Riders made a charitable donation of $5 per bike for the privilege of participating in the ride. Staging took place in the rear and lower parking lots with traffic direction by Gail’s employees and members of the American Heartland H.O.G. Chapter. The ride was expertly escorted by officers from several area police departments. It took around 45 minutes for the entire procession to exit the parking area, and there were many spectators lining the sidewalks to cheer for those who rode. Some spectators waved small American flags, and others teamed up to display larger flags. More flags were waved by onlookers gathered on several overpasses along the route.

The roughly 20-mile route ended at the National Airline History Museum at Kansas City’s Downtown Airport. There was a bit of a delay to get through a couple of roundabouts and into the museum parking lot. Gail and her sister Lori used the time to walk through the two lines of waiting bikers, greeting the riders and thanking them for their participation. Fortunately, the museum has an expansive parking area with ample room for all the motorcycles, perhaps as many as 2,000 of them. Once parked, motorcyclists listened to music provided by Ryan Patrick Imming. Great food was available from Brancato’s. The weather for the entire event was perfect!

It’s critical that we are always mindful of the tragic events of 9-11 and continue to pay tribute to the victims. Currently, there are constant reminders that America’s enemies are still active. The good news is that those evil forces are destined to fail, and our nation will prevail thanks to the courage and dedication of our heroes in uniform and the strength of the American spirit in all of us.

Thanks go out to Gail and her staff, the American Heartland Chapter of H.O.G., the police and MODOT escort team, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and all who participated in the ride. Special thanks to our military, police, and first responders who stand ready every day to serve and to protect all of us.