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Motorcycle convoys to cross New Mexico

Hundreds of motorcycle riders will rumble through New Mexico today through Saturday as part of the 26th annual “Run for The Wall,” a cross-country caravan designed to promote healing among veterans, call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those missing in action, and to support the American military.

 

The ride – which takes three routes across the United States – began Wednesday in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and concludes Memorial Day weekend at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

 

Several public events are planned as the cyclists traverse the state.

Central Route

Riders on I-40 will arrive in Gallup at 3:30 p.m. today After a parade through town they ride to Fire Rock Casino for a 3:45 p.m. “Gathering of Veterans” ceremony. Dinner will be at 5 p.m. at Red Rock Park, sponsored by the city of Gallup. Riders are responsible for securing their own overnight lodging.

Riders head east Friday morning for a gas stop at Route 66 Casino west of Albuquerque, where free gas is being donated by Thunderbird Harley-Davidson of Albuquerque. They will head north on I-25 for free gasoline and lunch at Camel Rock Casino north of Santa Fe. The riders will then convoy to the State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Angel Fire, where they will gather for a group photo before heading for a free dinner at nearby Eagle Nest. Riders are responsible for securing their own overnight lodging.

Following a free breakfast at the Eagle Nest Senior Center on Saturday, riders will head to Raton for a free fill-up at Raton Conoco, courtesy of Tim Trujillo and the Independent Riders of Raton. The convoy then heads for Colorado.

For more information about the Central Route, contact Barbara Montoya at 505-250-6495.

Midway Route

Riders will arrive in Grants at 1:25 p.m. today via I-40, where they will get a free lunch at the Rodeo Grounds adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, courtesy of Cibola County and the town of Milan. Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura, who lives in Gallup, will join in a brief ceremony at the memorial before the riders continue on to Albuquerque.

The convoy will ride through Kirtland Air Force Base to a 4:30 p.m. ceremony at Hardin Field. Riders will then travel to the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, for a free dinner at 6 p.m., sponsored by the memorial’s foundation. Overnight lodging will be in hotels along Hotel Circle.

Rich Ford will provide riders with a free breakfast Friday morning. Riders depart on I-40 at 8:50 a.m. en route to Santa Rosa on I-40 and a free lunch at the Blue Hole Center. They then depart for Amarillo.

For more information about the Midway Route through New Mexico, contact Chris Timm at 505-238-8174.

Southern Route

Riders on I-10 will arrive today in Deming, where they are scheduled to make a 4:15 p.m. gas stop at the Petro Travel Center, I-10 at Highway 418. Riders stay overnight in Las Cruces. There will be a 6:15 p.m. dinner at Barnett’s Harley-Davidson, I-10 at Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. The dinner will be donated by Andale’s Restaurant in nearby Mesilla.

On Friday, American Legion Post 10 will host a free breakfast prior to a wreath-laying ceremony at Las Cruces Veterans’ Memorial Park.

For more information about the Southern Route through New Mexico, contact Roger Thornton at 575-993-0753.