Rolling through Kansas to Colby

Just a shot of the gang crossing Kansas. It is an awesome day for a ride. Wish you were here

Hogs with Hearts

A big thank you and Semper Fi to the Sweetwater CA HOG Chapter and the El Cajon HOG Chapter for letting us borrow a couple of their members who are running from DC to CA.

The Criminal Kiwi

A funny thing happened to our Kiwi friend John Coleman the other night. John, retired Royal New Zealand Army Warrant Officer, flew all the way from New Zealand to CA rented a Harley and has been riding with us from CA to DC and now back again. The other night after a long day he stopped in the local Pub at the hotel. He stepped outside to have a smoke and and a guy came up to him and handed him the orange card he is holding and simply said "hold on to this you just might need it" John said thank you and as the man was walking away read the card. He was very surprised to find out that it was for the services of a bail bondsman. He is now our little Kiwi Criminal.

Little Help from Kearney MO Law Enforcement

We are departing Kearney MO this morning in route to Salina Kansas. What a great town Kearney has been. They LOVE us in Kearney has become the new mantra of the Honor Run. We were sent off with a breakfast of biscuts and gravey all prepared and donated by the local Knights of Columbus and presented gifts from the Chief of the Fire Department. The police escorted us safely through town and on to the interstate and even went the extra distance in helping the biker pictured above. THANK YOU KEARNEY and Semper Fi

Now this is what it is all about!!!!!

This is a picture of two real heroes. Dennis and the "Joker" both served in the Marine Corps during Veitnam and fought in the battle of Hue. Unfortunately the Joker will not be able to ride all the way with us but it has been 40 years since these two heroes have served together. When Dennis gets to Mesquite he will be reunited with Peg Leg, Roland M, who lost his leg in the very same battle. Now these heroes ride in support of our Wounded Warriors. Awesome brothers and welcome home I am so proud of you and for the fact that you join all of us in making sure no warrior will ever be forgotten again. Semper Fi

Kearney Mo Rocks the Honor Run Too

After a 380 mile ride we stopped at the Pilot fuel stop enroute to our evening and dinner in the Kearney Ampitheater and were so surprised by the reception the riders in the area had prepared for us. Just more evidence that the Honor Run is a run who's time has come as patriots from across the nation have begun to band together in support of our Wounded Warriors and their families. Stay tuned for more on the reception the town has prepared for us when we roll into Kearney in about a hundred and twenty miles.

Bits and Pieces

You have to check this out. Heroes who ride

Indy Rocks the Honor Run

Thanks to Ben Holton and his lovely wife Kim along with the entire Indy team our stop in Indiana was a huge success. We visited American Legion Post 64 where the American Legion Riders presented us with a check for $500.00 and we had a wonderful lunch and met some incredible people.

Later that day we went to the Harley Davidson Indy Mile and watched the flat track race. Best part of all is that we had the parents of Deborah May as our guests sitting in our box provided by Family Events. Deborah is the widow of SSGT Donald May Jr KIA 3/23/03 while defending our freedom in Iraq. It was a pleasure spending some time with them and thanking them personally for all they have done

Day two crossing Ohio

Hey everyone,

Its day two and we departed out of Cambridge Ohio at 0700 hours. Light rain for about thirty miles followed by clear and cool sunny skies. Here are a couple of pictures of the group as we head out from the first gas stop. Everyone has been great and patrons at the gas stop donated another 60.00 to the cause and took their time to let us know they appreciate our effort and the sacrifices of our Wounded Warriors and their families.

Day One

The Honor Run took off yesterday for the Vietnam Memorial with approximately 75 bikers. It was a very moving morning and we were joined by representatives of the Fisher Foundation. Two riders came all the way from New Zealand to join the Honor Run. Mr. John Coleman retired Warrant Officer Royal New Zealand Army flew into Los Angeles and rode with us from CA to DC and is making the journey back to CA. The Honorable Rick Barker, Active Member of the New Zealand Parliament and former Head of Veterans Affairs joined us in DC and is riding all the way. We were also joined in DC by Mr. James Gregory (Biker Gunny) who founded RFTW and has pledged to throw his support to the Honor Run for the years to come.

