Driving "THE RIDE" for 911 - Written solely by the drivers and passengers of the motorhome. 3300 miles at 12 mph over six weeks in a 34 foot motorhome.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July 31, Sunday: DAY 8 - Show Low AZ to Quemado NM
Can you believe it's been a full week of riding? Last Sunday seems like a lifetime ago. We left behind the state of AZ and entered the land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Today has been an eventful day. Let's recap.
Show Low gave us amazing accomodations in their fire house which was fantastic. We rolled out of Show Low and not long after, picked up Randy immediately post-crash. He had some good cuts and scrapes, so I put my newly minted RN license to work. Good news, he'll make a full recovery. We pulled into Eagar and met up with Eagar FD and we enjoyed delicious coffee and "second breakfast" at Java Blues. It looked like it could have fit in anywhere in Santa Monica. Hambly was over the moon.
After leaving Eagar we headed towards New Mexico, running into a herd of antelope cruising across the highland. Of course, I get another flat as we're making our final descent into Quemado (I'm told it means burnt), and seeing the giant thunderheads racing towards us, I threw my bike in the trailer to save time. I actually thought they would beat it.
As you come down Hwy 60 into Quemado, there's a hill about 5 miles long. The guys were booking it, and Rob and I thought they were going to pull in just in time. But as we saw the giant sheets of rain making their way up the road, it wasn't looking so good for their chances of staying dry. And they didn't. They got pretty drenched. We got to the Largo Motel where we're staying, and when the lightning bolt cracked over our heads, we booked it for shelter. I've never seen so much rain in my life. Ever.
Tomorrow is on to Socorro, and then a few days rest in Albuquerque. The guys need it. Show them your love here or on Facebook.
Show Low gave us amazing accomodations in their fire house which was fantastic. We rolled out of Show Low and not long after, picked up Randy immediately post-crash. He had some good cuts and scrapes, so I put my newly minted RN license to work. Good news, he'll make a full recovery. We pulled into Eagar and met up with Eagar FD and we enjoyed delicious coffee and "second breakfast" at Java Blues. It looked like it could have fit in anywhere in Santa Monica. Hambly was over the moon.
After leaving Eagar we headed towards New Mexico, running into a herd of antelope cruising across the highland. Of course, I get another flat as we're making our final descent into Quemado (I'm told it means burnt), and seeing the giant thunderheads racing towards us, I threw my bike in the trailer to save time. I actually thought they would beat it.
As you come down Hwy 60 into Quemado, there's a hill about 5 miles long. The guys were booking it, and Rob and I thought they were going to pull in just in time. But as we saw the giant sheets of rain making their way up the road, it wasn't looking so good for their chances of staying dry. And they didn't. They got pretty drenched. We got to the Largo Motel where we're staying, and when the lightning bolt cracked over our heads, we booked it for shelter. I've never seen so much rain in my life. Ever.
Tomorrow is on to Socorro, and then a few days rest in Albuquerque. The guys need it. Show them your love here or on Facebook.
Route for Today
Show Low, Arizona to Quemado, New Mexico is today's route.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Weather is 80 Degrees, Route 60, Stopping in Eagar for lunch, Thunderstorm Activity will start after lunch.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Weather is 80 Degrees, Route 60, Stopping in Eagar for lunch, Thunderstorm Activity will start after lunch.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
July 30, Saturday: Payson AZ to Show Low AZ
First of all, thank you for posting a response to my brain teaser. I have to say, I have not seen one roadrunner while in AZ but will continue to keep my eyes peeled. I also have not seen any elk, despite the signs posted every 500 ft telling me to watch for them.
Today I spent the first part of the day in the motorhome (skipping the 5500 ft climb - ouch). Jorge took a header on his bike, but don't worry he's ok. Marv stepped on a cactus but he's ok too. Heber FD led us into town and gave us a space for lunch, and of course I got on the bike right as the monsoon was coming in and we all get drenched for the hour after lunch. Linden FD led us through town, causing a big backup but people have generally been tolerant of us and our less than speed-limit worthy pace. Like I said, all the Fire Depts have been unimaginably gracious.
