The POW*MIA Rally has ended

We led about two hundred riders on a short but scenic route yesterday then stopped at the Veterans Home to visit the vets for about an hour. Our HOG group provided homemade scones and coffee and all were pleased. In the afternoon the bike rodeo, show and shine, and other activities and last night a concert with two bands. Through it all, a steady stream of visitors arrived to see the Moving Wall. The Wall remains in place today for the public and will be taken down tomorrow. My daughter and I will visit again this afternoon when she gets off of work. My wife visited yesterday and found the name of a high-school classmate who gave all. She was moved.

A personal note and editorial comment. The rally was supported by many local businesses and the local Big Dog dealer, Pocatello Cycle, was a major sponsor. Big Dog sent their truck and tent and numerous new bikes to be displayed at the rally and they were a major and popular presence. The owners of the local Harley Dealership and the parent Idaho Falls dealership did absolutely nothing . Nada. Zip. I was tempted to say "cheap bastards" but as I surveyed the parking lot yesterday with maybe a thousand motorcycles in evidence, the vast majority Harley Davidsons, I'm leaning more towards "dumb bastards." Pocatello Cycle closed down for two days to be at the rally. The absence of the Harley dealer was noticed and even commented on during the opening ceremonies on Saturday. Does the phrase "marketing opportunity" mean anything to these people?

Anyway, the rally was a great time and I can see it growing every year. This is the seventh year and at this rate there will be many more. Here are a few pictures. That POW*MIA flag in the picture was huge, 60' x 30'. Brought down from Minnesota by the T-shirt vendor.

Escorting The Wall

Escorted The Moving Wall into town yesterday. Over one hundred twenty bikers met The truck at a rest stop on I-15 about forty miles from Pocatello, and then, led by a group of six Viet Nam Veterans, representing various motorcycle groups ; HOG, Legacy Vets, American Legion Riders, POW*MIA riders and the CMA, Viet Nam Vets MC, we rode together through Blackfoot, Ft. Hall, and into Pocatello. We are assembling the wall this afternoon and then the replica of the Viet Nam Memorial will be on display through the weekend during the POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Bike Rodeo this weekend. For me, as a Viet Nam Vet myself, this was a moving experience and ev en inspired a poem Escorting The Wall which is posted on Songs of the Open Road. I'll keep you posted on the Rally and related events.

Keep on keepin' On

Sonic Night

Last night was Sonic night for PV HOG. The usual suspects met for food, conversation, unofficial bike inspections, etc. These weekly social gatherings are a big part of HOG for many of us. After about an hour and a half some of us saddled up and rode the Mink Creek/Arbon Valley loop. It was in the nineties yesterday, but by this time it had cooled and we had a beautiful ride. A big cat crossed the road in front of us at one point. Although there are plenty of mountain lions around here, this wasn't big enough. Probably a bobcat.

Tonight our monthly HOG general membership meeting takes place. We will finalize plans for this weekend's Three Legged Challenge ride up to Challis Hot Springs. My daughter Andrea is going to take the pillion seat for this one and we're going to share the tent. I'm happy to have her along. This will be her first longer ride. Also on tonight's agenda, planning for our part in the annual POW*MIA awareness rally in July. Also coming up, the Mountain Man Run, an all male ride and three-day camping excursion to Island Park, West Yellowstone, and Quake Lake.

Keep on keepin' on!

Wyoming Thunder

(click on picture for full view)

If any of you want to participate in a good Wyoming ride this summer, here's an option to consider.

Rolling Thunder --The Ride to the Wall

This is about the best video I've seen on Rolling Thunder. Once again thousands of bikers will gather in Washington D.C. to honor and remember their dead and missing brothers and sisters. Someday I'll make that ride myself.

The week so far.

I survived the forced riding hiatus and picked up the bike at the shop on Tuesday after work. It was still only in the forties and low fifties on Tuesday and only in the fifties on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening the HOG folks decided to forego the usual Wednesday night dinner ride and instead we went out to a local soccer field and help with the Field of Heroes display which is set up there each memorial day. This year, well over 3800 crosses representing the dead servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers grow every day. I didn't have my camera that nigh but I will get some pictures tomorrow and post them here.

The weather has warmed and the forecast for the weekend is good. I'll probably have to give some time to the wife for some yard work but I will be riding as much as possible.
On Saturday we have a HOG family picnic which we have advertised for all Harley owners or wannabe Harley owners. You don't have to be a HOG member to attend. Then,On Monday we have our annual "Thunder Run" Memorial Day ride( I posted the itinerary here earlier) The POW/MIA riders, and others, including many HOG members, will ride to ceremonies honoring veterans in three different communities. Its a day long event, food and refreshments are provided by churches and other groups. Most of the riders are veterans or active military however, each year we are joined by many non-vets as well. I think this year that will definitely be the case, what with Iraq-Nam on everyone's mind. I'll get some pictures of these events and publish them as well.

Keep on keepin' on