The Day After the Rain....

Oh, errr...sorry about that, folks....the story does continue. I had to move....so I did and now I'm still unpacking...sigh.

I was up bright and early the next morning...and the morning was BEAUTIFUL!!! Yippee!!! I was happy to be greeted with golden sunshine and out of that awful motel. It wasn't a big deal when I checked in...but checking out...go...go...go....

The facility was clean, it was just a "smoking room" being converted to non-smoking. As a non-smoker, I'm not sure if it will ever be up to my standards. Blech....

Okay, back to the story. I get up early and plan on meeting the group at Route 66 Casino. Not a very long ride--maybe 30 minutes tops. Unfortunately for me, I have no idea it is that close, so I'm at the meet site--two hours early. Not too convenient of a location to go shopping and besides, it is too early for anyone except perhaps Wal-Mart to be open. So what to do...what to do...

Well, after all, it's a casino....so I find a card table. Two hours pass rather quickly and while I wish I could say that I won, I broke even and was happy.

I took a peek outside and the Road Guard crew has pulled in. Cool. I should be able to find my friend Screamer fairly easily. After all isn't a six foot tall blonde on a purple Victory is easy to spot? She is and I find her busy directing motorcycles.

Since I missed registration that morning in Gallup, I find that I can't join the group. I'm a bit disappointed...after all, I took an extra day off from work to ride in with everyone, and find that I can't. Rules are rules, I know, and while I'm disappointed, there is really not much I can do. I do find another group of friends from Colorado Springs and they graciously invite me to ride in. Instead of following the main group, they've been riding behind the fuel group. So I'm in with a group of six or so and we are between the fuel crew and the main pack. It's all good.

Time to load up and off we go. Again, I'm disappointed for not being able to ride in with the Run. There is something ethereal about the ride. While it is a challenge to ride in a large group of motorcycles--side by side at highway speeds--and with folks you don't know--I'd say it isn't that--exactly. I think it's more the reasons why the riders are there. The cameraderie and acceptance of the riders who all understand that this is not only a recognition ride, but it is also a mission. The feeling is an amazing one and I think I'm not doing a very good job of explaining it.

Nonetheless, we are out on the road. The weather is gorgeous, I didn't lose all my money at the casino and I'm with friends. What more can I ask for?

Of course, when someone asks that question, it's always a warning of things to come, lol. Like bad weather, perfect weather doesn't last either. However, I'm not complaining--yet.

Get on the bike and ride. Destination: Espanola. It's a fairly straightforward ride and I will say that I was glad for the break. This is what the joy of riding is all about. We pull into Espanola. Our lunch stop is at the Espanola Veteran's Memoral Wall. My thanks to the Sangre De Cristo HOG Chapter and Santa Fe Harley Davidson for feeding us!!

After lunch, there was a short ceremony. It was really wonderful to see the many children of the community attend the ceremony. It was especially touching to see all the youth talking and thanking the many veteran riders for their service to this great nation. I get still get goosebumps remembering the scene.

One of the riders in my group hunts me down and points towards the mountains......

The big ominous black cloud. We have to beat that cloud he says....

This cloud is seriously large and black enough to that we leave before the road guards do. Hmmmm...

Our destination is Eagle's Nest by way of Taos and Angel Fire. I remember saying a small prayer, "Please let the weather hold until we get through Flechado Pass."

And of course, another day for another story. I promise that you won't have to wait three months for it either...

Until tomorrow....

Keep the shiny side up!!

~The Rainbow Wahine