Tonight we're in Show Low (look up why it's got that name) and Show Low FD is putting us up for the night in their training room. We also got a very happy surprise from Kristen, a friend of FF Allie who works at this station. She heard that the guys were sick of their usual protein bars, so she BAKED some for us. Amazing. The generosity we've run into has been staggering.
Final mileage total today is 87 miles. 5500 ft of elevation gain, summit at over 7700 ft. Raining, windy, who knew they had weather like this in AZ?
Beth told us something at our Saddle Ranch fundraiser that really resonated with the guys - "the 343 are looking down from Heaven and seeing everything through your eyes. They're on the journey with you."
Today I spent the first part of the day in the motorhome (skipping the 5500 ft climb - ouch). Jorge took a header on his bike, but don't worry he's ok. Marv stepped on a cactus but he's ok too. Heber FD led us into town and gave us a space for lunch, and of course I got on the bike right as the monsoon was coming in and we all get drenched for the hour after lunch. Linden FD led us through town, causing a big backup but people have generally been tolerant of us and our less than speed-limit worthy pace. Like I said, all the Fire Depts have been unimaginably gracious.
Tonight we're in Show Low (look up why it's got that name) and Show Low FD is putting us up for the night in their training room. We also got a very happy surprise from Kristen, a friend of FF Allie who works at this station. She heard that the guys were sick of their usual protein bars, so she BAKED some for us. Amazing. The generosity we've run into has been staggering.
Final mileage total today is 87 miles. 5500 ft of elevation gain, summit at over 7700 ft. Raining, windy, who knew they had weather like this in AZ?
Beth told us something at our Saddle Ranch fundraiser that really resonated with the guys - "the 343 are looking down from Heaven and seeing everything through your eyes. They're on the journey with you."
Heber AZ
Just got off the phone with Rob.....report from the motorhome....they are hitting heavy monsoons in Heber AZ
Sent from my iPhone
July 29, Friday: Day 6 - Scottsdale AZ to Payson AZ
We started the day like celebrities. Adam Loeser did a live interview for the local Channel 3 News, Jorge had a great Skype interview with LA's ABC7, and we got followed out of the city by a news helicopter. It was awesome. I started off the day with a flat tire that just wouldn't quit, and then Marv ended up w/ a wrecked derailer (his bike basically ate it).
Jorge finally got his picture with a saguaro, something he's been talking about since Parker. We also had tons of honks/waves/shouts of encouragement, so to anyone reading this in the states of Arizona and New Mexico, keep em comin.
The weather on the way into Payson deserves it's own paragraph. After we stopped to meet the Tonto Basin Fire Dept (they graciously brought us Gatorade and water), they told us to watch out for the monsoon rolling in. I'm sorry, what? Monsoon? I thought this was Arizona. You know, like, the desert? Oh no. Monsoon is a good word. As we climbed the long hill into Payson we were greeted by cracks of thunder and bolts of lightning. And then came the downpour. It's was literally dumping buckets on us during the last mile into Payson, but it actually felt pretty good. Rob said it started raining in the motorhome, not cool.
We were greeted in Payson by Battalion Chief Fife and the rest of Payson FD, as well as LaRon Garrett, Public Works Director, and escorted through Payson by both fire and police. We stayed the night in Payson's brand spanking new $2 million fire station. The hospitality we've encountered along the way has been truly amazing, this being no exception. Mayor Evans came to greet us at Station 13, and afterwards we had a great dinner (fried pickles and all) and then crashed out for the night, hoping our soaked shoes and wet jerseys would dry by morning. Luckily we had the help of a brand new washer and dryer :)
Jorge finally got his picture with a saguaro, something he's been talking about since Parker. We also had tons of honks/waves/shouts of encouragement, so to anyone reading this in the states of Arizona and New Mexico, keep em comin.
