Wednesday, May 20, 2009
RFTW 2009 Day 7 Meridian to Chattanooga cont'd
A pleasant surprise at the next fuel stop is Ashville, Alabama. It's a small community with a big heart. They have available for approx 500 riders; hotdogs, chips, pop, water, porta potties and warm hearts...its held at a strip mall with a Piggly Wiggly store and its called Thunder at the Pig and they even gave us buttons.
At the end of the day we arrive safely through rush hour traffic in Chattanooga, TN Harley Davidson Dealer who has also provided a meal of burgers, dogs, drinks, chips, slaw, etc and plus they keep the service dept open for anyone who needs it. Krash's starter and battery went bad and they fixed it fast and fairly priced. Sgt Slinky and Hawk have rejoined the fuel crew. Slinky's bike was down and they thought they might have to ship it home and take the bus, alas the god's smiled....
Never forget our warriors....not all wounds are visible
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
RFTW 2009 Day 7 Meridian MS to Chattanooga TN
RFTW 2009 Day 6 Monroe LA to Meridian MS contd.
Entering Mississippi is a highlight of the trip. As the main group crossed the Mississippi River a Vietnam era Cobra gunship popped up out of the trees and swooped over. The Cobra lead the group to Harley Davidson of Central MS campus. The whole group was greeted with a free tank of gas and a meal. There were also many dignitaries including Lt Gov of Mississippi and Two generals and three Medal of Honor recipients, Navajo Code Talkers and a Navy Band. On the grounds of the H-D dealer was an era Huey Slick and you could get a ten minute ride for $50 or $40 if you were a Vet. A CH-47 Chinook brought members of The Black Daggers, an Army skydiving team. It was announced that there were 650 bikes there and 6000 bottles of water were given out. The H-D dealer clears its floors to bring in tables and chairs to feed everyone.
The advance team left early to place a wreath and pay our respects at the grave of Sonny Montgomery, Army veteran and Congressman from Mississippi. He was responsible for many veteran related bills including the Modern GI Bill. we were escorted by MS State Troopers on motorcycles. It was hard riding with them as they tend to maintain legal speed and we like it at 80 mph.
I was in my hotel room unpacking when I could hear the whoop, whoop of a helicopter and I looked out my 3 rd floor window to see that Chinook at a couple hundred feet leading 650 motorcycles down I-20 into Meridian. That was followed by Korean era jet fighter and 3 prop driven aircraft. Meridian is a fabulous community and they go way out of their way to make you feel at home...they even give you a laundry bag and wash and dry you laundry and delivered at five in the morning.
1888 total miles so far.
Love you Scooter, Sceeter, Telly and DJ. Miss you also Josh and Jeanna. Especially Zoe and Hershey
Monday, May 18, 2009
RFTW Day 6 Monroe, LA to Meridian MS
Favorite quote from 2008....Life, liberty and the pursuit of those who threaten it.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
RFTW 2009 Day 5 Weatherford TX to Monroe LA
There are about 25 bikes in our advance team. We are rollin like last year, 80 mph and tight. It requires a lot of concentration so you don't get to think like when you are riding alone. It is a rush to ride in that pack and we have a certain leeway with law enforcement and we try to not hinder traffic as best we can. Last night at supper I sat down with Sub Rat and Oscar and another guy. We got to talking and the other guy's initials are DJ and he is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had been camping and I had a room by myself so he split it with me. Last year I ended up with Music Man as a fuel partner...DJ the DJ and Music Man...cosmic. All three of us are sharing a room tonight and they are asleep all ready and snoring. Music Man is an artist in the snoring category and DJ has his own special sound...I'll be up half the night.
Our second stop was Longview TX and a lunch provided by the local VFW. We fueled the bikes and ate and hit the road for Minden which was just a fuel stop. We can still do it....300 bikes in 20 minutes. We round off numbers and don't give change. The extra money goes for fuel for chase vehicles that trailer bikes that breakdown or have a flat, etc. The money left over at the end is divided amongst 4 schools we visit. Last year those schools got about $4000 each.
