Biker Poppy Update

For all of you that know my family, here is the latest update from mom about Greg's (Biker Poppy) "Run for the Wall" ride:

Good Morning, Day 3 complete. Greg is doing very well. He was tired last night although they only went about 150 miles. He did a lot of walking and standing. Those knees of his aren't getting any younger. It was a good day. They went to their favorite place, the Rainelle School. As always they were greeted with hundreds of excited kids all waving their flags as the bikers came to school. The kids had gifts for the riders and the riders had gifts for them. Even autographs were given out. "Biker Poppy" was asked for his autograph more than once.

Before they arrived at Rainelle they made a detour off the highway just to ride by another elementary school. Everyone was out waiting for them also waving flags. You can understand why it is an emotional trip for all of the riders. Gives me goose bumps. Today they leave Lewisburg, WV and head for Washington, DC. They will drive about 260 miles today. He will be pooped tonight.

Tomorrow is big day. They go to Arlington Cemetery, The National Mall (where all the monuments are) no clothing stores. They then go to the Wall. There is a celebration - "Mission Accomplished Plaque" will be presented at the Wall. Greg has a collection of pictures of Roy and all of his awards and metals to leave at the wall. Hope he has someone take his picture doing so.

Sunday is Rolling Thunder. That is all the bikers from both the Central and South Routes and many, many more meet to parade to the Wall, approximately 200,000 bikers. You stage in a parking lot and wait up to4 to 5 hours for your turn to join the parade. It is that long. Greg did it the first year and it was something you have to experience to understand. He is not doing this year. He will head home Sunday. He wants to come home via a parkway that he has wanted to drive. He should get home Tuesday. He will be riding home alone so continue to keep himin your prayers.