The weather on the way into Payson deserves it's own paragraph. After we stopped to meet the Tonto Basin Fire Dept (they graciously brought us Gatorade and water), they told us to watch out for the monsoon rolling in. I'm sorry, what? Monsoon? I thought this was Arizona. You know, like, the desert? Oh no. Monsoon is a good word. As we climbed the long hill into Payson we were greeted by cracks of thunder and bolts of lightning. And then came the downpour. It's was literally dumping buckets on us during the last mile into Payson, but it actually felt pretty good. Rob said it started raining in the motorhome, not cool.
We were greeted in Payson by Battalion Chief Fife and the rest of Payson FD, as well as LaRon Garrett, Public Works Director, and escorted through Payson by both fire and police. We stayed the night in Payson's brand spanking new $2 million fire station. The hospitality we've encountered along the way has been truly amazing, this being no exception. Mayor Evans came to greet us at Station 13, and afterwards we had a great dinner (fried pickles and all) and then crashed out for the night, hoping our soaked shoes and wet jerseys would dry by morning. Luckily we had the help of a brand new washer and dryer :)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
July 28, Thursday: Day 5 - Scottsdale AZ (rest day)
Well, Jorge is too tired to give me his top ten list, so I'll give you a brief synopsis of the day and we'll just have to get back to Jorge on the list. The rest of the guys got massages and chiropractic adjustments down the street, and we had some great bbq at Dickie's.
Jorge and I had an adventure at the laundromat, you might have been able to guess that neither of us has had a lot of experience with coin operated laundry machines. First clue was that we didn't bring detergent. Second clue was that they don't even use coins anymore. We stash all the laundry in one giant washer, add the detergent that Jorge ran across the street to get, and start the machine. We think all is well. Until water starts spewing out of the top of the washing machine in a geyser-like fashion. We forgot to close the top. Hence the geyser.
After the laundry debacle (we managed to get all the clothes dried successfully), we headed to Saddle Ranch for a mini-fundraiser, where Scottsdale FD again came out to support the Ride, as well as Beth Jensen who has been an incredible help to us by coordinating lodging with Marriott. Tomorrow we head for Payson, AZ and I'm told it's a gnarly ride into the mountains.
I'll leave you with a brain teaser, since everything is more fun when it's interactive. I want to know, what's the state bird of AZ? Post your comments, let me know what you find on google.
Jorge and I had an adventure at the laundromat, you might have been able to guess that neither of us has had a lot of experience with coin operated laundry machines. First clue was that we didn't bring detergent. Second clue was that they don't even use coins anymore. We stash all the laundry in one giant washer, add the detergent that Jorge ran across the street to get, and start the machine. We think all is well. Until water starts spewing out of the top of the washing machine in a geyser-like fashion. We forgot to close the top. Hence the geyser.
After the laundry debacle (we managed to get all the clothes dried successfully), we headed to Saddle Ranch for a mini-fundraiser, where Scottsdale FD again came out to support the Ride, as well as Beth Jensen who has been an incredible help to us by coordinating lodging with Marriott. Tomorrow we head for Payson, AZ and I'm told it's a gnarly ride into the mountains.
I'll leave you with a brain teaser, since everything is more fun when it's interactive. I want to know, what's the state bird of AZ? Post your comments, let me know what you find on google.
Giving it a shot!
Here is Alex taking a shot at it on the bike.
http://player.vimeo.com/video/27018338?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1
http://player.vimeo.com/video/27018338?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1
July 27, Wednesday: Day 4 - Wickenburg, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ
Finally, a SHORT day! Only 60 miles between Wickenburg and Scottsdale, and we opted to get up mighty early (4:30 am) to get out and beat the heat. We actually started rolling down Highway 60 around 5:45, and it was a chilly 80 degrees. Not more than 10 minutes into the ride (with me driving Marasco's truck, Rob in the motorhome) do I get pulled over by Arizona Highway Patrol. "Driving 18 mph in the slow lane is not going to cut it here in the state of Arizona". "Yes, sir". "You are going to need to figure something else out if you plan to drive on this highway". "I understand sir". "You can drive on the shoulder with your hazards on, but you cannot hold up traffic in the slow lane". "Yes sir". Let's just review the situation. It's before 6 am, with about 2 other cars on the stretch of 10 miles of highway that I can see, one of them being the trooper's patrol car. Hambly rolls by and says, "Sorry sir, thanks, we're riding for 9-11". The day goes on.