Monroe LA was our destination for the day. Local groups like the VFWS, American Legion and Sons of Confederate Veterans put together a great meal and program. There was catfish, fries, hush puppies, slaw and gumbo. The desserts are all homemade, including pecan pie and banana cream pudding that is fabulous.
Time for bed. Tomorrow is a short ride, 208 miles, from Monroe LA to Meridian MS, but a huge day packed with some incredible displays by the military and private citizens. Last year we met with 3 Medal of Honor Recipients and walked the Trail of Honor in Jackson MS at the H-D Dealer. We end the day in Meridian MS with another great meal, some flyovers and talk with some very fine and gracious folks.
To die for freedom is not the worst thing. Being forgotten is. We will never forget.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
RFTW 2009 Day 4 Weatherford TX
The rain has finally stopped and things are starting to dry out and clouds are breaking up. The rest of the day I'll clean the bike and rest and wait for the group to arrive. Looking forward to seeing Sub Rat, Oscar, Hoppy, Skippy, $5 Marty, Enigma, Krash and all the rest of the Fuel Crew. Supper and ceremonies tonight at the local VFW. Tomorrow we head to Monroe, Louisiana and Music Man will join us there. Music Man was my fuel partner last year...cosmic thing Music Man and DJ the DJ.
The excitement is building............We Ride For Those Who Can't.......Our POW's and MIA's and promoting healing for all....Last year's ride was for Matt Maupin MIA Iraq. His remains have since been recovered and returned to his family...God Bless Matt and his family and thank you for your service to our country. The name of Barry A. Olson is close to my heart. MIA Vietnam and remains are unrecovered. His mother died not knowing. Barry A. Olson, Albert Lea, MN, we remember you.
RFTW 2009 Day 3 Emporia KS to Weatherford TX
Gas prices have been very consistent the whole way, $2.05 to $2.29 for regular and diesel has been lower than gas all along I-35. Last year everything was doubled and diesel was more expensive than gas...no wonder the truckers are smiling.
Stopped in Ardmore, OK to see a friend from high school. She had moved to OK in 1972 to ranch with her family. She now works with an agency that helps children with dyslexia. They diagnose and help these children overcome their dyslexia. Thanks B & D for a great time. After 3 hours of catching up it was back on the road to TX.
Glad I stopped in Ardmore because I avoided rush hour in Dallas-Ft Worth area. Gorgeous drive through Ft. Worth and they have an awesome Interstate system there with overpass over overpass over overpass, higher than most amusement park rides. The temp was in the mid 80's and way hot for me...70 is optimum.
Got to Weatherford about 9pm and headed for RFTW HQ motel to get a room and luck was with me. I got a single smoking room for Friday and Saturday night. Thank you Lord. The desk clerk was Ray, same guy that checked me in last year. Shower and an adult beverage and a couple of phone calls and it's off to bed.