Last night the town of Cambridge Ohio we rode into Cambridge 150 strong and under the leadership of Charlene Downing our State Coordinator we raised in excess of 5,000.00.

Today it is off to Indy for a really incredible opportunity to spread the word of that Honor Run at the Indy Mile.

John in Denver, CO, Aug 6, 2009

Dave Barr in Denver, August 6, 2009

Mike Kerr in Denver, CO, August 6, 2009

THE HONOR RUN OHIO

UPDATE ON OHIO...AUGUST 28, 2009 WE WILL BE LEAVING KMART IN CAMBRIDGE AT 1:30PM, INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL POSTED TIME OF 1:45PM DO TO CONSTRUCTION BY CABELA'S...WE WILL NOT BE MEETING AT CABELA'S...WE WILL BE GOING I470 TO BETHLEHEM, W VA HARLEY STORE, ARRIVAL TIME THERE SHOULD BE AROUND 2:15PM, WITH THE GROUP THERE HELMETED AND READY TO RIDE OUT...FROM THERE WE WILL BE GOING TO WASHINGTON, PA AT CHESTNUT STREET, TO MEET DAVE BARR, MIKE KERR AND THE HONOR RUN...WE HAVE TO GO ST RT 40 FOR THIS DO TO THE CONSTRUCTION OR WE WOULD LOOSE 2 HOURS ON THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION...DAVE ESTIMATED TIME TO ARRIVE IN CAMBRIDGE WILL BE CLOSER TO 5:30PM INSTEAD OF 5PM....WE WILL HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY WHEN WE ARRIVE AND SADDLE DOWN OFF THE BIKES....WITH THE HONOR GUARD, OF GUERNSEY COUNTY, DARBY STOFFEL SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, DAVE BARR AND MIKE WILL CHATTER AWAY FOR AWHILE...THAN DINNER BUFFET, 50/50, TIP BOARD RAFFLES, DJ (MUSIC) TIL????THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED THERE TIME AND TALENTS...CHARLENE

Indianapolis- Arrival day activities/registration/check-in

Due to large amount of motorcycling events going on this week for the U.S. Moto GP, I recommend that all riders come to the American Legion located at 601 S. Holt Rd, Indianapolis, In, 46241., for a list of activities and directions. Riders will also be permitted to mingle inside the friendly confines of the legion hall. The legion will have a live band for entertainment as well as full compliment on the bar menu. Please contact me with any question!

Ben Holton
317-416-5808
wrigleycub@sbcglobal.net

Indianapolis- Departure time change

The Indianapolis departure time is now 7:00 a.m. on Aug 30th. This way we can have that nice beautiful ball of fire that raises in the east as our tourguide!

Riders we will have a limiited amount of breakfast (we have ordered enough for 100 riders). Breakfast will be served from 5:30 a.m-6:30a.m. Menu will consist of eggs, bacon, hash brown, and biscuits and gravy. Don't snooze or you may loose!

Ohio Aug 28th...

August 21, 2009

Wow only a week from today the Honor Run Officially Starts in my home town of Cambridge, Ohio...everything is coming along fine with the help from the Eagles Club, Buffalo VFW for the picnic on August 24th and my brother Francis and his wife Tina for helping me coordinate the picnic..Their son Derrick was a Marine or is still called Mr Marine at his Army base. They are there with him celebrating this graduation ceremonies on Aug 20 & 21st for special forces...we are very proud of him for serving our country...I am so looking forward to finally meeting Mike and Dave personally after chatting on the phone and emailing them for about 9 months when Dave first contacted me...Had some rough roads with my health in March, but continued to push on for The Honro Run... I am very honored to have been asked to coordinate the Cambridge benefit....I wish the good old USA had more Americans like Dave, Mike and his followers...I am proud to have done this for our service men and women...God Bless everyone involved in this project..charlene downing

ROUTE/DEPARTURE CHANGE FOR DENVER/COLORADO SPRINGS RIDERS

Riders departing from both Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson in Littleton, Colorado, and Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak Harley Davidson, Colorado Springs, CO, on Tuesday, Sept 1st, to meet the national Honor Run riders, will have a change in departure time and destination. Riders for these specific routes will be departing at the times listed below, departing for Limon, Colorado (not Burlington, Colorado as previously scheduled).

