Our mission began Tuesday morning with a visit to the Bowman Elementary School in Auburn; a wonderful bunch of young Americans thrilled to meet those who ride those shiny beasts–mostly from Milwaukee! Then a ride into Sacramento to visit veterans at the Vet Hospital.
The next day, after a hearty breakfast from the Auburn Jeep Club, 40 NVAR riders rolled east on the ride we looked forward to since last June. Sunshine covered the mountains and I didn’t even need my heated liners turned on, but as long as I wore them I did.
The Reno NV motorcycle police met us out of town and escorted us to the Vets Hospital for another great visit. A wreath was laid at the Vets cemetery in Fernley (out in the middle of NV), and we finished a 400 mile day in Elko. Thur. a.m., we crossed the Salt Lake Desert with an escort from Utah motorcycle clubs (about 150 – 200 bikes), then met 25 of Utah’s motor cops for an escort to the Salt Lake City Vets hospital. Man, we looked good going down the highways and expressways. At the hospital I had the good fortune to meet Delbert Boyington–a relative of the famous Pappa Boyington from WWII. (The 1970’s tv show Baa Baa Black Sheep was about him.) These can be emotional visits, as it was with LaFonda, whom I’ve visited with the past three years. She’s a sharp woman at 90 years old. Her best friend died a year ago, her husband and a son passed years ago, and now she wants to join them. I do hope to see her next year, but if I don’t, I’ll be happy for her, too.
Our escorts, clubs and cops, insured an undisturbed ride to Evanston WY for a wreath laying ceremony, and some lovely songs sung by the high school choir. After that, it was happy hour at the local VFW and dinner.
Thanks for the visit, and please look around my web site; maybe buy a book!
Please check back for more.
Thank you & Never Forget