So far no crazed squirrels
Thursday, May 14, 2009
RFTW 2009 Day Two Albert Lea, MN to Emporia, KS
t-shirt. Stay tuned
RFTW 2009 Day 1 Grand Rapids to Albert Lea
Play List On The River Monday 7-10pm 11 May 09
- Dan Auerbach - I Want Some More - Keep It Hid
- Eleni Mandell - Artificial Fire - Artificial Fire
- Dan Auerbach - Real Desire - Keep It Hid
- Eleni Mandell - Tiny Waist - Artificial Fire
- Diana Krall - So Nice - Quiet Nights
- Honeyloaf - Ring of Fire - The Honeytone EP
- Eilen Jewell - Shakin All Over - Sea of Tears
- Little Willie G - She's About A Mover - Keep Your Soul Doug Sahm Tribute
- Link Wray & the Wraymen - Rawhide - Whistle Bait
- Kings of Leon - Knocked Up - Because of the Times
- Waylon & the 357's - Waymore's Blues - Waylon Forever
- Hank III - Workin Man - Damn Right Rebel Proud
- Eleni Mandell - I Love Planet Earth - Artificial Fire
- Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid - Keep It Hid
- Eleni Mandell - Needle and Thread - Artificial Fire
- Dan Auerbach - When I Left the Room - Keep It Hid
- Big James & the Chicago Playboys - Expect the Best - Right Here Right Now
- The Insomniacs - Broke and Lonely - At Least I'm Not With You
- Jason Ricci & New Blood - Done with the Devil - Done with the Devil
- Roy Rogers - Requiem for a Heavyweight - Split Decision
- Govt Mule - Catfish Blues - The deep End Volume 2
- Charles Wilson - It's Love that Really Counts - Troubled Child
- Kelly Hunt - Love - Mercy
- Dan Auerbach - Goin Home - Keep It Hid
- Eleni Mandell - It Wasn't the Time (It was the Color) - Artificial Fire
- Dan Auerbach - When the Night Comes - Keep It Hid
- Eleni Mandell - God is Love - Artificial Fire
- Amy Speace - Storm Warning - The Killer in Me
- The Wooden Birds - Believe in Love - Magnolia
- Elliot Matsdu - There was a Time - The Value of Power
- Chris Cornell - Time - Scream
- Camera Obscura - The sweetest Thing - My Maudlin Career
- Chuck Mead - In A Song - Journey Man's wager
- Pat McGee - Maybe It's Time - These Days
- Rhett Miller - If It's Not Love - Rhett Miller
- Los Straitjackets - Nocturnal Twist - The Further Adventure of
Well, that's it for awhile. I'm on The Run for the Wall now and won't be back to KAXE until May 27. Stay tuned to KAXE and follow my blog for day to day adventures on RFTW and also check out rftw.org.
We Ride For Those Who Can't
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Play List Blue Collar Power Hour Wed 6Apr09 9-noon
- Show Goats / Lift Off / Lift Off
- Dan Auerbach / Mean Monsoon / Keep It Hid
- Los Straitjackets / Cal Speed / Further Adventure of ........
- Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears / Big Booty Woman / Tell Em What Your Name Is
- David Grissom / Sqwawwk / 10,000 Feet
- Astrid Williamson / Falling Down / Here Comes the Vikings
- Deena / You Are The Sweetest Dram / Somewhere In Blue
- Jenny Owen Youngs / If I Didn't Know / Transmitter Failure
- Maria Taylor / Cartoons and Forever Plans / Lady Luck
- Cracker / We All Shine A Light / Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
- St. Dominc's Trio / Bike Ride on 35W / Switch
- Meat Puppets / Love Mountain / Sewn Together
- Rhett Miller / If It's Not Love / Rhett Miller
- Jason Lytle / Here for Good / Yours truly, the Communicator
- Amy Speace / I Met My Love / The Killer in Me
- The Believers / You've Got Another Thing Comin / Lucky You
- Eilen Jewell / Sea of Tears / Sea of Tears
- Colleen McFarland / Without a Heart / Let It Shine
- Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks / Subterranean Homesick Blues / Tangled Tales
- Luminescent Orchestril / What the Water Said / Neptune's Daughter
- Bombay Jayashri / Zara Zara / Putomayo Presents India
- Maria Parker / Waterwheel / Sangria
- The Pawn Shoplifters / Shameless Agitated Blues / Rifle & Flask
- The Mystix / Walkin the Dog / Down to the Shore
- Damon Fowler / VFW / Sugar Shack
- Jerry Jeff Walker / Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother / Night after Night
- Ray Wylie Hubbard / screw You, We're from Texas / Growl
- Crowfield / Jesus in my Pocket / Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long
- The Toy Hearts / Sly North Wind / When I Cut Loose
- Blame Sally / Hurricane / Night of 1000 Stars
- Katie Melua / It's All in My Head / Pictures
- Jill Sobule / Bloody Valentine / California Years
- Hanne Hukkelberg / Bygd Til By / Blood from a Stone
- Hill Country Revue / Alice Mae / Make a Move
- Ben Harper & Relentless 7 / Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart) / White Lies for Dark Times
- The Tragically Hip / Love Is A First / we are the Same
- Cary Judd / The Apocalyptic Love Song / Goodnight Human
- Los Strait Jackets / Kapt'n Krunch / Further Adventures of ..........
