Patriot Guard Run, Eglin Air Force Base, New memorial, new friend

Riding home from somewhere Wednesday evening I stopped at the corner store about a mile from the house to gas up and pay homage to the nicotine dealer and notice a motorcycle sitting outside with an American Flag mounted on the back and a Patriot Guard Banner on the front windshield. Well not being the dullest knife in the drawer myself says self, bet thats a Patriot Guard Rider and bet he's on his way to Eglin AFB for the memorial to those KIA since 9/11.

Sure enough he was and he was. When I told him some of us were riding from here in the am, he asked if there was a motel nearby as he had been on the road awhile and figured he wouldn't try to go the whole way and would ride over with the Tallahassee group in the morning.

Well those of you in the St. Marks area know that there aren't a plethora of motels available that most biker types might feel comfortable in. Unless they happen to be biker types that like golf.

So I offer the "Greek" a place to crash and bring him home with me. As were going through the getting to know you ritual "Greek" shares he and his wife lost their oldest son in Iraq two months ago and a large number of PGR showed up at his house to pay respects. Prior to that, he had never heard of the "PGR". Since then he has ridden in every Florida run. It's the way he heals he says. And you know, what can you say back to that. You can feel the pain. But there is no way you can feel his pain like he feels it and you feel somewhat helpless knowing that.

So we spend the eve together and head out this am to meet others at CCHD who you can pretty much count on to be there, cowgirl and Red, Linda and a new Diva, Papco, Papa Joe and his Wingman out of Valdosta, Cairo Dude and some new folk for a total of 11 leaving out of the Capital city of the State of Florida to pay respects to those who have died in deserts and mountains since 9/11.

We Rode Hard to Eglin (PGR riders ride hard believe me) to stage up for the ride to the Air Force Armament Museum where the dedication of a wall with the names and pictures of those KIA would on display for the families.

There were Riders from Ft. Myers, Georgia, one from Michigan, much of the state represented and others. 200 bikes +/- ready to ride to the museum and do what we do. Solemnly stand with American flags as a sign of respect and Thanks.

When the ceremonies were over the PGR had an opportunity see the new wall/memorial. No one had told the "Greek" that a plaque with his Sons name and picture would be on that wall. An opportunity to grieve again, or does the grieving ever really stop?


Our mission complete we rode back. Long day a lot of miles and emotions. Greeks in the guest room now copping some z's before heading out in the am. Before he turned in he gave me a hug saying he was glad he ran into me up at that store". I didn't say it, but I know he will read this,
But I was the lucky one. Thank You Greek. rc

We got a heap of pics. Will try and get them up tomorrow.Add to Technorati Favorites

Update Florida HB 137 Seizure of motorcycles

Hats off to Sam, From Sam-I-Am, we all owe her (Thats right, Sam's a her) a big thanks. Due to a previous promise, I was unable to attend the infrastructure committee meeting hearing Florida HB 137 proposing penalties to include seizure of motorcycles and revocation of motorcycle endorsement for ten years. I contacted Sam on not much notice and without a moments hesitation she agreed to go and speak out for our rights. But then she understands the far reaching consequences bad law such as this can have for all of us biker and non biker alike. And she believes in fighting for BIKERS RIGHTS.

We talked on the phone and she has taken some fairly extensive notes that bear reviewing and assessing as she has provided much insight into the process and the players that hopefully we can share and use at a later date. However it would appear that the upshot is that the Bill, HB137, has been deferred until a later date. My understanding is that the committee has asked for a rewrite. Normally that would mean thats the end of it for this session. But remember there is still the Senate Bill and this is Florida the state where you can win and lose an election at the same time. But it is the end of it for now.

A big thanks to all the folk over on Bruce and Ray's forum and others who wrote and called their reps. It helped more than yo may know. Again Sam, you Rock.Add to Technorati Favorites