RFTW 2009 Day 5 Weatherford TX to Monroe LA

350 Miles today and three fuel stops. It's great to see so many of last year's fuelers here. Pennsylvania Phil (West Point 69) is my fuel partner this year. Irish is here and Speedy and Pooh and Longhorn. Sgt Slinky dropped out with a broken bike yesterday. Over all ridership is down by a 100 but there are still enough riders to make it interesting. Numbers picked up at our first stop in Terrell TX. Maybe a 100 more bikes. Many are day riders and will turn around tomorrow. Lots of FNG's (Funny New Guys) and it is so uplifting to talk to them and pump them up. Our first fuel stop was a freebie. Somebody picked the tab for a couple of thousand dollars worth of gas. I think it might have been Too Tall and Too Small like they did last year.

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.