Stay Tuned
to KAXE 91.7 Grand Rapids 89.9 Brainerd 105.3 Bemidji
and audio streaming at kaxe.org
Become a member by calling 218-326-1234
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Play List On The River Monday 4May09 7-10 All Vinyl
- Taj Mahal Candy Man Giant Step
- Taj Mahal Further On Down The Road (You Will Accompany Me) Giant Step
- Crosby Nash Mama Lion Live 1977
- Steve Goodman Roving Cowboy (Ballad of Dan Moody) Words We Can Dance To
- Michael Murphy Geronimo's Cadillac Geronimo's Cadillac
- Poco Angel Seven
- Kris Kristofferson Blame It On The Stones Me & Bobby McGee
- Rolling Stones Down Home Girl Now
- Rolling Stones Mercy Mercy Out of Our Heads
- Rolling Stones Look What You've Done December's Children (and everbody's)
- Rolling Stones Goin Home Aftermath
- Jerry Jeff Walker Desperados Waiting for the Train Live Luckenbach TX
- Joe Ely Maria Down on the Drag
- Sir Douglas Quintet At the Crossroads Best of
- Grateful Dead He's Gone Live Europe 1972
- Homer & Jethro People Who Like People The Old Crusty Minstrels
- Grand Funk Railroad Into the Sun Live Album
- Chicago I'm A Man At Carnegie Hall Vlll & Vlv
- Lovin Spoonful Rain on the Roof Best of v2
- The New Seekers A World of Our Own A World of Our Own
- Sonny & Cher Baby, Please Don't Go Super Star Super Hits v1
- The Buckinghams Hey Baby, They're Playing Our Song Super Star Super Hits v2
- Noel Harrison a Young Girl The Greatest Hits from England
- Led Zepplin Bring It On Home ll
- Led Zepplin You Shook Me l (screwed up here should have followed with Dazed and Confused)
- Led Zepplin Tangerine lll
- Misty Mountain Hop ZoZo
- Blood, Sweat and Tears Variations on a theme by Eric Satie/Smiling Phases BST
- Isao Tomita Snowflakes are Dancing Debussy
- Blood, Sweat and Tears Variations on a theme I by Eric Satie BST
- Bee Gees Jive Talkin Main Course
- ToTo Hydra Hydra
- Stevie Nicks Edge of Seventeen Bella Donna
- Led Zepplin Bron-Y-Aur Stomp lll
- Hound Dog Taylor & the House Rockers Let's Get Funky Beware of the Dog
See you On The River Wednesday morning for The Red Neck/Blue Collar Power Hour....helping you get through the work week and I hope you still have a job.
Stay Tuned to KAXE
917FM Grand Rapids 89.9 Brainerd 105.3 Bemidji
audio streaming at kaxe.org
Play List for On The River Friday 1May09 10-1am
I love Friday night radio and rockin and rollin............thanks for listening and especially the calls!!
