The Ride Home

May 31, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

I have been in Texas for most of May, visiting with the folks and friends and helping out with my 98 year old Grandmother's affairs. On the 30th of May, I bid a reluctant farewell to the folks and my daughter and grandsons drove me from Wichita Falls, TX to Raton, NM. Raton is just over half way between Wichita Falls, TX and Fort Collins, CO. Tim met us in Raton on The Ride. I shipped all but a couple of changes of my clothing from Texas to Colorado last week. After seeing the daughter and grandsons off after a big breakfast Sunday morning, we started on a leisurely ride home which would be nearly the entire length of Colorado from south to north.

I was so looking forward to the ride and I have to admit I was pretty darn happy to see ol' Tim and the Harley. Lots of pics follow.

Ride Home Part One and Raton Pass
Leaving out from Raton, NM, headed north on I-25 takes you over easy-riding Raton Pass (elevation 7834). I remember as a girl, traveling over Raton pass on vacation with the folks was quite the adventure. It was my first time over any mountain pass and I loved every thrilling moment of it. Little did I know... that as passes go... Raton is a baby pass... Because of all the rain this spring, the pass is as green and lush as I recall at any other time. The morning was bright and crisp, perfect riding weather.

Ludlow Massacre Memorial
Along the way, we stopped at the site of the Ludlow Massacre. We've driven past the sign for that too many times to count, but sight-seeing is more fun on the Harley so this time we stopped. It's an interesting and sad story about a conflict between Striking Coal Miners and the Colorado National Guard (called in by the Mining Companies) resulting in the loss of many innocent lives including women and children.

Ludlow Massacre

Ride Home Part Two and San Isabel Forest
Why ride hectic I-25 north when a trip through scenic San Isabel Forest will get you there with your sanity in tact? Even though the route is marked as a scenic by-way, it is one of the best kept secrets in Colorado. It is a favorite ride with bikers of course but we are always amazed at the number of tourists and even locals and natives who have never seen this part of Colorado. We picked up clouds before heading west and the skies over the forest didn't look too friendly, but we rode on anyway... and picked up a smattering of cold rain a few miles in... enough to make Tim stop and don his jacket but not enough to deter us from journeying on.

Looking south from the excellent Colorado City Rest Stop, you can see the rounded Spanish Peaks which the Ute Indians called the Breasts of the Earth. The Spanish Peaks were the landmark used to locate La Veta Pass and the Taos Trail. To the North is Pikes Peak and to the west is a spectacular view of Green Horn Mountain (elevation 12,350) and the rest of the peaks in the Wet Mountain Range.

Bishop Castle
No ride through San Isabel Forest is complete without a stop at the castle. Bishop Castle is a massive hand built castle under construction by the same family since 1969 (40 years) sitting just off the side of the road. It is on Hwy 165 about 27 miles west of Colorado City and I-25.

More info on Bishop Castle

Ride Home Part Three
Once out of the Forest, we turned The ride toward Florence and stopped at a gas station in Florence for an ice cream and to stretch our legs. I talked to a couple of guys with show cars who had just left the town of Florence where they had participated in a celebration honoring veterans. The car show ended early due to some rather ominous storms on the horizon.

Ride Home Part Four
We didn't tarry long. A big storm was brewing over Pikes Peak and we were anxious to get through the Springs [Colorado Springs] before rain set in. The Springs is notorious for monsoon-like rains and flash flooding. As it turned out, we encountered a traffic jam on I-25 and decided to get off of the interstate and ride around the east side of the Springs on Hwy 83. We followed 83 all the way into Denver, followed 470 around the west side of Denver and took one of our favorite routes through Golden, Boulder, Lyons and finally home. We arrived at exactly 7 pm.

It is good to be home. This ride (over 300 miles) was our longest to date. We are looking forward to longer roads and perhaps a bit more sunshine this summer.

Family Gathering - Raton, NM

May 30-31, 2009
Raton, NM

After my recent trip to Texas, the daughter (Stormy) and the grandsons (Chevy-age 12 and Stewart-age 6) drove me halfway to Raton, NM where we met up with Tim and The Ride. The grandsons who have not seen their Papa in a long while, got a few pointers on the Harley and Stormy and Chevy got a ride. Stewart was not interested in a ride this time around, but he was concerned about how long Stormy was gone. He impatiently tapped his toe and wondered what was keeping his Mommy so long...

Our visit, let's call it a mini-reunion of sorts with the daughter and the grandsons was short but fun.

Stay tuned for our pics on the ride home...

Dad Recruits Another Harley Rider

May 25, 2009
Memorial Day

Wichita Falls, TX - Dad sits grand daughter Stormy on his Harley. Yes, he's recruiting yet another Harley rider in the family. Before long we will have our own club of riders...

