12 May "Ride for the Troops"

What a beautiful day for a ride and probably 100+ bikes did show up at Caliente Harley Davidson for the 2d Annual “Ride For The Troops” to support Ft Sam’s Fisher House.  I tried to feel not to guilty as I “winged away” from the house this morning as Jill had decided to stay home and grade the last papers for this school year!  Chapter U was well represented with Charlie Brown, John McClinton, Robert “Woody” Woodford, Woody’s friend Dennis, Dave Weaver, Sal Pesta, Brad Severe and future members Bob & Michele Fairey all participated.  We met several other wingers during the day as well so we had a super chance to talk about GWRRA and Chapter U!

The start point was well organized with lots of tables to register, a chance to buy 50/50 tickets, and take care of business. They had free water and route maps available as well. Participants received a special commemorative coin.  All the proceeds from this event went directly to the Fisher House.  Bikes were staged into 6 groups. Most of us were in group 5. An introduction about the ride and the Fisher House was conducted for the whole group and then we broke out into our groups for the group leader’s brief. Since there were so many people, it did take a while for things to start moving but we were on the road by about 10:15. The local Constable was able to block a couple road junctions for us so we could get on the road easier.

The route took us out to Hondo via US 90 then up SR 173 thru Bandera. South on 16 to SR 46 then across 46 to our break/refuel stop at and sponsored by HEB. We had lots of time to relax and enjoy the hot dogs, drinks and chips that were provided. By this time it was starting to really heat up and there was almost no shade in the HEB parking lot! After about 45 minutes we took off again heading east on SR 46 making a turn onto 3009 then through Schertz to FM 78 then south on FM 1518 to the Texas Pride BBQ. Total mileage for the ride was about 145 miles! Just a stroll in the park for the wings! Texas pride was full of bikes and had a very loud band playing as we all arrived! I did not stay for the 50/50 drawing or for the final tally of the amount raised but they had hoped to raise $3000-$5000! All in all, participating in this fundraiser added up to a great time and supported a great cause! We will gladly support the 3d Annual Ride For The Troops next year!  We hope you can join us next year (and Jill is already planning to NOT be grading papers!)

Brad Severe

Staging area at Caliente Harley Davidson                          Brad Severe talking to Bob & Michele Fairey

Lots of bikes of all types, shapes and sizes. Good turnout of Gold Wings!!!

Charlie Brown with camera ready!                              Sal Pesta scoping out the situation!

Robert (Woody) Woodford at his bike                             Dave Weaver and Charlie Brown

On the road shots by Bob & Michele Fairey!

Break  at the HEB Parking lot in Boerne.             Bob & Michele's 1200 on the right!!

Dave Weaver and Bob & Michele at Texas Pride               

  Texas Pride BBQ was a happening place