Topic: Run For The Wall (RFTW) 2011 (Read 18371 times)

fresh oil and pipes · « **on:** May 05, 2011, 09:21:03 AM »

Thank you for your participation. For more information you can visit http://rftw.org/

Dyna105 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2011, 06:11:38 AM »

5:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011 Leaving now for the run to Goodland, Kansas gonna meet the group there. Here is a link to a daily blog and a spot tracker for our progress. For those that are going to be in DC for Rolling Thunder next weekend PM if you want my phone number. Mod for this topic please move me to Ride Report. Thanks.

http://rftw.org/index.asp?lg=1&w=pages&r=21&pid=127

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=03Dj3HWK3U2ZE332cCSHPy1hVhKdLEE2C

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2011, 09:35:05 PM »

Quote from: Dyna105 on May 21, 2011, 06:11:38 AM

5:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011 Leaving now for the run to Goodland, Kansas gonna meet the group there. Here is a link to a daily blog and a spot tracker for our progress. For those that are going to be in DC for Rolling Thunder next weekend PM if you want my phone number. Mod for this topic please move me to Ride Report. Thanks.

http://rftw.org/index.asp?lg=1&w=pages&r=21&pid=127

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=03Dj3HWK3U2ZE332cCSHPy1hVhKdLEE2C

Cobb posted this off of Dyna105 computer mine was packed.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:32:06 PM »

Looking thru the window from inside the armory in Goodland Kansas

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:37:22 PM »

Nearly every overpass on I-70 some were full like this one some with just one person but 99.9% of the overpasses had something. The most touching so far was in Goodland as we left early in the morning a veteran standing alone in his yard in his uniform saluting the column as it passed he had to be in his 70's or 80's very very serious about what he was doing made our eyes leak. Could not break out of the formation to go back if only we had known he was there would loved to have talked with him the nite before.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:38:57 PM »

Today 600 bikes and one vespa scooter.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:41:19 PM »

Coming into the park area in Junction City Kansas people lining the streets both sides of the street as we rode into the park area. Flags waving, people cheering loud enough to hear above the engine noise.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2011, 11:48:31 PM »

Waiting for fuel all 600 fueled in less than 45 minutes is quite a system. Highway pegs up, two side by side up to the pump a fuel crew member hands you the hose you fuel till it clicks off not topping off they take it back hand it to the next one you pay cash for what you got rounding up to the next dollar then move on works very well.

muddypaws · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2011, 07:28:52 AM »

So cool.... Enjoy

napalm · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:03:46 AM »

Thanks, keep the pictures coming....we'll be down in DC Saturday and Sunday...

napalm

DesertHOG · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2011, 12:11:37 PM »

Buddy, you need to trade that blue camera in for a new red or hot pink one like mine.
Keep up the posting!!

1sharprdkg · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2011, 08:57:54 PM »

Hey Cobb ride safe my friend! Later 1s

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:32:30 PM »

Day 2 morning stageing 400 bikes gonna be in the pack

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:33:27 PM »

Bikes

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:34:57 PM »

Leadership missed a turn we had to make a large figure 8 and get back on the right road lost about 45 minutes imagine making a wrong turn and leading 400 bikes the wrong way.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #15 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:36:38 PM »

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:38:04 PM »

Fuel stop. All the fuel today was donated 400 bikes 3 fill ups fueling takes less than 45 minutes start to back on the road they do have a system.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:39:50 PM »

LEO in MO. led us across the state with an escort 6 wide motorcycles in front others pulling all traffic to the side till we passed while still others blocked all entrance ramps to the Interstate.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:40:34 PM »

LEO 2

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:41:59 PM »

If I understood the ones I talked to some of this same team of LEO escorts all the big shots when they come to MO such as the president of the United States.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #20 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:43:03 PM »

Best not be in the hammer lane when they overtake you to go take another position.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:44:35 PM »

