Sponsors

Chadwick Plumbing Mannford, Ok

Construction Services Inc. Mannford, Ok.

Town & Country Hardware Mannford, Ok

Blue Star Cafe Mannford, Ok.
 

VFW Post #7441 Mannford, Ok.
 

In & Out Stores Mannford, Ok.

A-Affordable Oilton, Ok.

Blues City-Biker Bar Tulsa, Ok.

Homeoftheblues.org Tulsa, Ok

Rick's Custom Jewelry Tulsa, Ok.
 

VFW Post #9095 LittleRock, Ar.

VFW Post #31 Ft.Smith, Ar.

VA Medical Center Memphis, Tn.

KMOD 97.5 Clear Channel Broadcasting Tulsa, Ok.

Bumpus Harley Davidson Inc. Tn.

Scott's Custom Trim Tulsa, Ok.

The Ed English Band  Mannford, Ok.
 

Planet Biker Magazine

Email me to Order DVD of this ride!!

1st Annual American Hero Ride

This Ride was dedicated to our Injured and Disabled Veteran's.  Those who have given more then their fair share for our Freedom.

     It was a grey and gloomy day outside.  Other then the jackets we all had on, you couldn't tell it from looking at the riders gathered at Eagles Nest.  Bikes revving, faces smiling, the crowd was ready to roll.   Leading the group was Scott and his trademark yellow bike, and Shawn on his two tone Softail.  Behind them was the Eagles Nest Limo.  15 bikes lined up after the limo with chase vehicles, including a dune buggy,  following close at hand.  Pulling up the rear was Kevin in his tractor trailer flying a banner on the back end so all following could see.   We were, to quote the Blues Brothers, on a mission from God.

     After a slow start we headed out across Highway 51 and over Lake Keystone Dam to 412.  We proceeded into Tulsa where we gathered once again at the Clear Channel Broadcasting complex.  There we were greeted by several who supported our ride but were not able to join.  Others were there waiting to ride along.  While there we all started piling on the rain gear as the sprinkles started. None were willing to let a little rain stop us from our mission.  

     From Tulsa we headed out again on our way to Muskogee.  Once in Muskogee we stopped and fueled the bikes and had a quick bite to eat.   (You have to feed the animals, but watch out for the teeth)  I was among great food and even greater company.  And the staff at Golden Corral were very pleasant to us all.  (Sorry, I was too busy eating to take pictures)  Once outside again it was back on the turnpike and heading out.  Next stop,  Ft Smith.   And I’m telling you, it was a long wet ride to Ft. Smith.   This is where we got a little stretched out in our travels.  Heavy rains hit, but not a single rider gave in.  We pulled into Ft. Smith a little scattered and a lot wetter then we had began.  Some were soaked to the skin.   Attitudes still great, we all popped into the local VFW Post # 31 where they met us with open arms and warm coffee.   Now about the time we pull into the VFW looking for relief, low and behold, HERE COMES THE SUN!!  Some riders were changing out of wet clothes, others were pulling off and packing up rain gear.  We sat enjoying the warm coffee and waiting on those that were scattered along the turnpike in the rain.   At this point, we have about 35 bikes in total.  CMA was traveling with us through out the ride and I’m sure saying prayers along the rainy trip for all the riders. 

     Getting back on the road again after warming up and drying off, we head out for Little Rock making one other fuel stop in Russellville Arkansas.  After a lot of miles, few sprinkles here and there, sunshine peeking in between the sprinkles, we reach our destination.    Our arrival was expected and we ourselves received a surprise when we had reached Little Rock VFW Post # 9095.  Those wonderful people running the VFW have my HATS OFF.  They had smoked 2 pigs and made big batches of potato salad and beans.  We might have been a little late in arriving, but the food was hot and tasty.

     After making a few rounds with my camera I finally sat down and had a bite to eat.   And let me clue you in, there is absolutely nothing better, after 300 miles on a bike in the cold blowing rain, then some nice hot smoked bar b q pig with the fixins'.     And the beer was Ice cold.  

     Now at this gathering, we had approximately 35 bikes with hungry riders and passengers that feasted with the Eagles Nest crew.   And while we all stuffed our cold hungry faces,  The Ed English band was busy setting up all their equipment.   Once set up Ed and the guys sat down and finally enjoyed their piggy dinner before getting up on stage.   Now me being the light weight I am, I made an early retreat to the motel room.   But those I spoke to said Ed and the Guys really rocked.   

     After a good nights sleep, I was up with the birds.  I heard a few of the bikes gearing up and heading out for early breakfast.   Knowing darn good and well those bikes revving up was the wake up call to those left sleeping.   Now all gathering back up getting ready to head out after a good night sleep and a greeting by ole Mr. Sunshine,  we started our Saturday riding off with a prayer from CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association).  After the prayer, I could only think of one phrase, GENTLEMEN (and ladies) START YOUR ENGINES!  With a thundering roar, 35 bikes lined up and starting at once, we shook the walls of the motel as we took off. 

     It’s was a wonderful day out and some of the most beautiful weather you could ask for.   We had our convoy going, we were back on our Mission from God.  One fuel stop in Brinkley Arkansas had everyone posing for the camera.  A local newspaper wanted a picture of all riding with us.   And believe me, we had the camera  hams.  Usually it takes some time to gather that many people, but they all swarmed quickly.  It was a large happy bunch of folks.   Now after the pictures were taken, all loaded up and we were off again with a crack of the pipes.   Next stop, MEMPHIS.  

