We learned all the hand signals that we have to use on the road. We have to be able to communicate with the other riders and hand signals gets the job done.

We stop for fuel about every 100-125 miles and wow do they have a system. Someone is at the pumps you are two deep...hose goes to each bike..fill up, don't even shut bike off...It was announced that a donation had been made and all fuel for all bikes has been paid in advance. All they said is the benefactor is so grateful to the Run for the Wall because it saved their life that this is one way they can pay it forward.

I had the incredible privilege and honor to ride for THE MISSING MAN. This position is at the head of the line. You have to honor guards riding in front and two in back. I was to center my ride between. And then I was presented with a pin and a patch ... very very humbling and special.

We had been told that folks would be on the overpasses, along the road, on bridges and street corners waving flags and showing their appreciation for those of us doing this ryde. Everytime I come upon a group I choke up and have to use my coat sleeve..

When we arrived in Flagstaff this evening the VFW had prepared and served us a hot meal and lots of hot coffee. We needed it. Dang it got cold and had started to rain....sure did appreciate that meal. We stage at 6:00 a.m. for another day of incredible "happenings". I'll be sharing those with you...

The other awesome thing is that my good Spyder friends Ann and Joe Meyer from Las Vegas grabbed some of their Spyder ryder buddies and came to Kingman where we stopped for lunch, provided by the Kingman area Harley dealership. And gave me big hugs...I realllllly like hugs of all sizes...but big hugs are realllllly special. Then Ann said the roads to Flagstaff are reallllllly beat up. Suffice to say that is an understatement. Several bikes are getting parts put back on that got beat loose...yes beat.

OK have a great evening. 4:30 a.m. comes early...so off to zzzzz land and sweeeeeet dreams for this biker gal..

Hugs for all of you,

me

I would have greeted you guys in Barstow, like I always do, but I had an important mission at my daughters house 15 minutes before I was going to my "rally point". I had some PGR buds in the Victorville area on overpasses to greet you. Maybe next year I can participate in RFTW XXX. Its on my bucket list.

[cptjam]

Colorado. See you in Valcourt!
A big HOOAH to you, Green Beret style! Joe

[Buckeye Bleau]

WOW, Murphey, I am speechless for your dedication to the cause, your tireless and exquisite reports and Patriotism. You are a blessing and model for us all!

Thank you, be well,

Joe

[murphybrown]

Days always start the same: My alarm wakes us up at 4:30 a.m. playing The Ballad of the Green Beret...we rally around get ourselves ready and our bikes loaded. This morning the Holiday Inn in Asheville serveda huge buffet breakfast. They started it at 5:30 a.m. just to accomodate our schedule.

Mandatory meeting at 7:00. Today they shared that our group is up to 300 plus we would be adding more as the day progressed.

The Siler City LEO were amazing and pretty sure that those officers that drew the short straws and had to drive cages were pretty jealous of the 6 that were on motorcycles. After we fueled they escorted us to the church lunch.. Again rows of people waving flags and cheering as we roll in. The local school kids had made special pictures and gave them to us. Mine says "thank you for our freedoms" inside was a picture of our American flag and a statement...there is no greater love than a man gives his own life for another. I am so impressed by how much the public and private schools teach history of American and these kids know about POWs/MIA's and KIA's. How much do you know about what the Run for the Wall is Really all about. I'm here to confess I thought I had a reasonable understanding. NOT.. Sure would love to see our schools, all our schools, teach the truth about the cost of our freedoms.

After an incredible lunch of steak, chicken, spuds, beans and to finish off home made peach cobbler with homemade/hand cranked ice cream. The Leo's took us on a 70 mile fast paced trip. we were running about 75 mph in a 55 mph zone and the leos were zipping their bikes , leap frogging to block for us...had to be hitting 90-100....I talked to a couple of the motorcycle cops and they said they realllllly like us to come. The one day a year they can run wide open!!!

We spent a couple hours at a great Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC.

Then headed to the Destiny Now Church for dinner and awarding thank yous to all that make this journey of ours so "easy". Lots and lots of people and incredible planning and logistics.

I am rooming with folks from my home town and so they get to listen to my alarm every morning. So as we are sitting at our table all of a sudden this Green Beret (the real deal) Hawk gives me a big bear hug and kiss and says understnd you like to wake up with the Green Berets....I give a great back rub!!! Wow Terry Verellen you got me good...I was blushing clear to my painted toenails.

Weather warming up..but getting showers. Nothing that will cause any issues.

Tomorrow is Day 9 and will head into Virginia.

Have a great evening. This East Coast time is "killing " me...

