Last weekend, Jim and I made the run from Post 30 to the Veterans' Memorial on the Parks Highway. Other than a bit of rain and hail on Saturday, the weather was great. We both came back with sunburns.
We left Saturday not knowing what the schedule of events were at the Memorial, but we did find out that most people were staying at the Grizzly Bear Campground in Denali Park. We were able to get a campsite there, and the folks in the cabin next to us told us that the Memorial service would be on Sunday, not Monday.
Sunday we got up and rode Jim's bike, with our Legions' wreath safely tucked inside the backpack, down to the Memorial Park. We found out on the way that there would be a parade (of sorts) that started 13 miles south of the park, returning to the park. We joined the rest of the group down at Mary's cafe, and by 1:30, there were between 275-300 bikes in the parking lot. After the Blackhawk helicopter flew over us, we pulled out. They call it "Rolling Thunder," and I can see why. We stretched out on the highway for about 4 miles. What an amazing feeling, knowing that this many people would take time out from their weekend to honor our Vets in this manner.
As we entered the Memorial, we circled around the upper side of park, and then we pulled into the lower parking lot, which had been barricaded so that no vehicles would park in there. It was reserved for motorcycles only. As we pulled into the parking lot, we had to go around the Blackhawk to get to our parking spot. We parked and went up to the memorial.
The service was put on by the Vietnam Vets M/C, and they did an amazing job honoring our vets. After the service was over, Jim wanted to place our wreath, and asked one of the Club members if he could place it with the rest of the wreaths. He said it would be ok, and escorted Jim to the place where the wreaths were. Jim place our wreath, shook hands with a few of the Vietnam Vets members, and we headed back to our campsite. Monday we returned home.
Since this was the first time that anyone has made the run, it was fortunate that we had people willing to share their information with us. Next year, we hope that our entire Group will ride with us. It was a great weekend, and if you would like to see pictures, click on this link -
Just a note – this Saturday the Harley Shop is doing their Victory Ride, and one of their stops will be at our Legion Post. As we talked about in our April meeting, our Group agreed to be at the Post to welcome riders and provide some type of refreshment. Jim and I will be there firing up the grill, and we hope to see some of the other members there also. I'm not sure of the time, but as soon as I find out, I'll let everyone know. Hope to see you this Saturday!!
UPDATE –
The Victory Riders on Saturday will be stopping at our Post around 1:30ish. They will only be stopping long enough for refreshments and a chance to stretch their legs, so Jim and I will not be doing a burger burn. Please feel free to join us in welcoming the riders though.
