Northern Virginia American Legion Riders Legacy Run

Wow....New Total

2008-09-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

From Bill Sloan at the National Office the new total is - $530,796.23 and still climbing.

Well we are all home now. Belief it or not the common thread amongst us all is that we can't wait for next year. Another common thread is that it is hard to believe we are home. Many of us are still on the same schedule. Each morning we were up, loading up the bikes, and on the road early. Many of us are still up early in the morning and weary by 3:00 p.m. I guess when you get in the swing of a schedule for 2.5 weeks it is hard to break it.

I, personally, am a bit sore still. My old Army shoulder injury is really acting up. Hope to be over that soon BEFORE I have to go to a doc. Will see. I am looking forward to this weekend. Some rest then a nice ride to Walter Reed with one of the Maryland Legion Rider chapters.

Almost 1000 Miles and I am Home

2008-08-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Finally, I am home. I rode HARD for two days and am now sitting in my easy chair typing you all the final blog of the trip. I AM HOME. My goal was to make it home by 8/30 and I decided by hell or high water that I would make it despite rain both days. I also logged a couple of extra states along the way.

Friday morning, as I awoke in Jonesboro, AR, only find the cover on my bike cover had been stolen. The cover has been with me for over two years, had been across the country the and wouldn't you know it was stolen in my former home town. Never the less, at 0700 I hit the road. I rode and rode through the boot heel of Missouri, hit Tennessee, and pulled into Kentucky before noon. Although I hit a patch or two of rain in S.E. Kentucky it was a good day. It was nice and cool until just outside Lexington where I had decided would be my night's destination. Saturday on the other hand, I awoke to patchy heavy fog, I hit W.V. about 10 a.m. and an hour later was in a driving thunderstorm. However, about an hour south of Clarksburg, WV the clouds cleared and it was on. I had decided that if I could dry out and the rain was not continuing over the mountains that I would plug on from their. As I approached Clarksburg it looked a little iffy but after I turned on US50 I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Therefore, I pushed over the mountains. I made it to Winchester by 1900 and home an hour and a half later. Almost 1000 miles in two days. That is a tough drive in a car. Believe me, I have done it. Add to it some thunderstorms and I am surprised myself. But, I did it and I am home. WOW.

So there you have it. 7 days out and just a few hours over 6 days back. Other than washing clothes and cleaning a nasty bike, the adventure is over. Until next year..........

We Did It....

2008-08-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see below we did it ...... Over One Half A Million Dollars this year. Even if you did not make the ride, if you were a part of our chapter, or a part of the Virginia Legion Riders, or even just participated in some of our fundraising events you are a part of that and you should be proud.

If you have not already checked out the official Legacy Run blog (http://legacyrun.blogspot.com/). You can see video of the ride, etc. Including some footage from the Advance Team and the back of my head as we went through the Salt River Canyon.

Well I am safely in Arkansas now. Mike N. peeled off just after noon yesterday in Eastlend to visit friends in Texas. Among my travels was an overnight in Greenville, TX then through Texarkana (Texas and Arkansas) and Hope, AR, birthplace of Clinton. Visiting my daughter today in Southwestern Arkansas and will travel to Northeast Arkansas tommorrow to see my little guy.

The weatherman is not being good to me. The trip home has been very dry thus far but looks like that will change for the weekend. Hope not but........

Legion Riders raise $515, 346.23 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund

2008-08-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

More than 200 motorcyclists roared into downtown Phoenix Friday, culminating a cross-country ride of 1,800 miles to make a college education possible for the children of thousands of U.S. military men and women who have died defending our freedoms since Sept. 11, 2001. Their goal: raising $350,000. The third annual American Legion Legacy Run kicked off Aug. 17 in Indianapolis and ran through seven states to the 90th American Legion National Convention in Phoenix that convenes Tuesday.

During their journey the Riders enjoyed both sunny and rainy days. And while soggy weather may have soaked them to the bone on occasion, it didn’t dampen their spirits. "There's no such thing as a bad day to ride, especially when we are riding to raise money to ensure a college education for children who have lost a mom or dad," said Phil Whitt of Birmingham Post 151. "Rain is just liquid sunshine."Mike Harper of New Haven Post 330 in Indiana agrees.