Stormy looks rather comfortable, doesn't she? And, she's getting a fast education... heads up Red River Harley-Davidson... here she comes...

Archive: Patriot Guard Captain Gets IT Right

May 24, 2009
Fort Collins, CO


I wanted to share this message... because now more than ever we need to remember what it is to be American and we need to remember who provided us with the freedom we enjoy every day... the people we need to thank every day - oh let us call them REAL AMERICANS - do not, nor have they ever sat in cushy political offices with a view or flown on fancy jets or rode in mile long motorcades - NO - the people I'm talking about did the REAL work, the DIRTY work, the IMPORTANT work and they DESERVE our RESPECT, have EARNED our RESPECT more than any person or posturing wannabe dignitary in this great country.

The following is well said!

*stepping on to the soapbox*

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As with years before I am still confused as to why we need to assign a day to honor OUR Fallen and those who served. That said, I am glad there is that one day set aside. As a Patriot Guard Rider I see that every day is a Memorial Day. This morning riders are escorting the remains of a Veteran to his final duty station. Funeral Services are being held for another KIA, and our Nation mourns. Those happenings are not reserved for one day of the year, they happen every day. We are a Nation at war. And as we all know, the first rule of war is young men die. The second rule is you can't change rule one. This last week we buried the oldest "young man" KIA of this war. He was 60 and had been retired for 17 years and went back to lead our young men. Yes, we know that EVERY day is Memorial Day.

Perhaps someday I will understand why 124,913 of American war dead are buried in 10 different countries in 24 permanent cemeteries. We promised, PROMISED no man would be left behind. Yet still our brave men and women are buried in soil they fought to defend and are so very far from home. My heart breaks for so many families who never saw the moment their loved one came Home. I know families have agreed to this, but the Soldier didn't. How many are buried in unmarked graves and counted as MIA? In my mind I try to believe that it doesn't matter where they are buried, God has taken them Home with Him. But it is a struggle in my heart and maybe someday I will understand.

As we all plan our picnics and family gatherings I ask you all to stop for a few moments and remember that this is a freedom paid for in blood. While some may choose to believe that is "glorifying" the Military I would suggest that it is merely FACT. Now more than ever our men and women need to know what they do is appreciated. We are not fighting an honorable nation. We are fighting terrorists who believe that their dogma is the only acceptable one and have an intolerance for not only Americans but anyone who does not agree. This dogma is not only debated around the world but within their own borders. September 11th is just one example of the degree they are willing to go to. Our Military serving believe with all their hearts that they are fighting the enemy over there so we will not fight it here. They believe in this Country and the American dream. Glorifying them? YOU BETCHA, THEY EARNED IT!!

Last night while leaving the movie theater Harold and I saw a pickup truck parked near ours. There was Vietnam Veteran stickers on the doors, bumper and windows. Ribbons for the MIA/POW and support our troops. We didn't see the driver but left a card on the windshield to say Thank You. At the airport last week there was an elderly gentleman with a Korean Veteran cap on. I thanked him for his service and he replied "enjoy your freedom". Not too long ago they didn't wear those hats nor show their Nam colors. We have learned something from our past. We need to teach our youth, teach the public. We have played a role in Patriotism being "cool" again and we will continue to do so. Don't just say the words of the Pledge of Allegiance,
live by them. God Bless America and the National Anthem are not just cool tunes we sang in school. They are songs of passion and honor and love for this Country. Don't just sing along....feel them. Our flag is not just a red white and blue flag. Old Glory has flown over every battle this Country has fought and will continue to do so. She has been draped over far too many of our Heroes to be "just a flag". There is a sound so special, Old Glory flying in the wind. And, there is nothing sadder than when She drops to half mast and a Nation mourns the cost of freedom.

Memorial Day is about so much more than that picnic or the Indy 500. But it is about those things too. Our Military needs to know that America continues on with it's traditions. That is a part of what they are fighting for. But, they need to know you are supporting them too. Those who have fallen, we need to never forget. The cost of freedom is a flag at half mast and we must never forget.

*stepping off the soapbox*

Louann Thomas
National Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
www.patriotguard.org

Here is my personal, heartfelt thanks to the millions of soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for the America I believe in. And here is my personal, heartfelt salute to the Patriot Guard Riders who honor our military - every day. I vow to NEVER FORGET.

Dad - Patriot Guard Rider

May 23, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - Patriot Guard Memorial Mission
While I was visiting the folks, I had the proud pleasure to see Dad off on a Patriot Guard Mission to honor three fallen marines in the small town of Windthorst, Texas. Outside of St. Mary's Catholic Church, three stone podiums bearing the names of the marines and their pictures were unveiled. Patriot Guard Riders from across Texas gathered at the Archer City Cemetery this morning to form a motorcycle escort to the memorial service in Windthorst. They joined other PGR riders in Windthorst to form a flag line in honor of the soldiers and those who attended the ceremony.

