First of all, there is a group of men/women out of north eastern washington that have not only been customers of mine for years now, but truly have become good friends, and people I can rely on. When I mentioned this race to them, they were the first ones to come to me with a monitary donation, and one simple request. Please put a sticker on your bike to support the Honor and Remember Flag that they are supporting to become a Nationally recognized flag. Please, if you read this blog and take nothing else from it, visit this site: http://www.honorandremember.org/
This is not another organization looking for a handout, or asking you to be politically patriotic. Go to the site, decide for yourself. As for me, on the top center of the trunk on the Glide is a large bumper sticker supporting this organization.
Bill, DJ, Ralph.....thank you guys. Can't say enough how much I respect our friendship, and enjoy your company.
Secondly, I would like to thank Mike Riley of Lucky Bail Bonds in the Bitterroot Valley of
Western MT. Most of you won't know his name, and certainly won't need his services. But Mike is one of the most passionate, and committed individuals I have ever met.....and perhaps one of the toughest. As soon as he heard I was doing this, he came to me and said: "fuck man, that's awesome." He wants to go. And not disclosing too much, the fact that Mike is alive today is more than amazing. Over the past couple months he has given me advice on distance riding, nutrition, and the spirit of never say die. He was the first one to hand me a hundo, and has handed me a number of them since. All he says is "gas ain't cheap." Thank you Mike. I ride for you as well.
My good friend Clint, whom I have ridden across this great nation with more than once has been a great resource, and a constant think tank for what I am missing. He was intending to do the challenge as well, and just the other day decided it is beyond his physical ability to do this anymore. My friend, I will miss you on this ride. And I will do my best for you.
There are so many that have given me encouraging words. Support of the heart and mind is powerful stuff. I thank you: mom and dad, Nate, Betty and Gary, Julia, Eddie, Chris, Phil, Steve O, T dubs, Landshark, Lindsey, Jared, my kids and the countless others that have offered up words of encouragement.
Thank you to Doug Woodahl, owner of MTHD for sponsoring my entry to this event. If I have it in me to finish, I have it in me to try and finish first. Would love to bring home that gift to share with you all, but especially with him.
Anyway, that's a lot of mushy stuff. There are others I know....but I am sitting here listening to my kids fight over the leftovers, so my mind is now wandering.
Thank you all.