It's a long downhill out of Wickenburg and the guys make excellent time. We stop to eat and regroup, the plan is to come into Scottsdale around 10:30 where we'll meet with ABC news affiliates at Scottsdale Fire Station 602, where we were again welcomed with open arms. After some mugging for the camera, and a lively discussion about our route again taking us down a potentially nonexistent road on the Navajo reservation (Navajo Service Road #74 didn't sound particularly legit) we head off to lunch at Stax for some burgers. We run into some ladies who were driving behind the trailer today and looked us up on Facebook. The power of social media.
We head to the hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Scottsdale. We're driving them motorhome now, for whatever reason the AC has decided to quit working, 104 degrees feels a lot hotter without AC. About one exit before we need to get off the freeway, some nice man flags Rob down, pointing to the motorhome. "Did we lose the Zico again??" (One of our outside cabinets keeps popping open, causing us to lose a precious cargo of coconut water somewhere on Camelback Drive). We pull over. We walk around the motorhome. No open cabinets. What do we find? The left tire of the trailer is literally shredded. Like, in shreds. On the rim. Awesome.
Rob manages to get our convoy off the freeway and into a parking lot, where we use a jack from Marasco's truck to change the tire on the trailer so we can at least get to Costco to get some new tires. It's hot. Like really hot. Jorge and Marv go to work, and the tire is changed out. Adventures with Ride for 9-11.
I'm looking forward to a day of rest, and I'm sure the guys are too. Scott Smith arranged for the guys to get massages and a chiropractic adjustment, which everyone is taking full advantage of. Next, Jorge wants me to post the Top Ten List of Why Not to Ride Your Bike Across the US. Stay tuned.
It's a long downhill out of Wickenburg and the guys make excellent time. We stop to eat and regroup, the plan is to come into Scottsdale around 10:30 where we'll meet with ABC news affiliates at Scottsdale Fire Station 602, where we were again welcomed with open arms. After some mugging for the camera, and a lively discussion about our route again taking us down a potentially nonexistent road on the Navajo reservation (Navajo Service Road #74 didn't sound particularly legit) we head off to lunch at Stax for some burgers. We run into some ladies who were driving behind the trailer today and looked us up on Facebook. The power of social media.
We head to the hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Scottsdale. We're driving them motorhome now, for whatever reason the AC has decided to quit working, 104 degrees feels a lot hotter without AC. About one exit before we need to get off the freeway, some nice man flags Rob down, pointing to the motorhome. "Did we lose the Zico again??" (One of our outside cabinets keeps popping open, causing us to lose a precious cargo of coconut water somewhere on Camelback Drive). We pull over. We walk around the motorhome. No open cabinets. What do we find? The left tire of the trailer is literally shredded. Like, in shreds. On the rim. Awesome.
Rob manages to get our convoy off the freeway and into a parking lot, where we use a jack from Marasco's truck to change the tire on the trailer so we can at least get to Costco to get some new tires. It's hot. Like really hot. Jorge and Marv go to work, and the tire is changed out. Adventures with Ride for 9-11.
