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.
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.
Washington DC to Elkton Maryland
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference a day makes. Yesterday, sunny rural countryside. Today, inner-city, snarling traffic. Did I say rainy? These riders were amazing. They rode into a northeasterly downpour driven by a fierce headwind for most of the day.
The day started out with a visit to the Pentagon. The Pentagon PD didn't really appreciate THE RIDE getting that close to their building, "hey where do you think you're going with that thing?"(2nd time in two days). After a brief explanation, Officer Murdoch was very gracious and took all of us on a special tour.
Our next stop was Arlington Cemetery where we got to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier(photo above) and the Eternal Flame. One of the graves had a marker of a soldier that was killed in action less than two months ago. It was a humbling experience.
Most of the riders have the typical build of a road rider. Skinny, all legs and lungs. Mike Meacham of the Fullerton FD is a special rider who shatters that stereotype. He is built like a Pit Bull. I can tell you right now, he is the kind of fireman that you immediately want on your fire company. I think "bull in a china cabinet" sums him up well. His heart is huge and he pedaled his butt off for 70+ miles today. I literally saw him pull five other riders across the Chesapeake Bridge today. You can see footage of him here:
p://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPQW21ydGDE&feature=youtube_gdata_playerp
Tomorrow.....onto Philly......stomping grounds of John Marasco. We get a two day break there. Here's hoping that the rain lets up.