Private Leo Blake - Korean War

Corporal Paul Himmels - WWII

Marine Sergeant Gary Johnston - Iraq

Dad - Patriot Guard Rider

The Patriot Guard - Riding with Respect

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May 24, 2009
Wichita Falls, TX
Dad rides with the Patriot Guard to the funeral of Victor George Neal, 82, a resident of Burkburnett, TX. Neal retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service and was a World War II veteran.

Patriot Guard stands for Army Reservist

May 20, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

While I was in Texas in May, some of Dad's fellow PGR buddies rode to Amarillo to honor a fallen soldier. I can't say enough good things about The Patriot Guard as an organization and as individuals... we could all learn something about how they do RESPECT. This is the article about the mission.

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Amarillo, Texas
Peacefully, proudly standing for fallen
By Jon Mark Beilue

One by one, Helen Houseal slowly made her way to each person as they formed a wide semicircle beyond the grave site Tuesday at Llano East Cemetery. A yellow rose in her left hand and an Army escort on her right, she meticulously made her way down the line, shaking each hand and telling them one at a time what it meant to her that they were there for her son.

"There's a reason we wear dark glasses," said Dave Griminger of Childress. "Man, it's indescribable. We're not out there to be thanked. But when it happens, there is a feeling of pride that the family felt honored that we were here today."

Nearly 100 United States flags popped in the breeze as they lined the graveside service of Dr. Matthew Houseal. The Amarillo psychiatrist and Army reservist was one of five killed by an America soldier nine days ago at a mental clinic in Iraq.

Sgt. John M. Russell is being held in pretrial confinement at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, according to Army officials. Russell was taken into custody May 11 after he allegedly opened fire in a counseling center at Camp Liberty, killing five U.S. soldiers, including Houseal.

Among the 100 gathered in Canyon Tuesday were a few women, but nearly all were men. They were veterans, many from Vietnam. They came on Harleys, some as far away as Albuquerque, N.M., and the Wichita Falls area. They had beards, bandanas, leather vests.

Their faces showed the evidence of a hard life. Their hearts the evidence of a giving one. They are the Patriot Guard Riders from the Panhandle-South Plains region.

They were not among the 400 in St. Ann's Church for the funeral. Instead, they lined the outside of the church, standing silently and holding flags. As the service began, they rode their motorcycles with flags flying the 17 miles to Llano East and provided a patriotic outline 90 minutes later as the Houseal family arrived for final honors.

"We want to let the family know that even though this is a very sad time, we're here to honor them and his service," Griminger said. "We're here to provide as much respect, honor and dignity as possible."

Bob Kassin awoke at 4 a.m. Tuesday. He and three others left Clovis, N.M., by 6 a.m. At Hereford, they were joined by two others on the way to Canyon to stand for the Houseals.

Kassin knows what it means. He knows the quiet support seeing American flags flying in a time of grief. His own son, Robert, 29, was killed on July 16, 2006, in Afghanistan.

"To have a group of people offer to stand peacefully to proudly represent my son's service meant the world to me," said Kassin, now a Patriot Guard Rider volunteer. "I feel the camaraderie, the family support of people - and we're all like family. I would hope this family feels the same way and same support we offer that I did."

The Patriot Guard Riders were formed by an American Legion post in Kansas in 2006 primarily as a response to a fundamentalist Kansas sect that protests at Iraq war funerals, claiming the deaths of U.S. servicemen were retribution for America's tolerance of homosexuality.

The Patriot Guard has since expanded to funerals of first responders and veterans.

A funeral service like the one Tuesday for Houseal, an Army major at the time of his death, would not have happened a generation ago. Mental health and stress were ignored by the military in previous conflicts. With 128 suicides among soldiers in 2008, the Army has taken steps to treat the problem. Houseal volunteered to help when in a previous time there would have been no place, certainly not in the battlefield, to help.

Certainly there never would have been a scene like this when these riders were younger men.

That the Patriot Guard is made of mostly Vietnam vets is no coincidence.

One of the most shameful chapters in this country's history was its treatment and attitude of those who returned from Vietnam, either to a job or to a cemetery.

Either way, they were looked upon as agents of an unpopular war. Many were mocked, or at the least, ignored.

"A lot of us are Nam vets, and no one welcomed us home," said Mike Stilwell. "But we do whatever we can whenever we can. It's our honor to do so."

Never again. That's why a soft handshake and a few words from grieving mother mean so much.