Peeps on overpass

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:45:33 PM »

Overpass

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:46:52 PM »

Yep it was big.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:50:04 PM »

At the lunch stop today there was a POW/MIA table set. The Run For The Wall rides with a missing man formation tommorrow morning from Wentzville MO. to Jefferson Barracks D and I will have the honor of riding in that slot not all get to ride this position and once you have done it you are never eligible to ride it again not sure how my emotions will flow with that but we will see

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:51:24 PM »

Dogs were also used in Vietnam this place was in honor of those lost or missing

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #26 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:52:22 PM »

Wentzville welcome AWESOME

Bubba · « **Reply #27 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:52:55 PM »

AWESOME glad you had a great trip.... and for a GREAT CAUSE!

All I can say is AWSOME!

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #28 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:53:38 PM »

Speaks for itself.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #29 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:54:54 PM »

More welcome there are hundreds of people all along the roads and overpasses everywhere.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #30 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:56:48 PM »

We have about 500 pics so far and do not want to delete any of them will not post them all but will continue to post a few till we get home. Some of the oldtimers say the best is yet to come. We will be in DC on Friday if anyone wants to try and get together PM and I will give you my contact info. Jo we looking forward to seeing you.

1sharprdkg · « **Reply #31 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:33:34 PM »

Hey Cobb, great pics! Riding in the "slot' will be awsume. Missed turn,OUCH! My brother in law and I were side by side about mid-pack during the Trail of Tears headed to OK and someplace in Ark. Well we see this TRAIN coming, fools in front of us took off and just made it across, we both looked at each other and hit the binders hard at the same time. Long story short after a few missed turns the front of the pack sent a rider back to show us the way. Ride safe my friend! Looks like fun.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #32 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:41:58 PM »

Police escort all the way across MO. Awesome. Every overpass at least one was there waving.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #33 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:43:37 PM »

Side by Side at highway speed closer the better suits them most try to stay 2 seconds apart rode with some real riders today was awesome.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #34 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:45:17 PM »

This gentleman was a WWII vet and was at the battle of the bulge he kinda liked D. He also told D he had 1939 Indian when he left for the war when he got back his mother told him he had survived the war so he had to get rid of that Indian so he did he kinda wished he still had it.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #35 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:46:38 PM »

Bikes, riders, participants of all kinds colors, shapes and well........................................

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #36 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:48:39 PM »

How about these Gary? Rigged up on an overpass.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #37 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:50:43 PM »

Owner did not know how many hot dogs they could cook at once but last weekend at a truck show they did 1200 slabs of ribs and 400 chickens in one load. Dog was pretty dang good with sweet and spicey mustard.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #38 on:** May 24, 2011, 09:53:22 PM »

Bikes run 20 to 60 or so sometimes more in a platoon depending on how many riding that day. 7 platoons one dedicated to trikes and bikes with trailers so some platoons are very large if lots of riders show up.

mastergunnera8 · « **Reply #39 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:03:17 AM »

Following this thread Cobb, appreciate it!!!

I saw you went through Junction city, KS and called a (wounded) Army buddy of mine who lives there...He rides a white denim Street Glide...one eye and all!!

This is making me motivated to take part in the future..

Going to try and get a view at Front Royal, VA and wave you guys through!!

FNGw/08SERK · « **Reply #40 on:** May 25, 2011, 10:34:16 AM »

Great thread .... really appreciate it Cobb .... Thanks

StrokedRider · « **Reply #41 on:** May 25, 2011, 10:46:39 AM »

Keep it comming Buddy

Have a GREAT ride !!!