We apologize for not being able to offer the complimentary breakfast (provided by the VFW) as was originally planned for in Burlington however in the interest of time, distance and safety, we felt this route to be more beneficial and enjoyable for everyone involved. As we will not be joining the nationwide group at the Burlington VFW for breakfast, riders will have 45 minutes (or until 11:30 a.m.) in Limon to visit one of the many fuel and fast food establishments in the area.

Only the departure times and the Burlington/Limon destination have changed. All other events (i.e., celebration/BBQ/band) at Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson and the inspiring speaking engagement with Dave Barr (7:00 p.m.) at the Holiday Inn West in Golden, are as originally scheduled. Please click on the Routes tab above and select “Westbound Cross Country” for detailed information on specific times/stops for the Denver and Colorado Springs routes to Limon, Colorado.

Riders departing from Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson
2885 W. County Line Road, Littleton, CO; 303-703-2885

- 7:00 – 8:45 a.m. Registration
- 9:00 a.m. Depart for Limon, CO, to meet with Colorado Springs and national Honor Run riders
-11:00 a.m. Arrive Limon, CO (food and fuel stop)
-11:30 a.m. Depart with all Honor Run riders for Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson
- 1:30 p.m. Arrive RMHD
All other events and times as originally scheduled. Please see “Routes” page for additional information.

Riders departing from Pikes Peak/Colorado Springs Harley Davidson
2180 Victor Place, 719-591-7594 (off of Powers Blvd.)

-7:00 – 9:15 a.m. Registration
-9:30 a.m. Depart for Limon, CO, to meet with Denver and national Honor Run riders
-10:45 a.m. Arrive Limon, CO (food and fuel stop)
-11:30 a.m. Depart with all Honor Run riders for Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson
- 1:30 p.m. Arrive RMHD
All other events and times as originally scheduled. Please see “Routes” page for additional information.

Indianapolis- Directions to the fairgrounds

Driving Directions
NOTICE: All construction on I-70 is complete. All exits and on ramps are open in both directions.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds is located on the corner of East 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway in Indianapolis. Check out the map for our exact location. For more detailed directions click here.


I-65 North (from Louisville, KY; Columbus, IN)
Take I-70 East to North Keystone Avenue, Exit #85B. Turn right (North) onto Keystone Avenue. Turn left (West) at 38th St. Continue west to the Fairgrounds entrance.

I-65 South (from Chicago, IL; Lafayette, IN)
Take I-65 South to the 38th Street exit #119. Continue about 5 mi. east to the Fairgrounds entrance.

I-70 East (from St. Louis, MO; Terre Haute, IN)
Take I-70 to North Keystone Avenue exit, #85B. Turn right (North) onto Keystone Avenue. Turn left (West) at 38th St. Continue west to the Fairgrounds entrance.

I-70 West (from Columbus, OH; Richmond, IN)
Take I-70 to North Keystone Avenue exit #85B. Turn right (North) onto Keystone Avenue. Turn left (West) at 38th St. Continue west to the Fairgrounds.

I-69 South (from Detroit, MI; Fort Wayne, IN)
I-69 South becomes Binford Boulevard (SR37) which becomes Fall Creek Parkway. The Fairgrounds is located just north of 38th Street on Fall Creek Parkway.

I-74 West (from Cincinnati, OH)
I-74 West (from Cincinnati, OH) Take I-74 to I-465 North. Take I-465 North to I-70 West to Keystone Avenue, exit #85B. Take Keystone Avenue north to 38th Street. Turn left (west) on 38th Street.

I-74 East (from Danville, IL)
Take I-74 to I-465 North to 38th St. exit. Turn right (East) onto 38th St. Fairgrounds is approximately 7 miles east.

From Indianapolis International Airport
Take the Indianpolis Airport Expressway to I-465 North to 38th Street exit. Continue east to the Fairgrounds entrance.