"It's pretty wet on the road," Harper said during a fuel stop in Shamrock, Texas. "But I can't think of a better reason to ride - rain or no rain." American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser, who traveled with the Riders, greeted them at each of their daily fuel stops, lunch stops and overnight stays to encourage the motorcyclists and to thank them.

"Legion Riders on the Legacy Run, and Legionnaires across the country, are raising funds to ensure that a higher education will be a reality for children who have lost a mom or dad," Conatser said. "Providing for the children of our military personnel who have paid the ultimate price for freedom is our civic duty, and an education is a powerful way to show our thanks."

At St. Robert Post 331 in Missouri, the Riders witnessed firsthand the impact of their efforts. Amy Sabalu and her two young children came out to thank the group. Sabalu's husband was killed in action in Afghanistan, and she said she is grateful to The American Legion and the Legion Riders that she doesn't have to worry about her children affording a college education. "I intended to explain the purpose of the Legacy Scholarship tonight, but there's little I can add," Conatser told those gathered at the post. "Amy and her children are what this is all about. What more can I say?"

Along the route, which followed the historic Route 66, Legionnaires made donations at lunch stops and during evening activities, along with providing food, bottled water and other support. By Wednesday, Riders had received more than $208,000 in contributions, and by the time they rolled into Phoenix on Thursday they had raised nearly $300.00. By the time a final check was presented on the floor of the convention Tuesday, the final tally exceeded 500,000 surging past the $350,000 goal. “Last year I jokingly said, I thought the riders did an outstanding job last year and I just expected them to do better for me. And they did!” Conatser told the attendees Tuesday afternoon.During the five-day run Riders stopped overnight in St. Robert, Mo., Oklahoma City, Tucumcari, N.M., and Gallup, N.M. Along the route, Legion posts played crucial supporting roles by manning fuel stops, coordinating with local law enforcement officials, and providing the road warriors with food and water.

While Legacy Run 2008 may be in the history books, it’s never too late to support the Legacy Scholarship Fund. For more information on how you can help provide a college education to the children of our fallen heroes, email Robert Caudell at rcaudell@legion.org.

From The American Legion Website

(http://www.legion.org/vision/currentevents/2008/08/legion_riders_raise_515_34623.html)

On The Way Home......

2008-08-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Many of the NOVA Legion Riders are on the way home. We kind of split up for the trip. Rich C. left Phoenix on Saturday, Mike N. and I left on Sunday. Jon B. shipped his bike home and will ride home with his wife in the car but are visiting family, etc. in the Phoenix area. John S. is staying for the duration of the Convention and will trailer home later in the week.

Mike and my trip is going well. Day one we made it over 400 miles to Las Cruces, NM after a brief visit to THE Tombstone, AZ (pics later). This morning we got up and have made it to Midland, TX. We stopped in El Paso, TX so my bike could visit the place,it called home once, the world famous, Barnett Harley-Davidson. What a shop.....WOW.

The ride has been great. It has been absolutely beautiful. West Texas is HOT, however and it makes riding in the heat of the afternoon TOUGH. The diversity of the geography, people, etc. has been a pure pleasure. Tommorrow, Mike and I will part ways after we get to Abilene as he is going to visit a friend who lives in TX and I am on to Arkansas to visit my family for a day or two before heading home.

The plan now is for me to be home Sunday. Not sure if I will have time to update you all but if I do, I will.

DAY 6

2008-08-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Although the Legacy Run was officially over, we still had things to do today. Today was the parade to the Convention Center followed by the National ALR Meeting. It was great seeing the bikes pull in. In addition we were asked to be at the local Fox Station this morning for a spot on the Letacy Run on the morning show. (http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=AC43B998D332531D6E89F17C79E7B779?contentId=7265282&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1 )

Mike "N" and myself left the convention center just after the big meeting. We went to Superstion Harley-Davidson to change our oil. Then Mike wanted to see the local fair a bit. So we did. We rode the Apache Trail (http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/apache_trail/) to Tortilla Flats for dinner. It was a great ride through the Superstitious Mountains by Canyon Lake etc.