Robmay · « **Reply #42 on:** May 25, 2011, 05:48:45 PM »

Thanks Cobb. I was not aware of this ride. I will have to try and make it soon.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #43 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:16:27 PM »

We are in West (bygod) Virginia tonight going to Rainelle tomorrow the kids at school will be expecting us they really enjoy it when we come thru. Then on to Lewisburg.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #44 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:28:11 PM »

Towns people come out by the hundreds there really are patriots in our country. This was at a VA hospital.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #45 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:30:21 PM »

Side by side at highway speed.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #46 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:31:04 PM »

Nearly every overpass.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #47 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:32:04 PM »

Awesome

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #48 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:33:54 PM »

The Kentucky Memorial is a giant sundial that casts a shadow on the names of the KIA complete with times and dates.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #49 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:35:05 PM »

5 - 7 miles of bikes according to the CB

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #50 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:36:00 PM »

At this evenings ceremony

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #51 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:41:58 PM »

Says a lot. Today when we arrived here in Hurricane an elderly lady was standing on the sidewalk holding a WWII uniform clean and pressed talking with her later it was her husbands he has passed but she still holds his service to the United States high in her life. Small things on this ride making large memories for us. There is a missing man slot on this ride at the front of the group you are only allowed to ride this slot one time in your life if selected I was chosen to ride it into the Jefferson Barracks VA unit not sure what I can say about that right now but when/if you see the RFTW group try and notice the symbolism of that front group makes you think of lots of things that we should be thankful for. Seems like this is rambling on may post more later when I get it all written down and can be coherent about my thoughts will pop up a few more pics for the next few days till the end of the ride and we get back home do not want to eat to much bandwidth. To all you vets and partiots out there Thank you for your service and welcome home.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #52 on:** May 25, 2011, 09:56:04 PM »

Here is a link to more ride reports from another site. http://rftw.org/index.asp?lg=1&w=pages&r=21&pid=127

DesertHOG · « **Reply #53 on:** May 25, 2011, 11:30:52 PM »

Quote from: cobb on May 25, 2011, 09:56:04 PM

Here is a link to more ride reports from another site. http://rftw.org/index.asp?lg=1&w=pages&r=21&pid=127

Good job Buddy.. someone fix your camera for you?

Simon

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #54 on:** May 26, 2011, 05:08:44 AM »

Quote from: DesertHOG on May 25, 2011, 11:30:52 PM

Good job Buddy.. someone fix your camera for you?

Simon

Not so sure why the pics were kinda blue the first couple of days pushed few buttons and waaaaaaaaaaalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa it seems to be doing better.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #55 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:31:33 PM »

Red, White and Blue Dog what the heck.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #56 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:33:32 PM »

Always an isssue

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #57 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:35:20 PM »

Does anyone recognize this road?

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #58 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:36:55 PM »

At the hotel. Yes it was a hailstorm.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #59 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:38:23 PM »

No words.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #60 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:40:09 PM »

Today peeps in every small town we went thru lined the streets.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #61 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:41:25 PM »

One trucker on the CB said must be a million of them. Not quite that many but a bunch.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #62 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:42:23 PM »

Charleston.

Bubba · « **Reply #63 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:42:29 PM »

Buddy thank you for posting I really enjoyed your posts.
Glad you and D had an AWESOME TRIP!

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #64 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:43:37 PM »

Could listen to these men and women all day. This personal history will be gone someday.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #65 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:44:30 PM »

Highway speed.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #66 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:51:36 PM »

Today was a special day for all the first time (FNG) Run For The Wall riders. The morning rider meeting was the spot that each year the passes for entrance into Arlington are handed out the selection process is simple those that ride the farthest get the first option. Run For The Wall is the only motorcycle group that gets to ride escorted enmass into the cemetary. Fortunately we recieved a pass and will be one of the bikes that gets to ride enmass thru the front gate of Arlington in DC. I am going to run my video camera and will try and figure a way to post it somewhere on the net to be seen by those that have an interest. As a first time participant in Run For The Wall I was also selected to ride in the Missing Man slot in the command group at the front of the pack for a leg it is unusal for a FNG to be allowed to ride this slot for that I am thankful was an awesome experience. I have also spoken with some other CVO riders on this trip have only found one member but have told several about the site they claim they will be coming on by to check us out I know we will make them welcome as we always do.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #67 on:** May 26, 2011, 11:59:42 PM »

