Ride to the Wall, Kiwi Mike Finale

Saturdays presentation of the bikes went real well.


Jay Allen’s Army bike was built about 8 years ago and it is the bike that gave him the idea for this whole thing.

The Air Force bike was built by Billy Lane. Billy’s bike was of Speedway styling. Bourget’s Marine bike was cool and Bridget made up a Vietnam era story about the bike. Dar of Brass Balls Bobbers created the Navy bike. It is interesting to see 5 builders all create something different from the other and each bike was great.

I get a bit sentimental when public speaking to crowds especially on stage about stuff like this that means so much. I’m always scared of messing up and forgetting something that I shouldn’t have. I think it went over pretty good.

While with our bikes in the staging area up on the stage before the presentation, a Military serviceman presented each of us builders with a special medallion. It read "Presented by Sergeant Major Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Today was the big day for the ride through Washington DC starting at the Pentagon. It was an early start leaving the Hotel at 6.15 am. Off to downtown DC to pick up the bikes and then ride together to the Pentagon. While riding from the Hotel to downtown we were crossing the Potomac River bridge and a Coast Guard helicopter passes over us. I love it when a plan comes together.

I've never experienced Washington or anything like this before which are all powerful places to see. Ted, Walt and Ray started Rolling Thunder 25 years ago and have some pull in this town on this special day. This days ride is also signifies to show Washington that bikers and these good folks have a loud voice that will be heard.

It has been very hot and humid during the last few days here and another one again today.

Our friend and Editor of IronWorks magazine Marilyn Stemp jumped on Greg's bike for some non regular picture opportunities while Carolyn was on the back of CG-1. Chris Maida from American Iron Magazine was also in close proximity.

Staging took forever, from leaving the hotel at 6.15am till we actually rode off at the Pentagon at about 12 noon. A lot of hurrying up and waiting. While waiting at the Pentagon another Coast Guard helicopter did a couple of flyovers and circled us. I love it when plan 2 comes together. My mate Dar (Brass Balls Bobbers) built the Navy bike and I looked over at him and his builder Brian and said, top that one mate. We had a good laugh.

Riding out from the Pentagon, CG-1 lead the half million bikers out, wow what an exceptional honor. From then on all 5 bikes shared the lead. 2 other Bourget bikes tried crashing in on our parade and pushing their way to the front but I put a stop to that shit. I've been on rides before and they are very rude and like to muscle their way in front of the cameras like media Ho's. This was not going to happen on my shift and I made sure it did not.

We all equally put a lot of effort and TLC into our bikes and in my case I rode CG-1 across this great nation to the nations great Capital, Wash DC. No one was going to take anything away from those 5 bikes.

The ride traveled across the bridge, down Constitution, past the White House and Capitol Building. Wow what a sight. I couldn't help but engage the siren by these 2 buildings and throughout DC as it'll be the only time I'll be able to get away with it in my lifetime.

Half million riders leaving the Pentagon parking lot takes approx 5 hours. Wow. The veterans in this country are a very strong group and it was great to see them out in force. This was their day and they shined. It was a honor us builders could give back just a little.

Today will be the last day I get to ride CG-1 for a year. While I feel a loss of not being with her, I know the benefit it will bring to many others in all walks of life while on its tour across the US and abroad.

It truly has been an awesome experience being here in Washington DC. It’s still sinking in and it’s hard to believe that our list of fantastic experiences continued on this weekend. Afterwards we just sat next to the Pharmacudical building (on Constitution) on the grassy bank in the shade to take in all the bikes still entering Constitution. A marine stood at attention saluting every rider who entered Constitution. He never quivered even once in the extreme heat.  

My final part of my speech was as follows which I think is a nice way to say good bye till our next adventure. There will be more, a trip to Alaska and then an around the world adventure and yes, of course on Indians.

Enjoy the final words and thank you for sharing in our real life experiences and allowing us to be candid. Good bye until next time, it’s been one hell of a ride!!!

This is part of my speech which I gave upon the presentation of CG-1 up on stage that hits home of our ride accomplishment and the Coast Guard.

"SEMPER PARATUS (Always Ready).

This original 1945 Indian Chief has patrolled the shores of California, endured the Mojave Desert, scaled the mountains of New Mexico, galloped across the Texas prairie, cruised the Nachez Trace Parkway, climbed the Blue Ridge Mountains, conquered the North Carolina Tail of the Dragon and slid to a stop at the Atlantic ocean.

Like the Coast Guard, this bike never faltered in its mission. In 4133 miles, this vintage machine was always ready for its next challenge. SEMPER PARATUS"!!!