Blessings,

me

[Blue Star]

I would have greeted you guys in Barstow, like I always do, but I had an important mission at my daughters house 15 minutes before I was going to my "rally point". I had some PGR buds in the Victorville area on overpasses to greet you. Maybe next year I can participate in RFTW XXX. Its on my bucket list.

Let's do it. I think I will have the time by then.

[SpyderAnn01]

Karyl, I wake up with a real deal Green Beret every morning and he'd like to know how I can get my phone alarm to play the Ballad??

[PrairieSpyder]

Karyl, I wake up with a real deal Green Beret every morning and he'd like to know how I can get my phone alarm to play the Ballad??

On your iPhone, open the iClock app and create or edit an alarm.

Sound --> Pick a song --> then select a song that's on your phone

[murphybrown]

Wow this mission is going by fast. Only half a day left I have less than 100 miles to ride, tomorrow then a visit to the USMC Museum in Quantico and then on to the hotel. That’s it. I can’t believe I’ve been waiting for so long for this anticipated event to be over so quick. It’s like waiting in line for an hour or more to ride Peter Pan at Disneyland because your children just have to and you finally climb in your flying gondola, then in three minutes you’re climbing off. Your children are happy and that’s what matters. This ride, this mission just feels like it’s flying by like I was on a Peter Pan gondola. Way too soon it will be over.
Today was a great day for a Spyder ride. Beautiful blue skies..temp around 75..able to ryde in shirt only. No rain gear. Had an incredible program and dinner at the moose lodge. A choir from a local public school sang 5 wonderful patriot songs and a 19 year old bagpiper did an amazing job of Amazing Grace. Moves me to tears every time. There was a brief announcement storm to hit in 3 minutes get your gear under cover. We hustled out...storm hit just as I stepped into open area. I said forget that and went back inside.

Our day started with the usual stuff, including the reading of a bio of a fallen hero. These bios were carefully chosen. Diesel (the head organizer) requested that certain ones be selected, bios that concerned individuals who were lost or recovered on a date during Run For The Wall. Each one read takes us older folks (and especially veterans) back to a time we remember too well and for some a time they still wish they could forget. However, it’s a time to reflect on the life of one that paid with his or her life in service to their country to protect and preserve our freedom and our liberty and we thank God for their service and their sacrifice. This is why we ride.


the beautiful country beckoned our eyes to look, but we could not. The greenery everywhere, the hills, the canyons we rode through, all were wonderful to see and marvel at but only by passengers. What I saw was the tail end or back side of the rider in front of us. The same view, I have had for more than 2000 miles. I think I got that image engraved in my skull. Anyway, the ride today had many sweeping, ascending and descending turns and lots of traffic. I keep thinking about an eighteen-wheeler passing me on the left just a few feet from hitting me. We can’t always be looking in our mirrors, but sometimes you need to if you want to avoid someone that’s driving too close to the zipper. It happens.



Our first visit this morning was to the Falcon Children's Home. It started as an orphanage and still does that ministry, but has grown over the years to a private school. This year they are graduating 19 kids, all who are going to further their education by attending college or entering a branch of the military service. These are kids that were not going to "make it" in regular classrooms. They also have a "live-in" program for unwed pregnant girls. Beautiful brick buldings and wonderful reception and program for our group.
Saturday 400 bikes/trikes of Run for the Wall FNG (first year attendees) will be allowed to enter and tour Arlington Cemetery. All of the mid route folks received their "special" colored zip tie that will allow us to enter. We were advised to not show until we zip on our ride just before entering. people will steal them
Looking forward to tomorrow and staying "put" in one motel room for 3 nights and to get some laundry done.


Take care more news tomorrow.. wow the time has flown by...

[murphybrown]

Karyl, I wake up with a real deal Green Beret every morning and he'd like to know how I can get my phone alarm to play the Ballad??

I bought the Ballad from itunes...then I selected it as my alarm and been playing it ever since....luv that song...always listen to the end when the son receives his Dad's wings....

[SpyderAnn01]

Karyl you are one amazing lady! 10 days of staring at the bike in front of you must have been mentally exhausting! Can't wait to see you in Valcourt next week. Save some tissues for Arlington and Rolling Thunder you're going to need them.

[cptjam]

Try to be on the left in the column. The crowd wants to high five, and it is easier on the left! Wear gloves, as your hand will be sore!

[ARtraveler]

I bought the Ballad from itunes...then I selected it as my alarm and been playing it ever since....luv that song...always listen to the end when the son receives his Dad's wings....

