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Sunday, March 2, was gray but warm as Boots and I rode south towards New Smyrna Beach for what was to be, for us, anyhow, one of the highlights of Bike Week - a Run to the Wall. In this case it was a five-sixths replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; a traveling museum with artifacts from the Vietnam conflict; a computer system to help people locate names on the Wall; a wreath laying ceremony; and a live performance of The Last Patrol. Though it was drizzly, it was definitely not "just another Bike Week day."
We arrived at the stagin' area, VFW Post 4250, about an hour and a half early. I was hungry and knew they had an "all-u-can-eat" buffet set up for just five bucks.
The Viet Nam Vets MC, and their affiliated Clubs, pose at the Cobra Gunship at VFW Post 4250 in New Smyrna Beach prior to the Run. They get lotsa the credit for settin' up the Wall (see Hark's story) and for gettin'
the word out about the Run.
Above - My Road Bro, Bubba, got us involved with promotin' the Run to the Wall this year. He knew we've been tryin' for several years to get it here durin' BikeWeek. He's with the lovely Sherry - Director of the Emory L. Bennett Veteran's Nursing Home here in Daytona Beach. She does a fantastic job with the Vets and brought several out for the Run. They were ridin' wheelchairs mostly, but they were on the Run. That was great! Below left - A shit pot fulluva bikes were already lined up when we got to the VFW Post.
A couple of their $1 Bloody marys helped wash down the biscuits, sausage gravy, eggs, pancakes and donuts. No wonder I was feelin' lethargic - I shoulda quit after the biscuits and gravy!
The drizzle had stopped just south of Daytona on our ride down but the skies were still threatenin' as I rolled out of the VFW Post. I left about ten minutes before the main body
so I could get a good vantage point to take some pictures of those ridin'. That location proved to be the I-95 over-pass on State Road 44. The route was US 1 south through New Smyrna Beach and then a turn West on State Road 44. An eight mile straight shot brought the group to Biker's Paradise located at the New Smyrna Speedway. These were the folks responsible for bringin' in the Wall. They managed to secure sponsorship for the Wall from the Volusia Pennysaver (thank you very much!) and set aside several acres just to the West of the Speedway for the Vietnam Traveling Tribute. We salute you, Janet and Danny. Thanks.
While waitin' for the Run on the I-95 bridge, I kept worryin' that I was gonna git run off by a State Trooper for trespassin' on and Interstate Highway. Not to worry - none happened by while I was waitin'. Finally, I saw the long line of bikes in the distance and got my camera all set. I can't believe how many bikes turned out for the Run. I know I shot ten pictures while the column of bikes thundered underneath. Plus, I had to pause to let some of the shots download to the flash card. I'd guesstimate that there were between three and four hundred bikes takin'
Above - New Smyrna's finest escorted us. No incidents on the Run and there were several hairy intersections. Great job, y'all! Thanks! Below - They were headin' North
on I-95 towards Daytona as I waited on the Run.
part in the run. A great turnout for a miserable day (as all but one were during Bike Week 2003).
After the Run rolled by, I fired up the bike and rode after 'em. I managed to catch up after only a couple of miles because the column had slowed significantly when the skies opened up with one of our Florida Thunderstorms. It was hard,but brief and had stopped by the time we pulled through the mud to the parkin' lot. Regardless of bein' soaked to the skin, everyone was in good spirits for the ceremonies at The Wall.
After several different ceremonies includin' singin', music, a twenty-one-gun salute, a wreath layin' and a speech from
Congressman Tom Feeney, many in the group headed into the Speedway to check out Bikers Paradise. Those fine folks had waived the gate fee for anyone participatin' in the Run to the Wall. Thank you.
The sun never did manage to make it out that day (I don't think it came out til Wednesday around noon) but I can tell you that the skies fit everyone's mood perfectly. A somber day to remember and honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during a very unpopular war. I certainly hope this is only the first rendition of an Annual Bike Week event. We'll do what we can to ensure it becomes an annual event. Enjoy the pictures.
"Hey Monk! How many Bikes were there on the Run?"
"I dunno. Miles of 'em, Bro. Miles."
Entrance to The Wall, as always, was free. There was special Bike Only Parking, too.
Right - BC and Bubba, VNV MC, front, and Spike and Tom, VFW Post 4250, led the wreath laying ceremony.
Below - Congressman Tom Feeney - far right - asked Viet Nam Vets to join him on the stage to sing Proud to be an American and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance after his speech. He also asked everyone to keep our current service members in our prayers as they waited to defend our freedom in Iraq.
Below - Taps and a twenty-one gun salute ended the day's ceremonies. Then it was time for reflection.
