bruiser
New member
The day started for Bruisersbaby and I with a meet up at Bojangles at 0630. Fog settled in but it was warm. Around 90 bikes left out at 0730. 80 miles to the first stop At RDU Airport where we picked up another 100 or more bikes. KSU for the last leg out to South Boston Va. to meet the Wall That Heals. We stopped about 20 miles short of the destination due to traffic. We were met there by the 18 wheeler with the Wall and more bikes, our escort of 5 Sheriffs Motor Cops and two patrol cars. From there back to RDU where more bikes were waiting. We were met there by the USO with refreshments. After a 20 minute rest it was ksu for the run back to Goldsboro. Our convoy had grown beyond expectation. PGR, M25 ( a christian riding group) Combat Vets, Guardian Brotherhood, Red liners, Blue Knights, Nam Knights, Ghost Riders, I can't name them all.
15 miles short of Goldsboro we picked up another 50 or so bikes along with our LEO escort of six vehicles and air support ( Sheriffs Huey the Black Bird). As we traveled down I795, every overpass was occupied with Emergency Services and citizens waving flags. One overpass had a ladder truck with the ladder out over the rail with a flag hung on the end and a firefighter prone on the ladder taking video. As we arrived in Goldsboro the streets were lined with people. Most holding flags, clapping and cheering. Some wiping tears away. I was fine with all this until I saw a homeless man I'm familiar with, standing at attention holding a tight salute, his camo pants showing dirt and age. I returned his salute as did nearly every rider. I lost it then as did BB. I saw old men in batterychairs and wheelchairs, walkers and cains trying their best hold a salute or stand at attention with hands and legs that shook with age. School kids and community college students clapping and waving flags.
We stopped for a very brief break at a local Harley Dealer for cold drinks and snacks from the Red Cross. Then ksu for the last two mile leg to the college where the wall will be displayed. There was the same tableau. Then the final turn in to the college campus. There, standing at attention in the road was a man in Nam era fatigues, helmet, flak jacket and M14 rifle. Another salute and more tears from us. We received word from air support that our convoy was at least 4 miles long. Last count, not yet verified, was 500 bikes and 575 riders. Will try to upload pics.
While at the first stop at RDU a fellow walked up to me and asked how I liked the Spyder. I said I really liked it. He then asked if we were going to SpyderFest. I was somewhat surprised but said yes. Turns out I finally met NCSpyderRT!! We've been trying to hook up for some months now but just hasn't worked out. He was at the Sheetz taking a break while waiting to pick up someone at the airport. How cool is that?
Tried to post a video from Facebook but it won't open.
15 miles short of Goldsboro we picked up another 50 or so bikes along with our LEO escort of six vehicles and air support ( Sheriffs Huey the Black Bird). As we traveled down I795, every overpass was occupied with Emergency Services and citizens waving flags. One overpass had a ladder truck with the ladder out over the rail with a flag hung on the end and a firefighter prone on the ladder taking video. As we arrived in Goldsboro the streets were lined with people. Most holding flags, clapping and cheering. Some wiping tears away. I was fine with all this until I saw a homeless man I'm familiar with, standing at attention holding a tight salute, his camo pants showing dirt and age. I returned his salute as did nearly every rider. I lost it then as did BB. I saw old men in batterychairs and wheelchairs, walkers and cains trying their best hold a salute or stand at attention with hands and legs that shook with age. School kids and community college students clapping and waving flags.
We stopped for a very brief break at a local Harley Dealer for cold drinks and snacks from the Red Cross. Then ksu for the last two mile leg to the college where the wall will be displayed. There was the same tableau. Then the final turn in to the college campus. There, standing at attention in the road was a man in Nam era fatigues, helmet, flak jacket and M14 rifle. Another salute and more tears from us. We received word from air support that our convoy was at least 4 miles long. Last count, not yet verified, was 500 bikes and 575 riders. Will try to upload pics.
While at the first stop at RDU a fellow walked up to me and asked how I liked the Spyder. I said I really liked it. He then asked if we were going to SpyderFest. I was somewhat surprised but said yes. Turns out I finally met NCSpyderRT!! We've been trying to hook up for some months now but just hasn't worked out. He was at the Sheetz taking a break while waiting to pick up someone at the airport. How cool is that?
Tried to post a video from Facebook but it won't open.
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