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By William H. Sloan
One hundred tired and road-weary Legacy Run riders were cheered tonight by a wonderful reception on arrival in Coralville, Iowa, after completing the first of six grueling days of intense motorcycle touring with The American Legion Legacy Run. Members and Riders from Coralville Post 721 had arranged for the Riders to meet and greet the staff, patients, and residents of the Coralville VAMC, where The American Legion Freedom Car had earlier arrived with driver Jerrick Johnson. Afterwards, National Commander Paul A. Morin led the Riders to the Coralville National Guard Armory to end the day with a great meal and a ceremony to honor local veterans.
And what a day it had been. More than 150 motorcycles with more than 200 operators and passengers, departed from Speedway, Indiana's Post 500 after a day of preliminary activity that included a lap of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fair weather blessed the first leg of the Legacy Run, made quickly and safely in large part because of the professionalism of the Indiana State Highway Patrol, whose officers saluted us at the state line. Making the exit for the first gas stop inside Illinois reminded the Riders that they were making a very difficult and demanding journey. We were riding 2,100 miles to make certain that no child of a warrior who falls during the War on Terror need worry about funding for a college education.
The riders were stunned by the tremendous showing of support from motorists giving them "thumbs up!" and from the banners, flags. Rider vests and Legion caps visible at almost every overpass encountered during the day. What a grand organization we have!
Efficiently refueled in Oakwood (despite being the first gas stop experience for many riders) and rested after a very eventful morning, the Legacy Run set out in fine weather only to be met with a tremendous rain storm--nature's way of cooling things off. But it stopped, and by the time the Run reached Morton, Illinois the Riders were none the worse for a little drenching. The Morton American Legion turned out in force to welcome and refresh the Run with a friendly greeting and expertly prepared pork steaks during the lunch stop. This is a post to return to in the future!
The American Legion Riders of Chapter 154, Bettendorf, IL, led by chapter president Robert Chitwood, moved the riders expertly through the second fuel stop near Davenport, Iowa, and quickly refueled all the machines. This gave the riders a few more precious seconds to adjust straps, check weather gear, and make sure everything was properly stowed away for the last 53 miles into Coralville.
It was a busy day. It was a tiring day. It was, for many who have returned from last year's run, an emotional day meeting old friends. It was the first day of The American Legion Legacy Run to Reno, 2007.
Comments (11)
Great post Bill. Thank you for the update and be safe.
Posted by American Citizen | 08/20/07 11:07 AM |
Way to go Riders! The Freedom Team Salutes you!!!
Posted by Jill | 08/20/07 4:29 PM |
we rode from indy to oakwood were we helped with the fueling it was great.We will ride again next year
Posted by Kris&lorri patrick | 08/20/07 6:06 PM |
Iowa rolled out the red carpet for these riders- what an honor. Westward bound, throttle down !!
Posted by Woody Nicholas | 08/21/07 8:30 AM |
As a member of Post 429 Lovington, Il, I can safely speak for us all that we were truly honored to be a part of the first leg of you're noble journey. Be safe and Godspeed!! Bill
Posted by Mojo | 08/21/07 11:32 AM |
I rode with the group to the first stop and I can't resist posting my accounting of the first leg. When my bike pulled out of Post 500 it was exactly 0800 hrs. Kudos for leaving on-time. We drove slow and stopped a couple of times between there and I-74. From there to the first stop I could not beleive the speed we traveled. After the refuel operation, and gathering up a fallen rider (and ride captain), tha pack pulled out of the gas station at exactly 0929 hrs. This was after at least a 20 minute stay at the gas station. So, we traveled not quite 90 miles in 1 hr and 10 min. This calculates to an average interstate speed of ~80 miles per hour. What I also observed on my speedometer was to keep pace I frequently reached 86-87 mph!! WHAT WAS THE RUSH?? I don't think this is a safe speed for a large group of riders that are unfamiliar with each other. I also feel this may have been a contributing factor to the "early mishap" as well. This will weigh upon my decision as to whether I will participate in the Legacy Run on Route 66 next year.
Sorry, I got to call em as I see em.
Posted by anonymous | 08/21/07 8:00 PM |
I was truly honored to be able to ride the first leg of this ride.I believe this is one of the best organizations I have ever belonged to. The only thing I don't agree with is spliting groups up. I have a side car and have rode with and kept up with our group on every ride we have went on. Our motto is you come together you stay together and you watch each others back. We have a group of 83 members 75 of which have their own bikes. I think it's safer if you ride with those you are familar with. I pray you all have a safe trip.
Posted by Kelly Fansler | 08/22/07 9:23 AM |
It was an honor to host and meet you all. I hope the rest of your journey was great. I also hope to join you all next year.
Tom Connelly President
ALR Chapter 721
Posted by tom Connelly | 08/25/07 11:26 AM |
The professionalism demonstated by the Indiana State Troopers was great. They made the ride to the state line easy and great. They need to be sent a big thank you. Riders appeared to addapt to each other quickly and the staging of the bikes. I think the riders did a great job themselves. By day two things were pretty settled in for riding. Congradulations to all and especially our support staff. Great Job. Speed was not a factor in the accident. Paying attention to detail was more the problem. It was on and exit.
Posted by CSM (Ret) Steve Ridenour | 09/25/07 7:07 PM |
It is so great how riders from all over can come together for a cause. I rode both years and each year gets, better. To set set a goal and exceed it was unbelievable and it took great work from all. I would like to thank all who rode and to the overpass supporters who took the time to see us through.
Posted by Socko Reeder | 09/27/07 5:43 PM |
Thanks to all that rode!!!! and to all of the many supporters that decorated the overpasses with flags and signs!!! I gives me goosebumps to remember that first leg of the ride!!! The hotel accommodations were fantastic!!! The Post stops were also outstanding!!! I look forward to 2008 and hope to see all of our new brothers and sisters next year!!!! Hopefully---- more Posts will attend and see all of the wonderful support throughout this great nation!!!! Thanks Again!!!!!!!
ALR Post 489
Posted by Wendy Leigh Mayo | 12/06/07 12:47 PM |