April 28, 2013 - Ride For The Troops - Kokomo, Indiana

It's a HUGE ride. I did it a few years ago. I think it was 80 something outside and sunny. We had 2500 bikes. This past year it was raining and cold and they still had 1500. Gotta ride to support the troops. When we went through the small towns it was a major event. People outside waving flags and vets. There was even a Marine his full dress blues saluting the entire time bikes were going by. Through town we were moving around 25mph so he was there for quite some time. But still a great time. If anybody wants join, I can help you get there...

 

Yeah, that's cool.
We have one for the VA hospital in july/august that's about the same size. Around 2-3k bikes. I've only missed it like once in 5yrs or so. Exact same thing, really. We go through a couple towns, then down to the VA hospital in West Virginia for lunch.
I've actually seen a few bikes from here in it.

 

You know how riding in big groups can get. they shut down the highway well when you are a ways back you will hit speeds of over 100mph. Then you get the jackasses that go off to the right and take off doing 150.

 

The ride I go on is usually well controlled. There's a police escort going about 75 and people rarely even pass at all. Maybe a couple. The cops just radio ahead and hold a few intersections for us.

I just hate the whole whiplash effect of that many bikes. The last couple times I went, I had my buddy hold me a little space near the front. lol...

 

The whiplash effect. That's exactly what I'm talking about! lol I knew there was a term for it but been drinking tonight. Therefore memory NOT the best.