Day #21 Wytheville, VA to Staunton, VA
Today it was a great looking morning, breakfast wasn’t good, the pancakes appeared to be hockey pucks (Go Sabres!), but everyone was ready to head out and ride. Group 1 (Craig, SB, Steve and Fred) rode off onto the route. Unfortunately the GPS put us on I-81 and in a short time we got pulled over by a Virginia State Trooper. No problem, he got us back on track right away. Then we got a flat tire on the Durango which totally destroyed the tire. CHP Officer Tony Lowery aka “AAA with a gun” came to the rescue and changed out the tire. Then the group went on climbing and climbing into the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The entire group stopped for a picture on the top of a climb with a spectacular view.
The second group (Bruce, Nancy, Dawn and Kevin) headed out towards Roanoke, Va for an afternoon Memorial Ceremony. On the steps of the Roanoke PD we held the ceremony. Nearby was a monument recently erected for Officers killed in this City. In attendance was Chief Gaskins and many other Officers including Lt. Fazio. Lt. Fazio was instrumental in setting up today’s event. A Memorial Baton was presented to Chief Gaskins and then the riders headed out with motor support towards Staunton. With several hills and great downhill’s the group motored along at a great pace.
It was 90 degrees when the final group (Dennis, Pat, Rob and Tony) took off late in the afternoon. Several early hills eventually went into many rollers. This team did a great job in keeping the pace up to beat the setting sun. They rolled into the Hotel at about 7:30pm. At the Hotel waiting were Dennis’s niece Katie Dempsey and Graeme Leiser (soon to to married) to cheer for the group. Scott Bzdak of the Culpepper County Sheriff Office in Virginia was also on hand and will be riding with us tomorrow. Scott will be doing his 1st Unity Tour next week. Later we all sat down and enjoyed some pizza on the pool patio.
The second group (Bruce, Nancy, Dawn and Kevin) headed out towards Roanoke, Va for an afternoon Memorial Ceremony. On the steps of the Roanoke PD we held the ceremony. Nearby was a monument recently erected for Officers killed in this City. In attendance was Chief Gaskins and many other Officers including Lt. Fazio. Lt. Fazio was instrumental in setting up today’s event. A Memorial Baton was presented to Chief Gaskins and then the riders headed out with motor support towards Staunton. With several hills and great downhill’s the group motored along at a great pace.
It was 90 degrees when the final group (Dennis, Pat, Rob and Tony) took off late in the afternoon. Several early hills eventually went into many rollers. This team did a great job in keeping the pace up to beat the setting sun. They rolled into the Hotel at about 7:30pm. At the Hotel waiting were Dennis’s niece Katie Dempsey and Graeme Leiser (soon to to married) to cheer for the group. Scott Bzdak of the Culpepper County Sheriff Office in Virginia was also on hand and will be riding with us tomorrow. Scott will be doing his 1st Unity Tour next week. Later we all sat down and enjoyed some pizza on the pool patio.
The Team with the Durango and Trailer on the Mountain
posted by PUT Coast to Coast at 11:03 AM
5 Comments:
Hi Rob. You don't know me, but I'm Dennis' youngest, most wonderful daughter (I'm his favorite but don't tell my sister or brothers). Anyways, I talked to him earlier and he told me how you kicked his butt on the ride today and he had to do everything he could to keep up. I just wanted to say thanks!!! Its about time he got a good old fashion butt whooping!!!! Everyone, keep up the good work
SHANE AND FELLOW RIDERS, AS YOU HEAD INTO THE HOME STRETCH PLEASE KNOW HOW IMPRESSIVE YOU ALL HAVE BEEN ON THIS WONDERFUL MISSION, IT IS TRULY A HONOR TO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU, EMMY
Hey Guys...I hope you're enjoying the blue ridge mountains...that is a really beautiful area.
So you're finally heading to PA/NJ...I can't wait to meet all of you tomorrow in Allentown and to see Rob again...this is the longest we've been apart! I'm working on picking up some fresh rainbow cookies, however you guys might just have to wait until I can get the really good ones from Little Italy in NYC. The good ones are hard to come by! Especially since my favorite jewish bakery in Brooklyn is now a CVS :(
See you all in Allentown!
Dear Mr.Officer White,
Hi! How are you doing?You are almost there.Keep up the hard work!How is the weather ?It looks stormy.We think it would be fun to ride in the rain.The IHOP picture is our favorite.Feliz Cinco de Mayo!From,your favorite 5th Grade!
dad.......if you woulda come to jinkys you'd get good pancakes...
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