ACCELERATE 465 RESTRICTIONS
West 38th Street, in both directions near the I-465 interchange, will be shifted onto one side of the road with narrow lanes and closures of adjacent turn or ramp lanes. Either direction of West 38th Street is not allowed to turn left at nearby intersections with High School Road or Shore Drive through August. Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 – Fall 2008 Time: Continuous

Indianapolis Update (American Legion Post #64)

American Legion Post #64 has signed on to allow The Honor Run full use of their facilities on Aug 29th and the moring of Aug 30th. What does this mean? It means that any Honor Run attendee that does not wish to pay the steep price for hotel rooms can camp on their 26 acre site for free! It also means that anyone who does not wish to go to the Indy Mile event at the fairgrounds may hang out at their post. They will have a band, full bar, and dinner menu. The post also boasts a very large fully fenced in beer garden. The Honor Run will depart the legion hall at 6:00 a.m. sharp on Aug 30th westbound on I-70. Breakfast will tentatively be available also. So get there early if you plan to eat there. Also, ensure your bikes are fully fueled and mechanically sound. This ride must maintain the highest level of safety. Don't be left behind due to bad mechanics, bald tires, or bad packing!

Mesquite - Casablanca sold out

We have sold out the Casablanca. There are still plenty of rooms at the Oasis which is less than a hundred yards away from the Casablanca. Book now so you won't miss out on an incredible room at a very good price.

To Contact the Route Coordinators call 714-412-6245 regarding any questions about the Honor Run.

The Honor Run; It's All About the Heroes

By Lisa Price Waltman

It’s not about the expensive bikes or keeping up with the neighbors. For Dave Barr, two-time Guinness World Record holder and double amputee, it is all about the house; The Fisher House, and the residents therein. On August 8, 2009, Barr began a 30-day, 8000+ mile journey to lead The Honor Run, a coast-to-coast motorcycle rally sponsored by the 1st Marine Division Association, to raise awareness and funds to build a Fisher House for our injured, disabled and recovering military. Beginning at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in D.C., traveling through Colorado on September 1, and arriving in San Marco’s, CA on September 4, Barr hopes to have a “couple thousand” join in and “Ride All The Way or Just For The Day”.

“The Fisher House is a win-win for everyone,” Barr said of the 40 homes currently operating on major military installations and VA medical centers. Originated by The Fisher Foundation, the homes provide private living facilities, spacious common kitchen, family room and dining areas where injured military and their families can begin the healing process – as a family. Since its inception, the Fisher House has housed more than 120,000 military families at a savings of more that $100 million in lodging, food, transportation and medical expenses (as a result of being released from the hospital to recuperate with family).

Barr, no stranger to healing began conquering his medical challenges almost as soon as he incurred them. On August 29, 1981, while on operations with the South African defense forces, Barr’s vehicle triggered a 32 pound anti-tank mine which hurled life as he knew it, into chaos and landed him in a military hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. “I’m on my way to meet Jesus.” Barr recalls thinking as they dragged his lifeless and broken body from the blast site. Four amputation surgeries left Barr with his right leg amputated just above the knee, his left just below, burns over both hands and arms and total deafness in his left ear.

A United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, a soldier in the Rhodesian Light Infantry, a member of the Israeli and South African Parachute Brigade, Barr had always lived his life fighting for what was right and at 3:30 p.m. on that August day, everything in his world turned wrong. Temporarily.

After his nine and a half month hospitalization, Barr was released from the South African hospital on a Friday and was back on a machine gun range the following Monday. Soon after his responsibilities to the South African army were fulfilled, Barr returned to the States, exactly four years to the date of his departure.

“I fought Communism in South Africa and Asia, Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. I wasn’t a mercenary, had nothing to do with Apartheid and never, ever served against American interests.” Barr said. “But I would eventually find out that discrimination against the disabled would be a formidable opponent.”

“The hard part was not getting out of the hospital or serving out my time with the army.” Barr said. “Even after a touching reunion with my mom and dad” he said, “I discovered that evidently I had somehow transformed from a functional individual just three weeks earlier, to a person with ‘a disability’ which meant I was nothing more than a liability.”