Quote from: cobb on May 26, 2011, 08:51:36 PM

Today was a special day for all the first time (FNG) Run For The Wall riders. The morning rider meeting was the spot that each year the passes for entrance into Arlington are handed out the selection process is simple those that ride the farthest get the first option. Run For The Wall is the only motorcycle group that gets to ride escorted enmass into the cemetary. Fortunately we recieved a pass and will be one of the bikes that gets to ride enmass thru the front gate of Arlington in DC. I am going to run my video camera and will try and figure a way to post it somewhere on the net to be seen by those that have an interest. As a first time participant in Run For The Wall I was also selected to ride in the Missing Man slot in the command group at the front of the pack for a leg it is unusal for a FNG to be allowed to ride this slot for that I am thankful was an awesome experience. I have also spoken with some other CVO riders on this trip have only found one member but have told several about the site they claim they will be coming on by to check us out I know we will make them welcome as we always do.

Buddy, thanks for reporting back to us with the pics and progress report. Glad that you and Dee are making this trip, I know how much it means to you.

God bless,
Simon

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #68 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:43:02 PM »

Retired Respect. They came to the hotel.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #69 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:43:46 PM »

Getting Closer

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #70 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:44:43 PM »

Closer

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #71 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:47:19 PM »

At Hotel

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #72 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:48:21 PM »

Also at hotel

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #73 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:49:41 PM »

Marine ceremony at Jefferson Barracks rained out however a Marine handed me a challenge coin was really kinda interesting.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #74 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:52:47 PM »

Run for the wall is the only group of motorcyclist allowed to ride enmass into Arlington Cemetary. We were chosen as one of the 450 to make this part of the ride.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #75 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:54:37 PM »

Not radios on, no engines being revved up just ..................................

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #76 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:55:41 PM »

Inside

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #77 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:57:11 PM »

Also inside then off to the Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Wall and the other monuments.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #78 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:00:27 PM »

These are carried each year to the wall at the request of some of the families we took this pic after we found the name on the wall should the family contact us we will provide them with a copy of this pic.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #79 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:04:13 PM »

The man that popped this popcorn was in a VA hospital his twin brother's name is on the wall they both loved popcorn as children he asks someone to take a bag to the wall and place it at the bottom of the panel where his brothers name is. There is an interesting mix of things left at the base of the wall the items are collected each day and stored away volunteeers come and clean the wall each morning.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #80 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:06:01 PM »

The Korea memorial is also very interesting to me.

16HD117 · « **Reply #81 on:** May 30, 2011, 09:47:27 AM »

I saw that Sarah Palin rode (BSR) with the group in DC on a black 2010.5 CVO Ultra. Wonder if it was a members bike?

They intervied some of the Vets and some thought Mrs Palin used the event to promote her political campaign. I kind of thought that it was nice that she was there to support the Vets. I doubt if the RFTW would have gotten Monday AM national news coverage if she hadn't been there.

Jerry/MD · « **Reply #82 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:00:51 AM »

Did the ride for the first time yesterday. It was a pretty humbling experience.

Although I did not serve in the military... it was an honor to ride with so many vets.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #83 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:08:26 PM »

Quote from: Jerry/MD on May 30, 2011, 10:00:51 AM

Did the ride for the first time yesterday. It was a pretty humbling experience.

Although I did not serve in the military... it was an honor to ride with so many vets.

Run For The Wall (RFTW) is a coast to coast ride from California to Washington DC prior to Rolling Thunder both are great events and the opportunity to do either is a good experience during the RFTW you see lots of patriots across the United States.

spydglide · « **Reply #84 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:13:02 PM »

Quote from: cobb on May 31, 2011, 02:08:26 PM

Run For The Wall (RFTW) is a coast to coast ride from California to Washington DC prior to Rolling Thunder both are great events and the opportunity to do either is a good experience during the RFTW you see lots of patriots across the United States.

