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From the Gazeebo...  

WWR SEASON IS UPON US

 The last frost date in this region is a reminder to me that riding season is finally upon us for real. It's the time when the last of the fair-weather riders have finally taken their scoots out of mothballs in the garage, disconnected the battery tenders, checked the tire pressure and gassed up - maybe bought a new pair of fingerless riding gloves and a pair of mirrored shades, and hit the road on two wheels. Time to get their biker legs back and ride.

You members of the Warriors' Watch Riders - this doesn't apply to you. You've been riding all winter long, havent' you? If the mother of a young warrior calls and wants her baby welcomed in the style that all of our warriors deserve, we aren't about to say no just because it's January or February, are we? One of the most awesome sights I've seen is 25 bikers riding into a rally point at 8am on a January day when the temperature had not yet hit TEN. And some of those had ridden from two states out.

THAT, boys and girls, is Warriors' Watch-style riding.

Last month (April) there was a weekend, I forget the exact date, when the temps were like June instead of early April, and I went out on Saturday to JUST RIDE, and just to delight in the feel of the sun on my face and the wind in my hai... um, I mean across my scalp.

Well, I wasn't alone. The roads were thick with Harley riders. I was actually beginning to get tired of giving the "Harley Salute," the wave to every bike that passed.

It occurred to me, as I whizzed past each new spring-biker and he gave me that casual "we're bros" wave,  to think "where have you been all winter, bubba?" Yes, you look cool now, on your Softail with your denim jacket and dark glasses, but WHERE WERE YOU IN JANUARY? Where were you when  a dozen Warriors' Watch Riders were escorting a hero in 18 degrees in high winds, where the windchill was deep into the danger zone?

 Yes, the season is upon us, and Warriors' Watch riders don't need to dig the scoot out of the garage, we only need a fresh tank of gas - some of us need new brake pads - some of us new tires.

In the weeks ahead I we'll be talking about Memorial Day and July 4 plans, in addition to our bread-and-butter Welcome Home rides. Being me on Memorial Day and July 4th is like being Irish on St. Pattrick's Day, and I'm in my zone. I'm sure you all feel the same way.

Of all people, YOU know that Memorial Day isn't the first day of summer, it isn't an excuse for a Monday holiday and a backyard BBQ. Instead, Memorial Day to us is almost a holy day - the one day set aside to remember and honor ALL of our war dead - from Valley Forge to Falluja.

So our season is here, and now you'll be a bit more comfortable (At least for awhile, until say July, when stradling a hot V-Twin in traffic is kind of like riding a hot charcoal grill.)

Warriors' Watch Riders - let's Ride! (And bring a bottle of cold water).

Following are the mission itineraries for the CONFIRMED MISSIONS coming up this week, followed by a list of upcoming missions and sanctioned events. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE FORUM LINKS FOR THESE MISSIONS PRIOR TO HEADING OUT, for last minute changes, updates and times.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR WARRIORS! TOGETHER WE ARE CHANGING THE CULTURE - ONE WARRIOR AT A TIME!

MISSION PLANNING - WEEK OF THURSDAY, APRIL 30 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

***

CONFIRMED MISISONS

Northern Illinois - Deployment Escort Navy E6 Josh Spates - 5/16

Northern Illinois-5/18 Welcome Home Sgt. Graham Strebler

Northern Illinois - Memorial Day Parade - Johnsburg 5/25

 Northern Illinois : 5/25McHenry Memorial Day Parade

Northern Illinois - 5/25 Memorial Day Parade - St. Charles

 SANCTIONED RIDES AND EVENTS

New Jersey: May 15th WWII Vets Escort assistance Request.

Pennsylvania/New Jersey: 3rd Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride 5/17/09

All of the above threads can be viewed even if you are not registered on the fourms. However, if you have NOT YET REGISTERED ON THE FORUMS, PLEASE DO SO NOW to ensure that you do not miss any of the excitement, planning and discussion of this upcoming activity! Click on this link and register on the forums now!

Until then: MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS, STILL THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH, AND ALL OF THOSE WHO DO, HAVE, OR WILL DEFEND HER, AT HOME AND ABROAD.

- LUTZ

*This newsletter is named "The Weekly Ride" or "The Ride", for short, in memory of and to honor Sgt. Jennifer Hartman, U.S. Army. Sgt. Hartman was killed in Iraq by America's enemies. She died in defense of our freedom at the age of 20. This quote from Jennifer was read at her graveside:

"It's not about what happened in the past. It's not about what might happen in the future. It's about the ride, for Christ's sake."

Click here for a Tribute to Sgt. Jennifer Hartman: "The Ride"