Run For The Wall crosses through Colorado

Fuel crew members Cathy and Glenn Buchholz man the pumps in Limon

Motorcyclists crossing the country on their way to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC passed through Colorado today. With them were Glenn and Cathy Buchholz, Denver-area bikers who ride this run each year to help the healing of fellow bikers still tortured by demons of their Vietnam experience.

I'm following Glenn and Cathy as they make this year's Run For The Wall, and here is their latest report.

Back to the saga of the ride to D.C. Mornings come early and nights end late.

Well we all got to Gallup, NM, with no major mishaps, praise God. That is where we are tonight, Thursday. We, the fuel crew, left Rancho Cucamonga bright and early Wednesday morning, after a free breakfast provided by the CMA local chapter,  with the pledge to the flag and a prayer. I was told we only started out with about 275 plus registered riders, down a little from years past. Economy may have a lot to do with that.

Out of that we were told over 40 percent were FNGs. You might wonder what FNG means. Well when a new person arived on the battlefield he was labeled that for awhile until he proved himself to be competent. We call the people that are on the run for the first time an FNG, Fine New Guy. :^) They even get to wear a button on their vest to identify themselves. We treat them with the utmost respect on the trip to make sure they have a great experience.

Got to our first fuel stop, Barsow CA, and all went well dispite a couple changes at the last moment. We get used to that all across the nation. Be flexible is what we are. Off to Ludlow, CA, where we were provided with our first free fuel. Not sure who provided that. By the time we got to Needles, CA, we were ready for the cool water and great food. They also provide those bandanas that we wrap around our neck after being soaked in ice water. They swell up and stay hydrated, as long as Cathy dumps water on them, for quite awhile. Lunch and wraps were provided to us free of charge by several organizations in the community. The people sure love us and we sure love them!

We ended up in Williams, AZ, around 5 PM. The fuel crew went over to main street after parking our bikes and waited for the rest of the pack. As we paraded through the town we stood on the curb and saluted all of them as they went by. Some of the FNGs were very gratefull as were the others. The town people were all out waving and shouting also. There we were fed at the local VFW. A very rustic log building that I think was built when the town started. Great BBQ brisket with all the trimmings. Again provided by the good people of that community. Got to hold conversation and get to know a few more people a little better. Every one is very open to share their life with us, and we with them. Hit the hay very tired!

Up again today bright and early. We were asked to be at staging at 5:30 AM. Got there early. Hard to sleep in these days. We did get some breakfast of burritos, coffee, and fruit. Again provide by the good people of Rosi's  cafe. Had the pledge and prayer and off to Winslow, AZ, for our one and only fuel stop provided by our team as we only traveled a total of 234 miles today.

We stopped for lunch at the VFW in Holbrook, AZ, for sloppy joes and all the trimmings, including desert. They have presentations to these people before the pack leaves each place. We, however, miss that as we have to leave early to secure the next stop. We left early today without having a next stop so we were very early arriving in Gallup, NM. That was OK because the Indians were already celebrating at the city center and we took pictures and watched them there. We also got to take part in donating to a blanket dance. The princess of the Navajo tribe has a chance to go to D.C. also but has to raise her own support. We helped with that.

When the pack finally came into town they had more dancing and celebration. They have tribal drums and very elaborate costumes to dance in. They also allow the participants from RFTW to dance with them; quite an honor. The Indian people are very spiritual and respectful of others. They love all the riders and treat us with great respect. The Indian nations send more warriors than any other people in this country. They are proud to serve their country. Almost every able-bodied young man goes to serve his country.

After the celebration, again we got fed by the good people of the community. Was a very tiring day even if it wasn't very many miles.