I have uploaded all the pics from the lasr 2 days on FLICKER. CHECK IT OUT!

Day 5 - On To Phoenix

2008-08-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

YES....we made it to Phoenix!!! 16/17 of the riders from Virginia and 5/5 of the NOVA Legion Riders arrived today safe and sound in Phoenix. We prensented our check after lunch. How proud I was of all of the blood, sweat, and tears we shed and presented the National Commander with 2 checks. One for One Thousand, One for Tw0 Thousand. That combined with what has been sent in our behalf brings the total raised by our chapter to $3625. Wooo Hooo.

Today brought us out of the cold Gallup, NM high dessert on I-40 then over the mountains, through the Salt River Canyon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_River_(Arizona)) and into Tempe, AZ our final destinations. Temperature ranges today were from 54 when we left Gallup (COOOOOLD) to 108 upon arrival (HOTTTTTTTT). When they say it is a dry heat they are right but 108 is 108 is 108. Lows are equal to Virginia's highs.

It has been a long ride guys and gals but well worth it.........

Day 4

2008-08-20T18:00:00.001-07:00

Very short blog tonight. We are very very tired and have to be up early in the a.m. (0330) for the last day of the run. All the NOVA riders are still here. One of the 17 Virginians (Jimbo) has his bike on a trailer but is still riding along. We are anxious for our arrival in Phoenix tommorrow. Today started cold but turned hot later. We rain through just a bit of high desert rain which actually helped cool us down. It was a bit of a pain at 75 MPH but actually was really beautiful coming across the desert we could see lighning and rain for miles. It was great.

Until Tomorrow .......

Day 3 - Rain Rain and Rain

2008-08-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well I was very nervous about today. Seems a Canadian Low had settled on Oklahoma City and was sitting there churning and churning. That means unseasonably cool weather but also means rain. It was pouring when we got up, pouring as we left OK City and although it let up a lot rained from there almost to Amarillo, TX. About 8.5 hours worth of driving in band after band of rain. By far, the worse was OK City, where we left again before sun up and the dark combined with the rain made it hazardous but we pulled through. Soaked to the bone. The folks at our stop in Shamrock, TX said it has not rained in 6 months and it has been raining for 4 days and is expected to continue. Although this front first came through New Mexico and dumped some rain and brought us some cool weather, like magic as we crossed the border the clouds lifted and it warmed up. The last hour was highly enjoyable.

Virginia is beautiful but something has to be said for the Texas Plains and the NM Mesas. Mike and I did the touristy thing tonight and went around taking pics. Lots of history and cool murals here. Even found out the owner of the Safari is a Legion Rider. Great guy who showed us around a bit. You get the rewards of our touristy activities with lots of pics tonight. Also posted are pics taken by J. Carrol of the American Legion. Check out the "official Legacy Run" blog at http://www.legacyrun.blogspot.com/.

By the way our hotel is right on Historic 66! BONUS.

Short Blog.....

2008-08-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just a short one with some pics that Thom Guthrie took.

We are currently in OK City. It has been a really long day and we are just settling in.

In Joplin, MO there was a close by Harley dealer and they had set up a booth so after many miles of rough roads I decided it was time to replace my rear tire and am I glad I did. I was not alone 6 people from the run were there for the same reason. All saying they should have got a few more thousand miles out of their tires but due to the rough road conditions it was time. 2 of the riders went ahead and the other 4 of us took off together and high tailed it. We made up time and pulled into the hotel just as the advance party were checking in.

Rain Rain Rain and yes it did rain today for almost 1/2 of the way. Not too hard but enough for a good soaking.

Well it is late and time for bed........

Day 1 to Ft. Leonardwood

2008-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

All arrived safely today in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Or for those of you in the know .... Fort Lost In The Woods. Feels like home around here. For those that do not know I am originally from this area. Lots of time in St. Louis doing drill, Fort Lost In The Woods, etc. Just a few hours away from N.E. Arkansas where I moved to NOVA from. My parents are 2.5 hours from St. Louis. Must admit I got the chill bumps as we got closer than even more so when the Arch came into view and again when we crossed the Mississippi. Count them now Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and now Missouri. 7 states thus far.

