I joined up with this escort on U S 65 North just South of U S 60. There were 2 other riders with me on the ramp from Evans Road to 65 N waiting on the main group from Branson. We joined towards the back of the group and were rolling up U S 65 N to I-44 East. Had a quick fuel stop for those that needed it and continued to a rest area on East I-44 just before Rolla Mo. This stop was so the riders with big Flag could unfurl them. Seemed strange with so MANY riders and so MANY L E Os and NOT ONE person in cuffs!
Off I-44 onto U S 63 South and folks were lining both sides of that busy street/highway. I was starting to get a little choked u BUT I was holding it in UNTIL I saw this women on the West curb with a large black and white photo of a young Man in an Army Uniform. THAT was when I started the water wurx from these old eyes. I had zero idea who the young man was to her and NO I DID NOT know him EXCEPT as a Brother In Arms. We continued to the I believe V F W grounds and a LOT of folks ere there considering Wed is a work day. A couple of short speeches I talked to 2 media types and some of us received food vouchers at a local restaurant good ONLY on 3 June 2015. I heard 2 figures on the vouchers-either 50 or 100 NOT sure of the count. The eating establishment that comped us was Joe and Linda's Tater Patch on Kings Highway West of U S 63. My catfish and slaw and taters and hush puppies was EXCELLENT.
I owed $3.85 after the $10.00 voucher. And trust me when I tell you I WILL eat there again with me paying full freight. Lot of local bike runs start and end at the Tater Patch-VERY biker friendly. And before I fergit to rekemeber a LARGE Thank You to the Rolla P D who with the Missouri Highway Patrol escorted us at above the legal limit from Branson to Rolla and all the other County and Local P Ds that fielded units and manpower for this Special ride. The senior P G R Ride Captain and the P D units involved said not one traffic incident took place on this escort. One other thing-IF I were looking t live in a larger town instead of where I presently reside-Rolla Mo. would be HIGH on my list. Rolla Mo. reminds me of the America I grew up in.
RIDE SAFE.