- Martin Zellar All I Need Best of the Brewhouse V1
- Chris Loid Light This Mother Up Back Road Home
- Kings of Leon Pistol of Fire Aha Shake Heartbreak
- Little Willie G She's About a Mover Keep Your Soul Doug Sahm Tribute
- Dan Auerbach Street Walkin Keep It Hid
- Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears Boogie Tell Em What Your Name Is
- Link Wray & the Wraymen Rawhide Whistle Bait
- Eilen Jewell Shakin All Over Sea of Tears
- The Blasters Dark Night Dusk till Dawn Sound Track
- Shemekia Copeland Dirty Water Never Goin Back
- Ernie & the Automatics Low Expectations Low Expectations
- The Mystix I've Been Scorned Down to the Shore
- Colin Linden The Heaven Me From the Water
- Mick Fleetwood Blues Band Looking for Somebody Blue Again
- Judy Wright Sammy's Song True to Me
- Eleni Mandell Right Side Artificial Fire
- Deena I Wish I Could Be Enough Somewhere in Blue
- Katie Melua Dirty Dice Pictures
- Keri Powers Trying To Make My Way Back To You Faith In the Shadows
- The Believers Lucky You lucky You
- TV On The Radio Heroes War Child Presents
- Eric Burdon & Billy Preston Power To The People Steal This Movie Sound Track
- Michael Franti & Spearhead All I Want Is You All Rebel Rockers
- A. C. Newman All of My Days and All of My Days Off Get Guilty
- Boiled In Led Puking In The Heather Alloy 15 Year Collection
- Blue Rodeo 5 Days In May Blue Road
- Black Angels You On The Run Directions To See A Ghost
- Zachery Richards Fire in the Night Last Kiss
- Astrid Williamson The Stars Are Beautiful Here Comes the Vikings
- Alela Diane My Brambles To Be Still
- Sharon Isbin Go Away From My Window Journey to the New World
- Alana Fugate & the Yarn Novels Oh Me, Oh My Imaginary Boats
- The Decemberists Prelude/The Hazards of Love (the Prettiest Whistle Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone)/Bower Scene The Hazards of Love
- The Floating Men Prelude: The Sighing Hour Tree No Clouds No Calendars
- Jay Slims Real Money Half Souls and Heals
- The White Buffalo Sweet Hereafter Hogtied Revisited
- Kelly Fairchild The Last Fair Deal Goin Down Queen Fareena
Stay Tuned To KAXE
91.7 FM Grand Rapids 89.9 Brainerd 105.3 Bemidji
audio streaming at kaxe.org
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Play List On The River Wed 29 Apr 09 Blue Collar Power Hour 9-noon
- Los Strait Jackets Cal-Speed Further Adventures of Los............
- Jeff Beck/Imogene Heap Rollin and Tumblin You Had It Coming
- Mystix Yolanda Blue Morning
- David Olney Wheels - Big Cadillac The Wheel
- Hayes Carll Bad Liver and A Broken Heart Heart Trouble
- Laika & the Cosmonauts Surf's You Right Cosmopolis 1988-2000
- Three Fantastic Skateboard Life Just Keeps Getting Better and Better
- Beach Boys Surfer Girl Summer Love Songs
- Simon & Garfunkle For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her Live 1969
- Danny Schmidt The Night's Beginning To Shine Instead The Forest Rose To Sing
- Slaid Cleaves Black T-Shirt Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away
- Wayne Hancock Throwin' All My Money Away Viper of Melody
- Bearfoot Single Girl Doors and Windows
- Whitetop Mountain Band Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy Loafer's Dream
- Flatlanders Sowing On The Mountain Hills & Valleys
- Jake Dilley & The Color Pharmacy Giants Are Falling Red Balloon
- Brian Jonestown Massacre Swallow (Live) Tepid Peppermint Wonderland
- Eleni Mandell Two Faces Artificial Fire
- Deena Rambling Dave Somewhere In Blue
- Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers She Makes Me Pandemonium Ensues
- Luminescent Orchestrill Kombucha Monster Neptune's Daughter
- Mariah Parker First Flight Sangria
- Webb Wilder Too Cool For Love More Like Me
- Pat McGee Guess We Were These Days (The Virginia Sessions)
- Commander Cody Lone Ranger Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers
- Shawn Sahm Mendocino Keep Your Soul A tribute to Doug Sahm
- Scott Miller Cheap Ain't Cheap (For Crying Out Loud) For Crying Out Loud
- Hill Country Revue Dirty Shirt Make A Move
- The Mystix That's What You Do To Me Down To The Shore
- Nickie and The Ruemates Burning Up We All Live Together
- Clarence Bucaro Take My Love til Spring
- Chris Isaak & Michelle Branch i Lose My Heart Mr. Lucky
- Too Slim & the Taildraggers Been Through Hell Free You Mind
- Buckwheat Zydeco with Sonny Landreth When The Levee Breaks Lay Your Burden Down
- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Master Sold My Baby Tell Em What Your Name Is
- Rebekah Pulley & The Reluctant Prophets Dirty Tales of Lust and Longing
- Eilen Jewell Shakin All Over sea of Tears
- The Panics Something in The Garden Cruel Guards
- Fastball How Did I Get Here? Little White Lies
- Eulogies Day to Day Here Annonymous
- Los Strait Jackets Sasquatch The Further Adventures of Los............