I'm looking forward to a day of rest, and I'm sure the guys are too. Scott Smith arranged for the guys to get massages and a chiropractic adjustment, which everyone is taking full advantage of. Next, Jorge wants me to post the Top Ten List of Why Not to Ride Your Bike Across the US. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Rob Scott
driver, meteorologist and mechanic standing in front of the Firefighter Memorial in Wickensburg AZ
July 27, Tuesday: DAY 3 - Parker AZ to Wickenburg AZ
It's a little bit of a lie for me to post today as a driver, since I rode out this morning with the guys for about 50 miles. Which is actually also a lie, because it was EXACTLY 50 miles and I was dying. Believe me when I say these guys are animals with some higher purpose in mind that fuels them through these ridiculous days. We started off the day at 0630, after spending a luxurious evening in Parker's reserve fire station (complete with kitchen, 2 showers and a pool table. Oh, and air conditioning!). After conferring with a writer from the local newspaper (he had come to do a story on the ride), he informed us that he didn't think part of our route actually existed. Plan B added 10 miles to our already 100 mile day, but no complaints heard from the guys.
The word of the day today was windy. The head wind was insane. Nothing will break your spirit faster than 104 degree heat and a serious headwind in the middle of the desert.
At mile 50, Rob set up a feast in Hope, AZ where everyone was able to recharge and sit in the shade. I bailed out there, and the guys forged ahead. At one point, I hopped in Marasco's truck so fellow rider Randy could stretch his legs. On one particular downhill, I had Jorge drafting behind me at upwards of 40 mph. Jim and Adam were not thrilled I had left them to roll downhill by themselves.
We pulled into Wickenburg and got a great reception from Wickenburg Fire Dept - they put us up in the old town jail! Everyone has been incredibly hospitable (we even got back massages at dinner!)
Tomorrow is the shortest day yet, clocking in at only 60 miles. We may even be getting an escort from Scottsdale FD, and everyone should definitely check out the video that Matt and Derek created for us.
The word of the day today was windy. The head wind was insane. Nothing will break your spirit faster than 104 degree heat and a serious headwind in the middle of the desert.
At mile 50, Rob set up a feast in Hope, AZ where everyone was able to recharge and sit in the shade. I bailed out there, and the guys forged ahead. At one point, I hopped in Marasco's truck so fellow rider Randy could stretch his legs. On one particular downhill, I had Jorge drafting behind me at upwards of 40 mph. Jim and Adam were not thrilled I had left them to roll downhill by themselves.
We pulled into Wickenburg and got a great reception from Wickenburg Fire Dept - they put us up in the old town jail! Everyone has been incredibly hospitable (we even got back massages at dinner!)
Tomorrow is the shortest day yet, clocking in at only 60 miles. We may even be getting an escort from Scottsdale FD, and everyone should definitely check out the video that Matt and Derek created for us.
It just looks hot!!
The following link will give you a short video of the ride yesterday. Done by the film crew that is with the riders.
http://vimeo.com/26902500
http://vimeo.com/26902500
Monday, July 25, 2011
Parker AZ
Rob reports that the team made it to Parker in 7 hours and 30 min's. They are staying in a community room of a Parker Fire Station. There are no injuriesnto report, all is well. Road temps today hit 120 degrees. Air temp was 112 degrees. The team went thru 10 gals of water.
July 25, Monday: DAY 2 - Yucca Valley CA to Parker AZ
I'll keep this one shorter bc it's late, and I'm tapping away on Jorge's iPhone, all the guys are asleep and I got this silly notion in my head that "maybe I'll ride tomorrow". Here's the Cliff's Notes version of today, I'll post pix and more stuff tomorrow.
1) the asphalt was upwards of 130 degrees (unofficial) with air temp around 124 degrees (more official).
2) we went through almost 10 gallons of water and ice
3)I'm told mexican food tastes really amazing when you've burned approximately 8 thousand calories in one day
4) they finished 130 miles in 7.5 hours of riding time, making the mileage total 270 miles (semi-official) and also solidifying in my mind that these guys are BAMF (very official).
1) the asphalt was upwards of 130 degrees (unofficial) with air temp around 124 degrees (more official).
2) we went through almost 10 gallons of water and ice
3)I'm told mexican food tastes really amazing when you've burned approximately 8 thousand calories in one day
4) they finished 130 miles in 7.5 hours of riding time, making the mileage total 270 miles (semi-official) and also solidifying in my mind that these guys are BAMF (very official).
