Ride Journal

May 17, Day 5, Grand Island to Des Moines, Iowa

We got up at 5:30 and were fueled up and over to the restaurant by 6:30. A couple of more day riders showed up for one leg of the journey. It was another cold morning. Clear blue skies and Cold! On the road with about 25 bikes or so and heading east toward the big ball of fire called the sun. We haven’t seen that too often yet. We rode 88 miles to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

We parked on the street like normal and they had a ceremony prepared for us at their fairly new memorials for all wars. It is in a very beautiful surrounding with Bayless Park in the middle. There is a tavern across the street.  Three years ago, they gave me a coin and I put it on the Ratbike.  A couple of guys found it right away and were very glad that it was still there! We walked across the park and had lunch that was provided for us by the Masonic Lodge members. On top of giving us a great lunch, they also gave us a few cases of water and ice as well. Then they gave us $300.00 cash for the chase truck for fuel! They are a very thankful and friendly bunch of guys and gals. 

40 miles later was another fuel stop. It is still a very windy day and it is starting to cloud up a lot. The next stop was mile 86 and we went south for one mile to the Painted Rock. There are pictures of this very patriotic themed painted rock all over the internet. A couple of more riders were waiting for us there too. It was very good to see Jenny from Chicago. Shortly after we arrived 2 more groups of riders showed up as well. The local HOG chapter and the American Legion Riders both had very good showings. I would guess at least 30+ riders in each group. The famed artist, Ray (Bubba) Sorrenson is a young guy with a lot of heart. A very talented artist as well. We had the privilege of meeting him 2 years ago as he was painting on the rock. He changes the scene every year. He was here today per our request. Headdog presented him with a NVAR certificate of appreciation and we also gave him $200.00 cash for supplies. He was very thankful and humbled too.

We all took off together and it was a challenge getting on the freeway with so many riders. Everyone seemed to do pretty good. We then went another 30 miles or so and got off at the new Iowa State Veterans Cemetery. It looks like they have a lot of room to expand. They say they are going to need it as more and more Veterans expire. We went over to where Michelle's ashes are put in the wall. She was a Veteran who went all the way with us on last years NVAR ride. My wife and I only got to know her for the journey out to DC, but she was a pleasure to be around. She will be missed. We laid a wreath by her spot in the wall and people said a few words.

We headed back to the bikes and got on the freeway again for a short time to go to the PVA Hall (Paralyzed Veterans of America) for dinner. They prepared a very good BBQ with all the fixin's.  We all donated for the meal and they tried to give us all the money back. I don't know the final outcome with that.

A few of us left to ride to the Red Roof Inn to check in early. Terry & I got checked in 3rd. Boy were we lucky, cause it was a very long wait for checking in after we got set, with only one gal doing the check in.

The last night of Survivor is on right now so I will conclude this days events......Taj just got voted off! Only 3 left..........