The advance team stuff is a BLAST. We have to leave early but that means we get out in front of everyone, get to the gas stops, and BATHROOMS first, then stop first. Ahead of the pack of 200 that can take an hour to get through the stops, wait in lines, etc. Many of you know that lines are not my thing....LOL

I say we all made it safe. Maybe not sound, though. Rich C. dropped his bike in the gravel at the second gas stop. It is only has a few scratches as does he but he is shaken.

Tonight before writing to you all, I got in the hot tub for about 20 minutes and I feel 110 percent better. Ready for tomorrow.

Sorry no pics today. I left my SD card in the computer last night and although I took a few they, of course, did not save. JJ from Newport News, whom many met at Run To The Thunder, among other places, has a bike mounted cam. Hope to borrow some footage and/or stills from the actual road. I have seen some of the stuff and wow you will love it I assure you.

Up at 0430 again in the morning to do another 300 miles.......... Until tomorrow.

~Doc

P.S. I hear you all had some good turn outs at Sully. GREAT JOB to all.

What A Day In Indy......

2008-08-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been. Mike headed to Harley-Davidson and I headed to breakfast then wash the bike as planned. I rode back to the hotel. Visited for a bit started the bike again and parked it and came up to chill in the room for an hour or so. Then when I went to go get on the bike it started and backed out a bit and then went dead. Not battery dead but whole bike dead. DEAD as a door nail. I took things apart and checked all the fuses in the main box, took the instrument panel off, etc. In the meantime Mike got back and nothing wrong with his bike. So I called the Harley dealer from the number on his receipt, yes they charged him to look at it, but he got a wash out of them. They gave me the number for the local tow guy and said I would have to pay and HOG would reimburse me..... YUCKY

As that was happening, however, the chase team trailers pulled in so I thought....hmmmm They might give me and the bike a lift. AWESOME As I was talking with them, they told me their mechanic was on the way and would be there in an hour or so. Well, of course, I decided to wait. Sure enough he helped me run it down and it was the MAIN 40 amp fuse. Got that fixed right up and I was running and on the way. YEAH Thanks to those guys for sure. Saved me a couple hundred probably. Much of the chase and support group (see rest of the post) is made up from the Converse, Texas post. Connie Wise's, who rides with us a lot, home post. They are awesome. Come to find out too, Connie is home in Texas right now celebrating her birthday. Happy B'day Connie.

Well as I was getting things up and running, our Past Department Commander, Andy, came up to me and talked with me about being part of something special. Seems the Converse post could use some help in the Advance Team as part of the fuel stops. So guess what Andy, I, Mike N, and 3 others from VA will team with the Converse Legion Riders Post to help out. We will be in advance of the whole pack. AWESOME.

In other news Jimbo from Colonial Heights was honored by receiving a thank you for his service in the current operations. (See pic above). Much to the Colonial Heights guys they also had another member ride up and join the run. Bringing their total to 4 riders and one passenger and bring the Virginia total on up as well.

In addition to the mishap today was a bit disappointing. Not a lot happening here. We DID NOT even get to ride the track. :( Lots of speeches and presentations this evening (pics above).

In addition to raising money for a great cause this trip is about fellowship. We met the Legion Riders from the Baltimore County area (Rickerstown?). They will be riding home on 50 and were interested in how our ride went. They also will be joining us for the Virginia Romp. 15 riders from one chapter here in Indy. WOW. Great group of guys and gals!

Up early tomorrow. 0430 is going to come way too quick.

600 Miles Down.....

2008-08-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well the five of us made it to Indy safe and sound about 1630 this afternoon. Once again, I cannot say it enough, what a ride. 50 west to 35 west amazing. We then hit 70 for about the last 80 miles YUCK. 80 miles of rough interstate, trucks, etc. at speeds above 70 MPH (the speed limit here). The brightest spots of the route we took were seeing small town American at its finest. From the flag lined streets, to the small old towns with building dates on the outside. Some dating to the 1800's. One gas stop was Washington Court House, a small town in Ohio. The sign coming into town said settled by Virginia veterans of the Revolutionary War.