Are you talking about the Sgt Barry Sadler version from way way back? It was originally an LP record with the Ballad of the Green Berets and another 11 or so songs about the Viet Nam War. I had it at one time.

[PrairieSpyder]

Karyl you are one amazing lady! 10 days of staring at the bike in front of you must have been mentally exhausting! Can't wait to see you in Valcourt next week. Save some tissues for Arlington and Rolling Thunder you're going to need them.

I'm so proud of you, Karyl!

[murphybrown]

Today was a short but significant event. The usual 4:30 alarm. Then to Rider's meeting. But now things started to shape a little differently. I was shifted to the lead platoon as I would be honored to Bring out Gold Star Mom from Quantico to Arlington. Quantico has the National Museum of the Marine Corps....very very impressive as well as the realities of the price our Marines have paid for our freedoms.

After touring the museum...I'm back at my Iron Beast making sure my lights are ready to "rock and roll" to ryde into Arlington. All of a sudden there appear at least 60 motorcycle police...wow we are going into Arlington in style...they totally shut down Interstate 95 to "bring us in"...we had a few bursts of rain...but all and all it was a great ride in. And phew I didn't unseat our Gold Star Mom...I was concerned because I did not have a backrest for her!!!

We are not staying at the Host Hotel, but only about 3 blocks away...BUT I drove round and round the same block...found the Westin, but no street parking and I could not see where their parking area was. So I finally get in the alley behind the Westin...asking anyone who was moving where to park...I'm convinced that if you are in the alley behind the Westin English is not your first language. Finally gave up called Westin...and front desk guy says did yu see the sign that said parking closed do not enter. Yep 3 times...he said well enter!!! And I did and guess what there was the parking.

Tomorrow will start at the same time...and we will leave at 7:45 a.m. to ryde and tour the Arlington National Cemetery. After that to the WALL...to find those specific folks we have been riding for and to place significant items for each one. I will have more to share tomorrow evening.

Have an awesome Memorial Day Weekend. Give some thought to how it applies to you and yours....beyond the BBQ's...

Blessed to be able to be part of this Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder..

me

[murphybrown]

Good Afternoon:

Yesterday was the "end" of our Run for the Wall. We slept in until 5:00 a.m. because we did not have to load up bikes to leave. NICE....we staged and rode as a group to Arlington National Cemetery where we watched the changing to the guard at the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our main leaders for RFTW laid a wreath at the tomb. Those who are selected to guard the Tomb are worth reading about. It is not an easy assignment and their discipline is incredible.

After that we went to complete our "asignment" of taking our pictures, stars, flowers, whatever to those who were wanted to honor at the wall. My folks were all on the Vietnam wall except for my World War II friend.

I'm not even going to attempt to describe my feelings and emotions ... because truly each person experiences the impact and significance at their own level.

This morning we were back to getting up at 4:30 in order to stage for the Rolling Thunder parade. We staged first at the host hotel then we rode to the South Parking Lot of the Pentagon and staged again. Then that became a LONG wait. we were staged by 7 a.m. but the parade didn't start until close to 1 p.m. The biggest challenge for me was finding my Spyder whenever I wander off to get the "required" t-shirt or looking for green rectangle buldings!!! I felt it went very smoothly. We had lots of media coverage an air show by a B52...bomb sniffing dogs...and the usual food booths, etc...sort of like going to fair...lots of "junk" food vendors...Altho Famous Dave's BBQ is a definite keeper. Just as we were getting to leave for the parade..a few sprinkles of rain...then a few more...at this point I put on my rain coat. Completed the route in about 1/2 hour and then I was like...OK now how do I get back to the motel...sure didn't see any familiar faces. Asked a local police officer and he said go down there take a left then 2 more lefts and stay left. ONLY problem being big city folks mean a whole different thing than me who when you say go left at next corner...many little lefts...but after a few "tours" discovered those don't count it is the BIG lefts that you want. And then it started to rain...rain and rain some more...downpour type rain. got within 3 miles of motel and myself and at least 100 other bikes pulled off to side under overpass and waited the storm out.

Was it worth doing both the Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder. Absolutely. So this chapter on my trip has ended.

Morning starts a little different adventure. No rush in the morning...get up...pack up...find hiway 50 and head to meet fellow Spyder ryders to continue my journey to Quebec with a stop at Niagra Falls to ride the Zip line. Have to say I am looking forward to driving at a less than break neck speed with the only thing I watched was the bike's lights in front of me...

I will post after the zip line adventure...

Have an awesome Memorial Day and remember what we are celebrating

me

[cptjam]

I am so proud of you! To do what you did to honor those who paid the ultimate price is fantastic! See you in Valcourt!