A quick trip out to the garage with his dad and a reunion with his 1972 Harley Davidson motorcycle immediately illustrated how much everything had changed. “With my peg legs, my father and I realized I could never crank the start again.” Barr wrote in his book, Riding the Edge, a detailed account of his 83,000 mile journey in circling the world both east to west and north to south, a feat no other, especially a double amputee, has accomplished.

“My dad and I fashioned a stirrup to the rear brake lever so that I could at least utilize the brake with the help of an overload spring.” Barr said. Shortly thereafter a local dealer installed an electric starter and alas: the point of no return. “During my very first ride I realized immediately what my new job in life was. I knew why I was in that Land Cruiser and why we were the ones to hit it.” he said. “God simply had another job for me and I knew that job was for me to ride this bike around the world for those of us with disabilities. Perhaps I could give them something that might help them get back in the race.” Barr said. Years later in leading rides and traveling about as a motivational speaker, Barr is untiring in sharing his message with others.

“Everything that I have experienced has brought me to exactly where I am meant to be.” Barr said. In both his books, Riding the Edge and Riding the Ice (a chronicle of his 13,000 mile journey across Northern Europe, Russia and Siberia – in the dead of winter), Barr writes very little about his land mine accident that would understandably sideline most but only served to challenge him to find out where his next, unplanned mission would be.

When asked about his two world records (the first set in 1997 for being the first person to ride his motorcycle across Europe, Russia and Siberia in the dead of winter and the second, set in 2002 for "The fastest and first motorcycle journey between the four extreme geographical points on the Australian mainland" - accomplished in 45 days), it’s clear that Barr is not even slightly interested in the accolades such accomplishments warrant. “I knew that I needed a platform to stand on where I could stand in front of others, disabled and able-bodied, and help them understand that life and good health are great privileges, not rights. Both can be taken from you in the blink of an eye and are something to never be wasted in feeling sorry for yourself or being a victim.” Barr said. “There is no great thing done without great risk. Life is something to be lived every day not only for ourselves but also for the world around us.” Most certainly the world around Dave Barr has benefited from his great risk and great accomplishments.

“Take your legs off, Daddy.” Jillian, his three year-old daughter will say when it’s time to snuggle. Together with his incredibly supportive wife, Susan, they raise their eight year-old son, Luke and Jillian, without the bias of discrimination against those who are different. “At times I’ll hear them say ‘My daddy has iron legs and sometimes he jumps out of airplanes.’” But it’s clear that jumping into each and every day with his family is his most treasured undertaking. “Of course for them, what dad does is what they’ve always known so it’s no big deal.” Barr said.

The Honor Run, on the other hand, has become just that. Being denied the opportunity to go to Afghanistan or Iraq and still wanting to give back to our military, Barr joined forces with the president of the 1st Marine Division Association, Oceanside, Colonel Len Hays, USMC, ret., Harry Steelman and Major Bill Mimiaga, USMC, ret., who in December of 2008 decided to expand on a state-wide riding concept developed in Texas. “Initially we were thinking of doing a one-day run in California but then we thought ‘why not do a nationwide ride?’ and it took off from there.” Barr said. When the 1st Marine Division Association came on board the only looking back was in the side-view mirrors.

The first of three scheduled runs, Barr envisions this annual event to run indefinitely. “Each year I believe it will get bigger and better.” Barr said as he begins to mention the seemingly endless list of supporters which are highlighted on the web page, www.thehonorrun.org.

Regardless if for three years or for thirty, the thousands of supporters and riders for The Honor Run are proud to join forces with Dave Barr in making this ride all about The House and the heroes therein.

For more information on registration, donations, or the Colorado Springs contribution to the The Honor Run contact Lisa Price Waltman, 719-649-0163, or visit: www.thehonorrun.org.

DB Sweeney selected as Grand Marshal

Actor DB Sweeney will be the Grand Marshal leading the riders from San Marcos CA to Oakley for the Grand Finale of the Honor Run. DB has starred in Memphis Bell, Gardens for Stone and Eight Men Out as Shoeless Joe Jackson.

Sweeney is an active supporter of our troops and has traveled twice to Iraq with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.