And NICE people. We hit West Alexandria, OH very hungry. The nice lady at the Marathon gave us directions to the Legion Post there. It was about 1300 and she told us they had a good lunch. She was wrong but, as always, the place was filled with nice friendly folks. All of which loved hearing about out adventures thus far and wished us well. Genie the club manager was truly sorry they did not have lunch for us but told us to call her a couple hours in advance next time we are coming through and they would whip us up something. Next year West Alexandria will have to be our lunch stop. Instead, however, we had a great buffet lunch in Richmond, IN. Yes our friends who joined us in Parkersburg (see last night's blog) have now ridden from just outside Richmond, VA to Richmond, IN.

That is very interesting that so many towns are named the same. We have certainly seen them. Centerville, OH, Hagerstown, OH, albeit West but West Alexandria, etc. etc. Well who I am to talk having lived in Aberdeen, MD when I was 4 and Aberdeen, WA a couple years later.

We have spoken to or have heard that the whole of the Northern Virginia Legion Riders and Virginia Legion Riders as a whole have also made it to Indy. Tomorrow is the pre run rally. Should be a blast. 1200 to 2000 will make for a long day, however. At least we get to sleep in.....YEAH RIGHT.

Mike N. is having a bit of bike problems. He has developed a squeeky front wheel. He is up early in the A.M. to head to the West Indy Harley-Davidson dealer to get it checked out. I, myself, will get up early as well. The bad side to the route we took is bugs. Right through Corn country and the bugs have covered my bike. In all honesty I have not seen it this dirty. You all know how I am. Gotta get up and clean it. Just have to.

Until tomorrow night folks........

'Doc'

AND WERE OFF......

2008-08-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well the first day is down. 300 Miles out of 2400. We arrived this evening in Parkersburg, WV just after 1800 and met up with the three Legion Riders from Colonial Heights for dinner. All I can say folks, and I have said this before, if you have a chance to ride Route 50 over the mountains in W.V. do it! What a wonderful ride this has been today. On the trip are Mike N. and I from NOVA. The other three riders from the chapter left at separate times. Rich C. left to meet friends in Indy on Wed. "Little" Jon is leaving tomorrow and pushing it hard to Indy. Finally, John S. is trailering to Indy tomorrow as well.

We stayed ALMOST dry today. Hit a bit of rain for about 15 minutes as we were pulling out of Romney. As it was looking like it was time to pull over it was stopping so we didn't. Then we got spit on in Clarksburg. Worst part about that one, however, was that it appeared that a storm had just come through. So we got the aftermath of spray from the road. YUCK. That is better than driving in it I guess. Though we still have the cleanup to do now.

Three close calls today. One very close. Just outside of Romney, WV a green car made a left in front of me. I thought my trip was over for sure. Luckily I was able to quickly zip into the oncoming lane and back in before contacting the car. Mike told me they had something all over their windshield that looked like writing and they probably could not see. 2nd time a hawk or buzzard was having a late lunch on the highway. No way to stop but luckily he heard the loud pipes coming and was able to get up and out of the way with seconds to spare. 3rd time a log truck pulling off a logging road in the middle of a curve ALMOST pulled out in front of us. WOW that would have been nasty. But we are here safe and sound.

Back on the road at 0800 to do the 300 to Indy.

Below see a picture taken by Denise as we were getting ready to pull out this morning.

14 HOURS TO GO

2008-08-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is the last post before leaving. Our ETD is 10 a.m. on Thursday, 8/14.

The riding arrangements have been made. 16 American Legion Riders from Virginia are slated to participate in the entire Legacy Run from Indy to Phoenix. Of the 16, 5 proudly represent the Northern Virginia Legion Riders. The NOVA ALR will all be in Flight B, Group 2. 14 of the 16 Virginia Legion Riders are in the same flight. If Virgina is not the MOST represented Department riding the whole ride it has to be close. Likewise, the chapter has to be close to the best represented chapters in the nation. If you also consider, however, that at the time of sign up for the Legacy Run we had 27 members that equates to almost 20 percent of our total membership participating in the entire Legacy Run event.