     The God’s were shining on us today.   You couldn't have planned better weather for the festivities to occur this day.   Everyone getting anxious the closer we got to Memphis.  Even I was getting excited.   Although we were cruising  along at a leisurely 60 MPH, it felt to me like we were creeping along at 20 MPH.  As you can tell by the pictures I was taking, I was getting a little impatient and anxious both. 

     Shortly after this “25” miles sign, we made one quick stop.  All grabbed our brain buckets for the crossing of the bridge and on into Memphis.   Unfortunately Tennessee is a helmet law state.   Pulling into Memphis was a beautiful site.  From the bridge alone there are so many sites that you want to go see, its hard to decide where to start.  For us, we were starting with the VA Hospital.  Coming around the last corner leading to the VA Hospital, what we saw brought tears to everyone’s eyes.   They had one section of the parking lot roped off for all the bikes and the limo.  Along the entire Front of the hospital were Veterans on foot and in wheelchairs.  Some were in full Dress, some were in hospital gowns and everything in between.  All were wearing Smiles and waving as hard as they could welcoming us to the Hospital.  The staff of the hospital were also out front waiting on our arrival with tables full of food.  

     Soldiers, staff and riders standing shoulder to shoulder in line.  Talking, shaking hands, thanking each other.  It was a wonderful site to see.  There was also a blood mobile there for all who wanted to donate.  I naturally was the first in line.  Ok, so I lied, I was the second in line.  I made my husband go before me.    

     While there we collected donations for the hospital.  These brave men and women that come home after fighting for our country arrive in this hospital and cant even watch cable TV.   They are stuck with rabbit ear antennas and only 3 channels to watch.  Budgeting being they way it is for military, the hospital isn't even equipped with an antenna on the building for decent television reception.  The hospital said it would apply all these donations to help get an antenna on the building and get rid of the rabbit ears.  So, when ever any of you reading this article get a chance, please, PLEASE, help out your local VA Hospital in any way you can.  These brave men and women fighting for us deserve it, as well as the staff at these hospitals. 

      Once the PA system was set up the Hospital Administrator, Cary,  got up to the mic and thanked us for coming out.   He had Scott and Iona come up to speak.  They thanked the sponsors of our ride.  He spoke of how on memorial day we always honor the deceased and it was time we honor the living who are still here, which was the purpose of our trip.  Before Scott was done there wasn't a dry eye in the hospital.  Not even his own.  Scott had spoke so elegantly to these brave men and women who had come out this day to help us honor all veterans.  Before he was done, god had grabbed his heart and had him crying like a baby and pouring out his heart.   

     All in all it was a great day.  I was proud to be standing among all these people with one thing in common, A LOVE OF COUNTRY AND EACH OTHER.  While I was walking through all these people I noticed one gentleman in particular.  He was sitting alone along side a wall with tears coming down his face.   I asked him how he was doing and if he was ok.  This man told me he was doing great and that he wished his son would have lived to see this day.  His son had passed away in a helicopter accident while on active duty.  He was here to see the boys his son’s age be honored in a way he hadn't been when he returned from Viet Nam and in a way his son hadn't been.  I told him this was for all veterans, his son and him included.  With that, I reached in my pocket and pulled out the last pin I had.  As I pinned it on his shirt,  he gave me a kiss on the cheek and quietly thanked me.  All I could say is “No, thank you, and your son”.   With all the emotions of the day, and the heartfelt gratitude of this one man,  I wanted to get someone to take my picture with this man who’s name I never got.  When I turned to grab the closest person to me and show them how to use my camera, this proud man was gone.  I never did see him the  rest of the day.  

     The Ed English Band had set up and was playing for everyone there.  Again, soldiers were around with tears in eyes over whelmed that all of this was for them.  Our lovely Ms. Hoedown came in full costume and was free with the hugs.  She was loved by all there.  She is quiet the character and she brought the laughs in.   The film crew 4 Friends Films traveled with us and was there and doing interviews.  This crew did a wonderful job and have hours and hours of footage to go through, edit and finally put on DVD.

     After all the food had been eaten, the visiting was drawing to an end, the people started going their own ways.  Some of us stuck together for a night of  fun in Memphis.  We visited Bealle street and the BB King Bar.  Unfortunately  BB King was stuck in Little Rock and didn't make it back to Memphis.  It was still an enjoyable experience. 

     Another good nights sleep and the few bikes that were left in our group hit the road.  Along the trip back we hit a little rain.   We made stops along the trip home.  You cant go to Memphis without at least going by Graceland.  Although we didn't take a tour of the infamous Home of the King, we did at least go by and get a few pictures of the home and Lisa Marie (Elvis’ plane).  Another stop on our trip home was at the old Judge Parker courthouse in Fort Smith.  Although I did get a few pictures inside, unfortunately I had battery problems and couldn't get pictures of the hanging gallows.  It is a definite historical stop you need to make.

     As I sit here, thinking of how to close this article, I still get tears in my eyes thinking this is the last of it.  Its all over.  Then I remind myself, only for now.  I think  of These brave men who fought for our freedom, living through the worst things a person could live through, all brought to tears by the attention that was given to them from all these riders.  And THEY were telling US thank you when they are the ones who deserve the THANK YOU.  So, to all you veterans out there, from the bottom of my heart and everyone at Eagles Nest, THANK YOU!!!!!!!   And thank you goes to all of those that joined us in our journey and helping us make those veterans feel good about themselves and the jobs they have done.  We only hope you join us next year on our 2nd Annual American Hero Ride.

May 26th Thru 29th, 2006

Memorial Day weekend

RAIN OR SHINE

We did it once,

WE WILL DO IT AGAIN !!!

    Order your copy now of the 1st Annual American Hero Ride.