It was chilly and sunny but more importantly, the roads were clear on the day of our fish fry. As always, we thank our family, friends, and the other clubs that came by to support us and made this event a success. Thanks go to the Score Board Lounge for allowing us the use of their kitchen and facility. We hope everyone went away full and satisfied and we hope to see you all again for our next feed.
Permalink
Fort Logan Memorial Service/Visitation Ride
February 13, 2010
The day dawned sunny yet cool. There was still plenty of snow on the ground but at least the streets were clear. We were invited to participate in the monthly memorial service at Ft Logan. After a quick ride to the cemetary, we parked the bikes and tried to keep warm as the wind picked up considerably. Awaiting the start of the ceremony, we drank coffee and told lies as is often the case when veterans and bikers get together. A short ride to the site and we took up flags and lined the walkway to the ceremony. The ceremony itself was simple yet moving; a fitting tribute to those who gave so much, so we can enjoy the freedom that is so often taken for granted. Thanks to everyone who participated and for letting our Chapter be a part of this special event.
The visitation consisted of our Prospect finding the graves of the 7 Buffalo Soldiers buried at Ft Logan. In order for us to spread the word of the historic accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers, we must strive to educate ourselves. He was successful and did us proud.
Another picture perfect day in the Mile High city. As the temperature warmed up, 100+ people gathered to enjoy the free food, beverages, and clothing provided by the clubs, family, and friends who volunteered their time and energy to support the community. Words can not express the gratitude to the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Sentinels MC, and the Veterans of Vietnam MC for their outstanding support of this event. No one went away hungry especially due to the Sentinels MC member who was force feeding attendees donuts and sweets. I think I gained 10 unwanted pounds thanks to her. Everyone had a great time doing something that we are all passionate about. Thank you to you all. Permalink
Initially, we anticipated doing this event on a much grander scale complete with a mobile food wagon and a multitude of volunteers. However, as the weeks passed, we realized that it was not to be. Undaunted, what started as an idea, became fully realized as veterans and motorcyclists, family and friends, came together for an afternoon of fellowship, caring, and hope. As the temperatures improved and word spread, the people came to enjoy a wonderful variety of food and cold and hot drinks provided by an admirable group of volunteers. Additionally, we provided hats, gloves, jackets, insulated shirts, and socks. Everyone was thankful for the refreshments and we were glad to have made their lives a little better if only for a brief time. As always I hope that I have not left anyone out; many thanks to the Colorado Christian Fellowship Riders, Paladins RC, Patriot Guard Riders, Sentinels MC, US Veterans RC, Veterans of Vietnam MC, and the VFW Warriors for making this possible. A special thanks goes to a young lady named Anna, who worked harder and longer than anyone to ensure that everyone got something to eat and some warm clothes. We estimate that...
We participated in a Buffalo Soldiers presentation in the packed main auditorium of the Veterans Administration Hospital on 9th & Clermont Street. This was in conjuction with week long Veterans Day activities conducted there. In attendance were VA leadership, staff, and of course our cherished veterans. While originally slated for 30 minutes, the program lated well over an hour. The attendees were treated to the soul stirring factual accounts as told by President John Bell of the Buffalo Soldiers Horse Cavalry. He is an undisputed expert in the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. His intricate accounts of the exploits, hardships, and triumphs of the Buffalo Soldiers ended in an extended question and answer exchange with the audience. This was followed by Paul McGowan singing the inspirational Buffalo Soldier song that truly moved the crowd. President Musicman did an outstanding job as emcee, keeping the program rolling and delighting the attendees with his words. Finally, the energetic and talented Ridge View Academy Choir entertained the audience with patriotic and spiritual songs that inspired a hand clapping frenzy with everyone singing along. This was truly a fitting tribute to our veterans and the Buffalo Soldiers.
We met at our assembly area and filled up and fueled up for the short ride to the National Guard Armory on 52d & Franklin Street. The morning was sunny and warm; a perfect day to help our fellow veterans who are not as fortunate as ourselves. As with the previous Stand Downs, they provide much needed medical/social services all in a central location. In addition to these services, volunteers provide a hot meal and cold beverages, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and even haircuts.
We arrived a little after 1000 and wandered around talking to staff, soldiers, vetrerans , and volunteers. We directed some of the late arrivals to the sign in tables and basically enjoyed the atmosphere and the knowledge that at least these homeless veterans could enjoy a few hours away from the stress of street life. We rode home through downtown glad to have been a part of this.
This was a worthwhile event to raise some money for an officer undergoing cancer treatments. The day started off cool and cloudy, and ended near 60 degrees with mostly sunny skies. After registration and an excellent breakfast, we left the Tailgate Tavern in Parker for a quick ride to Palmer Lake and O'Malley's Pub. After a quick rest stop, we were off through horse country to the Celtic House Pub in Parker. They make a mean Irish Coffee. Then it was off to our last stop, the Robusto Room in Lone Tree. There we were treated to lunch, raffles, 50/50, and a great time. I understand that the event raised $4000 for the brother in need. As always it was great to ride with the Sentinels MC and share in their success. Thanks to the other clubs present and to everyone that supported the run.
Founded by O.T. Jackson, Dearfield, CO was an utopian Black community located on CO 34 just east of Greeley. We met on Tower Road and made our way east along I-76. The weather was sunny and warm yet windy. The most direct route to the ghost town is along road 386 from I-76, but 800 pound touring motorcycles don't do extremely well in loose deep sand and gravel. So we opted to ride a little further east and backtrack to Hwy 34. Once there, we were met by the Director of the Black American West Museum and proceeded to tour the town. The historical aspect is that this is the only town where structures are still intact. The goal of the museum and the Dearfield Committe is to preserve these structures. Guided tours were available, as well as live music and free food and drinks.The Director told me that the previous year, only about 10 people attended. It was easily 5-6 times that number while we were there. Thanks to those riders that went with us on this historic ride.
We met in front of the Aurora Police Department with sunny skies and temps rapidly warming up. With tickets in hand (and thankfully not speeding tickets) we joined several clubs and riders for the End of Watch Motorcycle Rally. Hundreds of runners, walkers, and motorcyclists came out to support and memorialize the police officers who fell in the line of duty.
After watching the closing ceremonies for the run/walk and mingling with friends and other riders, we assembled for the group ride to Franktown.Following the lead of the club in front of us, we managed to take the "unofficial" rally route and ended up in Franktown an hour or so ahead of eveyone else. This gave us ample time to talk and catch up on things. With a live band, door prizes, t-shirts, and excellent bbq, the rally was a fitting tribute to the officers.
It is always great seeing our friends the Sentinels MC and riding with the other clubs like the Untouchables MC, Iron Pigs MC, and Law Dawgs MC(I hope I haven't left anyone out), it was a great day on two wheels.
The day was warm as we rode south on I-25 toward Brother Pete's home for our meeting. Just outside of town we hit what was to be bumper to bumper traffic for the rest of the ride. Once at Pete's home, some of the new members got to meet Lady Maverick, our Associate Member now living in Oregon. Her unyielding generosity has greatly helped this chapter grow and prosper. After our meeting and lunch, Pete and Lady Maverick joined the pack abd we headed northward, this time on CO 83. Traffic was much lighter and our speeds were brisk compared to those on I-25 earlier. We stopped briefly in Franktown to say our goodbyes as Pete and Lady Maverick returned to the Springs. The rest of the ride went well and we enjoyed a day of fellowship and motorcycling in true Buffalo Soldier fashion.
Permalink