"It's - whew - it's hard to describe," Stilwell said. "To be honest with you, it's more than gratification. It's recognition."

Comment: As a proud member of the PGR from Wichita Falls, let me tell you that each of us are proud, honored and humbled to be able to "Stand Tall and Silent" for the families of any Soldier, Veteran, or Civil Servant requesting our presence. We can not always have a large contingent there, but will always do the best we can, because the Family deserves it. God Bless All the Families!
Gary "Buddha" Fortner Thanks for standing tall, Gary...

Source: http://www.amarillo.com/stories/052009/new_news2.shtml">http://www.amarillo.com/stories/052009/new_news2.shtml (dead link)

Mother's Day Eve Ride

May 9, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

As soon as Tim pulled in from his weekend shift work, we were headed back out on The Ride to sneak in a few miles before rain rolled in over the mountains. The forecast did not look promising for a Mother's Day Ride (Pooh!) so we went for a Mother's Day Eve ride.

Thunder Mountain hosted Hot Rods and Harleys today but it was breaking up as we rode past and since we didn't have much time left in the day we decided to ride on rather than stop. We are sorry we missed it but work is work.

It was fun to be out and obviously we were having a good time.

The clouds were rather ominous as we rolled back into town and shortly after we had rain peppering down.

Tim, looking fairly pleased... He said - What's for supper? I said - Serious Texas BBQ and a beer.

Vik gets a new perch

May 7, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

At Thunder Mountain yesterday, we purchased a new passenger pillion for The Ride. It is studded to match the rest of the detail on the bike and more importantly, is designed to accommodate a wider payload. Yes, that would be me. Ha! We/I tested the comfort zone in about an 80 mile BTGTW ride and I'm happy to report - it is much better! Seriously, the new pillion is about two inches wider, sits much better and higher and gives my short legs more stretch at the knee. I don't slide as much either, I think because I have a better position on the pegs. There is a matching studded back rest for the sissy bar we will add PDQ.


Our ride took us south through Loveland, then east across I-25 to the exit nearest Johnson's Corner. I may have mentioned it before, the rule is: if you get within a mile of Johnson's Corner you must stop for coffee and pie or a cinnamon roll. This morning we chose one of the world famous cinnamon rolls. YUM! Of course, biscuits and pie and giant cinnamon rolls may be why we developed a need for a wider seat. Go figger...


With that said, as we were leaving Johnson's Corner a biker and a very cute, skinny blonde in a mini-skirt rode up behind a rider on this Nice Custom Ride. Look at her perch - Oh Me!


Before heading out on the rest of our ride we browsed through the leathers and motorcycle accessories in the CB Shop just across the street from Johnson's Corner. They keep a decent stock of leathers, helmets and motorcycle accessories and the folks who run it are very nice.


The day was gorgeous in northern Colorado for a ride. Motorcycles were everywhere. We had sun and temps in the 60s and mild winds. Both of us were reluctant to bring it on home so we rode the long way around in sort of a long looping figure eight that took us down a few farm roads on the east side of I-25, across to the west side of Loveland and finally north over the dam and back into Fort Collins just in time to pack Tim's lunch and send him off to work.


This picture of Tim feeling a little frisky pretty much says it all. We had a great ride this morning.

Goin' Green Ride

March 6, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Finally! Sunny skies. Warmer weather. After last week's rain and snow from Colorado to Oklahoma to Texas we are goin' green in northern Colorado. And we think it is about darn time!

This is the first time we've been out on The Ride together since our return from parts south early-early-early Monday morning although Tim rides to work every day. We began our day with a ride up and over the dam to Vern's for some go-juice...







We rode north toward windy Wyoming as far as painted rock, turned around and rode south back through Fort Collins to Loveland. The rock has been painted and re-painted through the years, probably because it sits so close to the higway. Someone painted an American flag on it once. We much prefer a patriotic theme to the save whatever and other agenda-based art that adorn it - today's message was something about a cowboy vote.

Eventually we found ourselves at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson where we had some minor warranty business to attend to and we purchased a different passenger pillion for The Ride. The Country Shuttle (Thunder Mountain's Limo) was parked outside the service department.



We spoke with a friendly rider from southern New Mexico who said he had two days off so he rode as far north as he could get before having to turn back to get home in time for work tomorrow. Thunder Mountain was the turn around point. He told us he worked in the oil fields near Eastland and Cisco Texas a good many years back before the bottom fell out of the oil market in the 80s. We know all about that. Small world - huh? Then we saw a couple of Texas riders headed toward their bikes with t-shirt bags. We think they may have been on rental rides as they didn't have luggage, or jackets and they didn't look like they had been on the road that long. Who knows?

We were sure sorry to turn The Ride toward home... but tomorrow promises to be another great day.