Wow almost done
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...