July 24, Sunday - DAY 1 LA to Yucca Valley
I can't technically say I'm "driving" the Ride For 9-11 so much as supporting the driver and riders ( I don't think they trust me to drive the gigantic motor home with trailer attached and to be quite honest, I don't think I trust myself to drive). The ceremony yesterday, MC'd by fellow driver Mike Ketaily was amazing and truly an awe-inspiring thing. Riding out of LA, with our LAPD escort and then with old Engine and Squad 51 to the city limits got us out of LA at a reasonable pace.
Around the outskirts of Palm Springs we realized that our so-called "road" was more of a dirt trail along the 10 freeway, and that our only viable option was to get on the 10 for about 2 miles. Sketchy proposition, especially as we passed the "no bikes or pedestrians" sign on the on ramp. I mean, what sign?!
We were forced to get BACK on the freeway after yet another discovery that our route included a road to nowhere. Trust me when I say you haven't lived until you've trailed a pack of weary cyclists on the 10 hanging out the window of a class A motorhome. A hair-raising experience.
As we made the turn onto Hwy 62 into Yucca, we started up what I will affectionately call "the grade". This isn't some wimpy grade like what you might have found in the hills of Malibu, oh no. This is a pair of twin beasts, somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 - 17%. Jorge now refers to it as "quite similar to chair 15 in Mammoth". I think it's an appropriate visual. We collected weary souls as we made our way up the grade. After all was said and done, at 9:30 at night, Jorge, Scott Hambly, Marv, and Scott Smith represented their Ride for 9-11 brothers as they reached the top of the mountain. Oh, and Jorge almost got eaten by a coyote.
Yucca Valley was such a welcoming host for our first, overly ambitious and exceedingly intense day of riding. The coolest part was (literally and figuratively) they let us sleep in their museum, with AC!
After all the twists and turns and route-altering, the mileage tally is at 140. We finally turned in at midnight, with another long day ahead.
Around the outskirts of Palm Springs we realized that our so-called "road" was more of a dirt trail along the 10 freeway, and that our only viable option was to get on the 10 for about 2 miles. Sketchy proposition, especially as we passed the "no bikes or pedestrians" sign on the on ramp. I mean, what sign?!
We were forced to get BACK on the freeway after yet another discovery that our route included a road to nowhere. Trust me when I say you haven't lived until you've trailed a pack of weary cyclists on the 10 hanging out the window of a class A motorhome. A hair-raising experience.
As we made the turn onto Hwy 62 into Yucca, we started up what I will affectionately call "the grade". This isn't some wimpy grade like what you might have found in the hills of Malibu, oh no. This is a pair of twin beasts, somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 - 17%. Jorge now refers to it as "quite similar to chair 15 in Mammoth". I think it's an appropriate visual. We collected weary souls as we
Yucca Valley was such a welcoming host for our first, overly ambitious and exceedingly intense day of riding. The coolest part was (literally and figuratively) they let us sleep in their museum, with AC!
After all the twists and turns and route-altering, the mileage tally is at 140. We finally turned in at midnight, with another long day ahead.
Report from the Motorhome
The riders arrived in Yucca Valley last night about 8:30 PM. It was a brutal 132 miles. Temperatures hovered around 120 degrees on the asphalt. They spent the night in a Yucca community center. They are back on the road today and all is well. Tonights destination is Parker AZ, where again they will stay in a community center.
They are getting tons of support from bystanders and passerby's. Lots of clapping, thumbs up and horn honking. The riders all say it is very inspirational!
They are getting tons of support from bystanders and passerby's. Lots of clapping, thumbs up and horn honking. The riders all say it is very inspirational!
Motorhome mechanical status.....this tire on the trailer was changed 5 minutes before takeoff. It is holding up!
LA Daily News : L.A. firefighters on bike ride to N.Y. to observe 9-11
LA Daily News Article about Departure Day!
http://m.dailynews.com/ladn/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=7wMreyh5
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Departure Day!