Thanks so much for sharing your ride (RFTW) with us Cobb. I loved ea. of those pics and it was the next best thing to being there with ya'll. Maybe some day, it'll work out for real.

spyder

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #85 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:15:20 PM »

A few pics from Rolling Thunder

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #86 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:16:35 PM »

The owner claims it is a korean conflict restoration

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #87 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:18:04 PM »

Yes it is a casket

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #88 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:20:27 PM »

From a grassy knoll overlooking a Pentagon parking lot bikes parked very closely covering a 60 acre parking lot we arrived at 6:45 a.m. for a noon start and it was 25% full at that time.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #89 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:22:49 PM »

Tim has been sick and in the hospital but he still made the trip and holds this postion throughout the parade start to finish. He takes leave time and pays his own expenses.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #90 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:24:37 PM »

Route goes right past the White House

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #91 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:27:33 PM »

Spectators line both sides of the street along the entire route. Big, small, young, old, disabled, all celebrating the freedoms of the United States.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #92 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:28:52 PM »

All with a common message.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #93 on:** May 31, 2011, 02:41:29 PM »

Then after a 5 - 6 hour wait and a 20 minute ride down a parade route most meet at a grassy area for speakers, music and presentations. Should you ever get the chance to participate in The Run For The Wall (RFTW)(as did an 83 & 81 year old man, a girl on a Vespa scooter and many others) or in the Rolling Thunder parade you should do so we all get something different out of these according to our individula needs. I do know that I have gotten some closure and helped others get closure to some issues they have been working with which is a good thing. I do have some video do not know how good or bad it is and a ton of other pics from across the country. Patriotism is alive and well in the United States we just need to try and pull it all together somehow. If you see somone that has served the country in some way or who you think is a patriot that has not served take the time to stop and say thank you, you never know for sure how much that person may need just the words you have to say. This really came home to me in a strong way when a disabled vet asked me if I was fire/ems (I was wearing a fire/ems shirt) when I told him yes but retired he said "Thank you for your service to us all" he had become disabled in combat but still was thanking me which really caught me offguard until I had time to reflect but he is a glass half full kind of person as I have always been but I thank him for reenforcing that lesson. To all that have served in some form or other as military, civil service, volunteer or just offering a helping had to someone in a time of need "thank you and welcome home".
Anyone that wants a cd with the pics and video on it send me a pm and I will mail you a copy when I get them done.

Jerry/MD · « **Reply #94 on:** June 01, 2011, 08:29:55 AM »

Thanks for the great pics cobb.

I remember seeing the soldier in his dress uniform saluting as I rode by. A true patriot!

napalm · « **Reply #95 on:** June 01, 2011, 11:50:07 PM »

Quote from: 11hd110 on May 30, 2011, 09:47:27 AM

I saw that Sarah Palin rode (BSR) with the group in DC on a black 2010.5 CVO Ultra. Wonder if it was a members bike?

They intervied some of the Vets and some thought Mrs Palin used the event to promote her political campaign. I kind of thought that it was nice that she was there to support the Vets. I doubt if the RFTW would have gotten Monday AM national news coverage if she hadn't been there.

Here you go Tommy....

napalm · « **Reply #96 on:** June 01, 2011, 11:51:22 PM »

Cobb,

Thanks for the pictures...been going down to Rolling Thunder the last 9 years...makes you proud.

napalm

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #97 on:** July 11, 2011, 04:58:19 PM »

Can you find the CVO's in this? I know at least three members who are pictured.

spydglide · « **Reply #98 on:** July 11, 2011, 07:09:58 PM »

Great video Cobb....esp. liked the stereo 'chopper' during that one point. thanks. spyder

Author Topic: Run For The Wall (RFTW) 2011 (Read 18371 times)