Thanks for listening and thanks for the phone calls and glad to help you through Hump Day.
Got delayed on this blog after reading about our U.S. Rep James Oberstar in the newspaper. He wants to add a mileage tax to our burden. I think we already pay a mileage tax based on the gasoline tax we already pay. But the really frightening idea he proposed was to install GPS devices on our vehicles so Big Brother could track our mileage on Interstate or other roads. It is not too big of a leap to use that info to determine if we were speeding or not, rolled through a stop sign and keep track of our travel and when and where. Is anybody else getting scared now? 1984 was 25 years ago and yet Big Brother lives on in the form of our Congreeman Oberstar.
Stay Tuned
KAXE 91.7 FM
kaxe.org
Friday, May 1, 2009
Play List OTR Monday 27 Apr 09 10-1
- Soho Happiness Is A Warm Hippy Hippychick EP
- Eilen Jewell Shakin All Over Sea of Tears
- Dan Auerbach Heartbroken, In Disrepair Keep It Hid
- Little Willie G She's About A Mover Keep Your Soul trib to Doug Sahm
- Black Angels Vikings Directions To see A Ghost
- Diana Krall So Nice Quiet Nights
- Beach Boys Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder) Summer Love Songs
- Hot Apple Pie Hillbillies Hot Apple Pie
- Eric Church Pledge Allegiance to the Hag Sinners Like Me
- Apple Pie Redneck Revolution Hot Apple Pie
- Sometimes Why Joey Your Heart Is a Glorious Machine
- Jamey Johnson Mowin Down the Roses That Lonesome Song
- Fred Eaglesmith Tinderbox Tinderbox
- Jamey Johnson Women That Lonesome Song
- The Ditchflowers Love, the Conqueror Tales of Lust and Longing
- Byrd & Styreet Love Broke the Fall Love Broke the Fall
- Keri Noble Red Wine Til Daylight Keri Noble
- Guy Davis Hoochie Coohie Man Sweetheart Like You
- Roy Rogers Little Queen Split Decisions
- Rusty Wright Band What A Ride Playin with Fire
- Los strait Jackets Teen Beast Further Adventures of Los...........
- George Thorogood Who Do You Love Remix
- Janis Joplin Down On Me Greatest Hits
- The Smiths The Weight Easy Rider Sound Track
- Sarah Borges Better At The End of the Day Stars Are Out
- Melvin Taylor Even Trolls Love Rock and Roll Bang That Hell
- Slaid Cleaves Run Jolee Run Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away
- Dallas Wayne I'll Take the Fifth I'll Take the Fifth
- Janis Jopplin Me & Bobby McGee Greatest Hits
- Mason Jennings Some Say I'm Not Boneclouds
- Ernie and the Automatics The Best Is Up Ahead Low Expectations
- Hill Country Revue Let's Talk About Me and You Make A Move
- M. Ward Never Had Nobody Like You Hold Time
- Fastball All I Was Looking For Was You Little White Lies
- Deena Mr. Midnight Somewhere In Bllue
- Andy Dee All Night Lover Sweet Soul Sewage
- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Sugarfoot Tell Em What Your Name Is
- Eleni Mandell God Is Love Artificial Fire
- Astrid Williamson How You Take My Breath Away Here Comes the Vikings
- Zachery Richard Come To Me Last Kiss
- Buckwheat Zydeco When The Levee Breaks Back In Your Arms
- St Dominic's Trio She Loves You Anyway Switch
Next Monday is the first Monday of the month and is all vinyl. Bebo is off fighting fires and will return. Thanks to Juice for helping with the selections tonight.
Stay Tuned