Everything went great today! Good turnout today...great seeing lots of people I haven't seen in a while. The riders finally got to hit the pavement! Here is video footage of the procession leaving the Hollywood Fire Museum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2l6Jz9EdCs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2l6Jz9EdCs
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Greetings from the Driver’s Seat
Tomorrow is the day we’ve all been waiting for....I am extremely honored to be a part of this great event. The Ride For 9-11 is more than a bicycle ride or tour of America. It is a labor of love to honor those who died as heroes on 9-11 and to acknowledge the soldiers who have been fighting for our freedom and way of life every day since the attacks of 9-11-01. I am humbled by the sacrifices made by the 343 of FDNY and the bravery of those who stand against tyranny and evil so that we can sleep well at night. I’d like to thank my wife, Chrissy, for her understanding and support of my involvement in the Ride For 9-11. I wish all of the riders, support personnel, and drivers a safe and successful journey. There is no place that I’d rather be.
Rob
Never Forget 9/11/01
Thursday, July 21, 2011
KABC Interview with Rob Hayes
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8264675
Official Ride for 9-11 Bike
It's the official "Ride for 9-11 bike. Handpainted by Jim Vels, prep work done by Mike and crew at Michaels Bikes in NP. Pictured here are Mike and sons, Ben and Alex. So much support from so many places. Thanks to all!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Pre Departure Meeting
Monday, July 18, 2011
Departure Location
This is Old Fire Station 27 also knows as the Fire Museum. It is South of Sunset at 1355 Cahuenga Blvd. New Fire Station 27 is located right next door. This is the location where the riders will be departing from. If you are there on departure date, take the time to take a tour of this historical museum.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tentative Route
Wanna see the route?? Here is a tentative map that is subject to change. The stops are listed on the left column.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=215012787305461467007.00049b171ec8bb67a4b88&source=embed&ll=37.71859,-96.064453&spn=24.040079,68.994141&t=h
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=215012787305461467007.00049b171ec8bb67a4b88&source=embed&ll=37.71859,-96.064453&spn=24.040079,68.994141&t=h
Friday, July 15, 2011
9 Days Away
Just nine days away from the departure date! The big sendoff will take place at the Hollywood Fire Museum located at 1355 Cahuenga Blvd. Come out and support the riders!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFPfVOm82dc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFPfVOm82dc
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Blog Creation!
I am lucky to have the opportunity of a lifetime. Two weeks of travel across the United States with some really great individuals. My function will be "Support and Motorhome driver" for the riders of http://www.ridefor9-11.org/
I get to drive two "legs" of the trip. I will be driving from Oklahoma City to St. Louis for my first leg. We will be passing through Joplin Mo during this leg. I have many summer time memories of Joplin Mo from when I was young. My mom grew up there and I still have some family there. It will be sad to see the devastation from the recent tornado.
The second leg of the trip will be from Pittsburgh to New York City. We will be arriving in NYC on September 9th, just in time for the "Ten Year Anniversary of 9-11". Many friends and coworkers will already be in NYC when we pull in.
This is the sweet, support vehicle that Jorge picked up the other day. Sleeps 6-8 people. We will be towing a trailer with the official Ride for 9-11 logo and the American Flag. It is currently being "skinned" by a neighbor of mine.
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I get to drive two "legs" of the trip. I will be driving from Oklahoma City to St. Louis for my first leg. We will be passing through Joplin Mo during this leg. I have many summer time memories of Joplin Mo from when I was young. My mom grew up there and I still have some family there. It will be sad to see the devastation from the recent tornado.
The second leg of the trip will be from Pittsburgh to New York City. We will be arriving in NYC on September 9th, just in time for the "Ten Year Anniversary of 9-11". Many friends and coworkers will already be in NYC when we pull in.
This is the sweet, support vehicle that Jorge picked up the other day. Sleeps 6-8 people. We will be towing a trailer with the official Ride for 9-11 logo and the American Flag. It is currently being "skinned" by a neighbor of mine.
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