A week ago, we had the Patriot Ride in Minnesota...the largest military support ride in the nation. New records were set. From the web site at: http://www.thepatriotride.org/

"This years Patriot Ride was a tremendous success! A new attendance record was set at this years 10th Anniversary event! We had 3350 bikes participating, putting on a great show of support for our Military and their families! Thank You to everyone who came out to show their commitment to our brave sons and daughters and their families!"


Watch the upcoming issues of American Iron, as they were there to cover the event. I had the pleasure of visiting with Buzz Kantner. A first class gentleman, editor in chief of American Iron.

 

A big "Thank You" to all the Law Enforcement and others who gave us 50 miles of trouble free riding....every intersection with a possible conflict was controlled. Once we were rolling, we never came to a stop until the end of the ride. The public was out in droves to wave their flags as we rolled by. Groups of riders were sent out, several hundred at a time, with a break in between, so we had minimal interference with normal traffic at intersections.

A tip of the helmet to all who organized this wonderful 10th year anniversary of this ride!

 

Bike builder Donnie Smith sponsored a custom bike show. Here are some pictures.

 

And some more....that's Donnie Smith in the last picture. Anyone else here remember Smith Bros and Fetrow springers and girders back in the '70's?

 

Nice tribute bike in the show...

 

Nice old Harley was there as well.

 

Can't have a bike show unless they are clean...

 

How does THIS relate to the Patriot Guard?

This has to do with a business and individuals.

The Patriot Guard has to do with individual military members and their grieving families.

The Patriot Guard is NOT about ourselves, self-promotion, or spectacle.

I'm certain that is was a nice gathering and supportive of the military, but it seems to be far outside the scope of the Patriot Guard.


Jim aka kiltiemon (PGR, USN, VVA, BFD)

ps. "Let's all be careful out there!"

 

I may be too grumpy,

I get rather protective of these guys and gals who come back to us in various degrees of "dis-array".

I believe in the sacredness of our mission and respect due to our wards.

Jim aka kiltiemon (self-appointed pain-in-the-***)

 

kiltiemon, I have personally delivered a check from the Mn Patriot Guard to the mother of a young man, a Minnesota National Guardsman, to help with her traveling expenses to the burn center at San Antonio to visit him.

This ride raises in excess of $100,000 a year, to benefit the military members and families, through three organizations: the Mn Patriot Guard, the Mn Military Appreciation Fund, and the Mn chapter of Tribute to the Troops.

http://www.thepatriotride.org/the-causes/