(log of events by Kerry Horton)
Dawn in Edgewood September 2nd, start of the Motorcycle Group’s Rally to Shanksville PA for the IAFF Motorcycle Rally to memorialize the 25th anniversary of 9-11. Robby and Lisa, Richard, Gabe, Lawrence and Beverly and Matt Gutierrez and Victor Padilla escorted us down the road. Kerry on camera duty.
Gabe’s bike started having electrical trouble near Santa Rosa. The brightest minds trying to figure out the issue in Tucumcari.
Waiting for a diagnosis of Gabe’s Harley at Tripps Harley Davidson in Amarillo. The problem was solved and we all met up in Oklahoma City for a much needed rest at the end of the first day.
The gang at the Bonnie and Clyde historical site in Joplin Missouri on day two. No troubles today and we spent the night in the wonderfully hot and humid Rolla Missouri.
A quick photo op at the St Louis Arch and a good lunch in Effingham Illinois. Still hot and humid all the way to Indianapolis Indiana on day three.
Here’s the gang at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday September 5. No more issues as we make our way to Shanksville on the 8th.
In Cleveland now visiting the downtown waterfront and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Day six, Buffalo NY, a 20 minute cruise on the Maid of the Mist. Lots of wind and water but fortunately no ship wreck. A great lunch at the Griffon Gastro Pub and then on to Pittsburg.
Day 7.A quick site seeing journey to the Steelers Stadium and surrounding area then off to the IAFF host hotel called the Seven Springs Resort in Champion PA (Tuesday, September 8, 2026)
Day 8. First day of the IAFF Motorcycle Rally commemorating the 25th anniversary of flight 93 on 9-11. The Day was filled with a self guided tour of the area and a hospitality event at Fin and Feather with drinks and dinner hosted by Pittsburgh FD, IAFF Local 1. Breakfast at Summit Diner in Somerset PA and ending with a great dinner in a beautiful location.
Day 9. Today the group visited the Flight 93 National Memorial. Tomorrow’s event will be very crowded so we wanted to visit it with time to look around. A truly awe inspiring and solemn memorial.
Day 10. The final day of the IAFF Motorcycle Rally commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9-11, and in particular the flight of United 93, started around 5:30 am in the rain. The bikers were staged and everyone left around 6 am for the one hour ride to the Flight 93 Memorial National Park . The memorial was very crowded and somber as the highjacking events were remembered and the victims honored. Friday evening the IAFF Motorcycle Group had their member dinner and a few speeches. Here is Robby introducing everyone to Greg Gonzales’s book Internal Search, and it will be advertised on the IAFF MG FB page as well. It was a great four days but it’s time to get on the road towards Colorado Springs and the IAFF Fallen Firefighters memorial on the 18th and 19th.
Day 11, travel day. Massive storms were predicted in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky, all the states we traveled today. Fortunately we only had to deal with a few minor showers and always seemed to travel ahead or just after the main showers. No photos today, though we did see the hind end of West Virginia, believe me, you don’t want to see a photo of that! Made it to Morehead KY today and we’re thinking of dropping south to Nashville tomorrow. Stay tuned to fine out if that happens.
Day 12, the last day we all stay together. Nashville was the setting for our last day we all travel together. Tomorrow Gabe and Richard head west on I40, Gabe stopping in Oklahoma City to watch his son graduate boot camp and Richard continuing on home. The rest of us are heading towards St Louis and over to Colorado Springs for the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the 19th. While we were in Nashville we were able to visit with Sean Elks and his family. This was a nice treat for Beverly and Lawrence as well.
Day 13. Gabe and Richard are headed west on I 40 towards Oklahoma City as the rest of us make our way towards Kansas City and then on to Colorado Springs. We crossed four states today finally stopping in St James MO for the night. We crossed a lot of rivers today including the Cumberland, Ohio, and Mississippi.
Day 14. Short travel day today so we spoiled ourselves with a great dinner at Jack Stack’s BBQ in Kansas City MO. Our next two days will be long travel days getting to Colorado Springs, and there’s rain in the forecast, so early to bed, early to rise.
Day 15. As warned, today started out with a great deal of rain. Robby and Lawrence handled it like pros, though I really felt bad the four of them had to endure the soaking rain while I was dry and warm in the cab of my truck. My arm even got tired adjusting the speed of my wiper blades. We ended the day in Oakley KS and are staying at an old time motel called Annie Oakley’s. We were heading to a grill/pub a couple of blocks down the street when some gentleman standing in front of the local VFW invited us in for a fund raising dinner. We had a delicious dinner of chicken fried steak and a couple of our party enjoyed a local delicacy they call Bull Fries. Enough said! Met some nice people and they enjoyed the story of our journey. Tomorrow we’ll be in Colorado Springs. Gabe is enjoying time with his son in Oklahoma City and Richard continued on to Albuquerque today. Last report was that it was still very hot and he couldn’t wait to get home.
Day 16. Another travel day heading to Colorado Springs for the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Today’s travel was uneventful and we were happy to get away from the cattle country that is western Kansas. Enjoy the beef, not the perfume, or flies.
Day 17. The group finally gets a day off from travel and commitments. We met up with the 10th district group at Pikes Peak Harley Davidson dealership for donuts and coffee, then headed over to Mo’s Dinner for some real breakfast. After that we cruised to the top of Pikes Peak, a great ride on bikes or in a vehicle. Friday night we went to downtown Colorado Springs for dinner and a few drinks, and to watch the Colorado Springs Fire Department sponsored Drum and Pipe parade. CSFD does a great job hosting this event every year. We met up with the local 244 crew for another drink, then called it a night. Tomorrow is a busy day with the biker parade, Fallen Firefighters ceremony, and looking at all the FF tent setups from departments all around the country that attend this memorial.
Day 18. The final day of our journey was a little somber due to the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial, but it’s always good to catch up with old friends and meet new Brothers and Sisters from around the country and Canada as well. As always, the memorial was impressive, heart felt, and beautiful. Colorado Springs Fire Department was a great host again and the weather was perfect. Dinner in Manitou Springs and then back to the motel for our last night on the road. Tomorrow we return home and back to our daily routines. It has been a pleasure traveling with the New Mexico Chapter of the 10th District Motorcycle Group. We have all had a great time and I can attest to the fact that they all represent AFDRA well and they are all very well respected by all of the members of the 10th District Motorcycle Group.
Day 19. Every body is home safe and sound. What an adventure, over 4700 miles, 13 different states, two IAFF memorial events, and the opportunity to visit with firefighters from all 50 states and Canada. Let’s do it again! On behalf of the IAFF District 10 New Mexico Motorcycle Group, we want to thank everyone that donated to make this trip possible. The group represented AFDRA, IAFF District 10, and Albuquerque with all their heart. Thank you, it’s good to be home, and where the hell is the green chile?
The End