Boy Scout volunteers at the Angel Fire dinner for the Run
Dinner for the Run at Angel Fire Community Center
Early dinner arrivals at Angel Fire Community Center dinner
Man, could he play the fiddle!
Mayor of Angel Fire welcoming Central Route.
7/13 - Judy Lacey sent the two photos below of the Route 66 Casino welcome sign (left) and of Skeater and his sister, Marilyn - both Marines.
May 16, 2008
Official Sit Reps - Day Three - Gallup to Angel Fire
As we woke up and started loading our bikes today, we realized we first needed to brush the frost off our seats - it was going to be a cold day! While it was a cold 34 degrees, the sun shown brightly as did our spirits as we started out one of the more emotional days on the Run – our visit to Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial. After we staged at the Red Rock Cinema and ate our breakfast tacos donated by Sundance Iron Riders, we pulled out with our growing pack. We were escorted by New Mexico Highway Patrol motorcycle officers who originally joined us at the Arizona, New Mexico border.
Our first gas stop at the Route 66 Casino was sponsored by Thunderbird Harley-Davidson of Albuquerque. As we arrived, we were greeted by a host of people with flags and friendly faces. When we left, we were escorted by the Albuquerque Police Department who provided 18 motorcycle officers plus three cruisers – who then blocked the entire freeway on ramps. The Albuquerque Police dropped off at the edge of their jurisdiction, and our escort by the Highway Patrol continued towards Espanola. Also escorting us was Wings and Rotors in two Vietnam era helicopters. Once we arrived in Espanola, sandwiches were provided by Sange De Cristo HOG Chapter and Santa Fe Harley Davidson. After we ate, we had a short ceremony at the Veterans memorial before heading out for a quick gas stop and up the mountain to Angel Fire.
The weather held out nicely for us although it was quite chilly - better than the snow we had heard might greet us. The mountain peaks were still dressed in snow caps, and the run-off fueled the roaring mountain streams. As always, our ride into the Memorial is lined with flags and the surrounding community showing their support and Welcoming Home our veterans. The Angel Fire Memorial is always a very touching and moving experience for all our vets - especially the FNG's. We spent an hour and a half there before making our way to dinner at the AngelFireCommunity Center sponsored by the Village of Angel Fire. The spaghetti dinner, red white and blue decorations, special speakers and fiddle player made for a special evening as we ended another special day on our Mission.
The warm beds will feel especially cozy tonight after a long cold day on the bikes and an emotional visit to the memorial. We remember - Freedom Isn't Free.
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More from David Talley:
We left Gallup right on time. The New Mexico State Police, and Albuquerque City Motor Cycle Cops shut down I-40 from mile post 26 to our first fuel stop at the RT 66 Casino at mile post 140. 114 miles of bliss. We were the only traffic rolling on the interstate. I-40 has been designated the Purple Heart Trail, and Veterans, families of Veterans, and friends of Veterans were the only east bound traffic today. Fuel stop went off without a hitch. The California Kid, and his friend that owns Thunderbird Harley Davidson arranged for our gas to be free at this stop. Yesterday I got a count of 270 for the Southern Route (SR) and today we rolled out on the Central Route (CR) with a little more than 420 participants. The CR Number will drop some tomorrow, but will jump back up when we register in Colorado. I apologize for not having more accurate numbers, but things have not gone to plan. I will attempt to get better numbers tomorrow. The State Police shut down I-40 then I-25 north after out fuel stop. we took the Santa Fe Relief route at mile marker 267 B. Again we were the only traffic on the high way. Truck response to what we are doing has for the most part been excellent. When a CB Rambo does open up on us, the other truckers tend to shut them down.
Weather has been great. After lunch we fueled, and all Platoon Leaders had separate meeting with their assigned riders. The trip to Angel Fire was discussed. This road requires every one to ride their own ride. Some may remember this is the road that I got hit on last year. Krazy Karl and Bounce were tucked in at the rear of the first Platoon, pretty much relieved of talking to trucks since we were under Police escort, and there were not going to be any trucks on the road to Angel Fire. First Platoon was about 150 yards from the corner where I got clipped last year when the dreaded "Biker Down" call came over the radio. Sand caused a very good rider to go down. He realized that he was about to go over a drop of about 100 feet, and he laid his bike down to avoid that. I responded, as I was the first available bike with communication with the leadership. The rider was pinned by the bike for a few minutes, but just a little sore; bike was ridable, but the rider wanted a mechanic to check it out. As far as I know, there were no other incidents today.
All and all great weather, great response from trucks, great support from New Mexico, and no major damage to equipment or persons. Day 3 was a good day