Well, off to bed to get some rest. Until tomorrow..........

American Legacy Run Route Information

2008-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

So this is the first and introductory post. Under 5 days to go. I thought I would let you know a bit about our Route, etc. for the entire trip to Phoenix. The Northern Virginia American Legion Riders will pull out of Fairfax on Thursday, August 14th, 2008. Our route will take us from Fairfax across the Appalachian Mountains to Chilocothee, Ohio on US Route 50. Our overnight stop enroute is Parkersburg, WV. From there we pick up 35 and take that to Richmond, Ohio and Interstate 70 straight in to Indianapolis, IN where we pick up the full Legacy Run and about 2-300 other bikes.

The Legacy Run August 16-21. 2008

(Taken From Legacy Run Website www.Legion.org/legacyrun)

Saturday, August 16 – Pre-Run Rally - Indianapolis, Ind.
Sunday, August 17 - Indianapolis to Saint Robert (Ft. Leonard Wood) Mo.
Monday, August 18 - St. Robert, Mo. to Oklahoma City, Okla.
Tuesday, August 19 - Oklahoma City, Okla. to Tucumcari, N.M.
Wednesday, August 20 - Tucumcari, N.M. to Gallup, N.M.
Thursday, August 21 - Gallup, N.M. to Phoenix/Tempe, Ariz.

The Ride

A majority of this year’s run will be on Route 66. We will travel both I-44 and I-40, portions of which have been designated parts of the historic route. On occasion we will venture from the highway to ride some of the older original portions of the mother road. Most nights we will stay on or very close to the original road. We pick up Route 66 in Missouri and follow it to Holbrook, AZ, where we will turn left for a scenic run across the Salt River Canyon and into the Phoenix area.

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008
Indianapolis to St. Robert/ Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Route: I-70 to I-44 S - Miles: 377
Marshall, IL (Exit 147)
Greenville, IL- (Exit 45)
Saint Robert, MO - American Legion Post 331 (Exit 163)

Monday, Aug. 18, 2008
Saint Robert/Fort Leonard Wood to Oklahoma City, Okla.
Route: I-44 S to I-40 W - Miles: 384
Springfield, MO (Exit 80)
Joplin, MO - (Exit 4)
Tulsa, Okla. - American Legion Post #308 (Exit 236)
Oklahoma City, Okla. (Exit 145)

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
Oklahoma City, OK to Tucumcari, N.M.
Route: I-40 W - Miles: 366
Posse-up locations & times:
Oklahoma City, Okla. – Biltmore Hotel parking lot
Clinton, Okla. - (Exit 66)
Shamrock, Texas - (Exit 163)
Vega, Texas - (Exit 36)
Tucumcari, N.M. - (Exit 332)

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008
Tucumcari, N.M. to Gallup, N.M.
Basic Route: I-40 W - Miles: 311
0930 hrs- Bowlins Flying C (Exit234)
1130 hrs- Albuquerque, NM (Exit 162)– Post 99, 540 Louisiana Blvd NE
1320 hrs- Route 66 Travel Center (Exit 140)
1630 hrs- Gallup, N.M.- (Exit 16)

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008
Gallup, N.M. to Phoenix/Tempe, Ariz.
Route: I-40 W to Hwy 77 (Holbrook, Ariz.) to Hwy 60 Show Low, Ariz.) to I-10 to Tempe
Post #2 (2125 S Industrial Park Ave) – Miles: 330
Snowflake, Ariz. (Hwy 77)
Globe, Ariz. (Hwy 60)
Arrival - Tempe Post #2 Lunch hosted by Tempe Post 2.

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 (Welcome Celebration and National Riders Meeting)
Tempe, Ariz. to Phoenix Convention Center, Ariz.
Route: Tempe Post #2 (2125 S Industrial Park Ave) to Washington to Convention Center, 3rd Street, Phoenix, Ariz.