Run for the Wall - Day 10

Well, as expected, I did not have the time or the energy to get online at all yesterday. We had a 239 mile ride into Washington, D.C. We had breakfast at the American Legion in Roanoke beginning at 5:15 am and then we got ready to roll by 7:30 am. We had our final morning meeting, along with the ceremony of letting all the FNG's become veterans of Run for the Wall. This was our last time for a riders meeting for 2010 and we were already getting sad.

Even with that sadness, there was excitement in the air. We were within striking distance of Washington, D.C. and looking forward to the end of our 10-day odyssey. There were two fuel stops between the time we left Roanoke and got to D.C. and as we reached our last fuel stop, the riders were almost "chomping at the bit" in anticipation of heading into Washington, D.C.

Our last fuel stop was in Front Royal this year, which was a first time for me. The weather looked kind of bad, but it did not rain, despite all the dire predictions. As we were resting in Front Royal, (since the last leg into D.C. was anticipated to be grueling...) sandwiches and drinks were provide for extra energy. Boy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches never tasted so good. I love peanut butter and jelly, but these sandwiches tasted extra special. Thanks to those that took the time to make the sandwiches to keep us all alert for our last leg in.

The final ride into Washington, D.C. was a bit exciting, but nothing we could not handle after 9 full days on the road from California. As we rolled into the parking lot across from the host hotel, we were enthusiastically greeted by the early Southern Route arrivals. Those people who got into Arlington, ahead of the main pack made sure to line the street to applaud and yell encouragement for the main body of the Southern Route. After we all parked our bikes, there was a lot of hugging and congratulating each other for a mission accomplished. Knowing that we all had different responsibilities upon reaching our destination, we made sure to exchange contact information so we could stay in touch over the year.

What I found really energizing was all the people already counting the days to Run for the Wall XXIII. The riders were sad that our official mission has been completed, but they were already looking forward to next year's mission.

After the Southern Route got checked into their respective hotels, many came back to the host hotel prior to the arrival of the Central Route riders. It was fun to see so many riders lining the street looking up the street in anticipation of the arrival of the Central Route. As their headlights finally appeared at the top of the off-ramp, the Southern Route riders began clapping and cheering excitedly. It is wonderful to finally re-combine the two Routes and have Run for the Wall one complete group once again. As the Central Route riders parked their bikes, several of the Southern Route riders went over to congratulate them too. More back slapping and hugging occurred and then more contact information was exchanged. In all, it was a very successful ride for both the Southern and Central Routes of Run for the Wall XXII.

We are glad to have completed our mission, but are sad because the time together this year is coming to a close. In the evening many riders went to the Marine Barracks, Washington at 8th & I to watch the Evening Parade. If you have never attended the Evening Parade, it is something that you really must make the time to view. Even though it rained prior to the start of the Evening Parade, the Marines determined the rain was not that bad and did not cancel the event. As they were demonstrating their skills, the skies opened up once again, but the Marines did not even miss a beat. Despite sitting out on bleachers in the rain, even the spectators did not wish to leave until the conclusion of the Evening Parade. Damp though we were, we all had a wonderful time.

Another group of riders who did not wish to go to the Marine Barracks this time were lead to the Vietnam Memorial for an evening vigil. They too got rained on, but they did enjoy the evening visit.

If you wish to read more about what occurred on Day 10 and see some pictures, please visit http://www.rftwsr-2010.us/. There will be at least two more postings tomorrow, one for the After-Action report, and then the speech by Mark Peterson from Wytheville, VA.

Until tomorrow...