By JB “Papa” Brostrom, MWAi
Day-4
Wow!! Monday was a jammed packed day! The day started at 4:15am in the hotel gym. Everyone was there except Gordito, Paco, Slaw, GQ, Lone Star (not Loan), and Bert. We were to be wheels rolling at 7:30 to get in a fuel stop before heading over to Muratec. We fired up the bikes and proceeded rather eventless to the Race Track gas station/convenience store. The good news is that it under a huge canopy.
The bad news is that the rain stared while fueling. We finished and huddled for a plan. The rain let up a bit so we decided to head quickly to Muratec which is only a few blocks.
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We arrived to find two soccer-mom style tents for which to park the bikes, protecting us from the bulk of the rain. Mr. James D’Emidio’s team were gracious hosts and we had a fabulous breakfast kick off. During which we had a biblical thunder, lightening and rain storm.
Our scheduled departure came and went several times as we monitored the weather cells on the big screen. The weather calmed a bit but we still needed patience as the storm was heading in the same direction as the Patriots Pack. Finally we decided to don our raingear and get on our way. We headed out on George Bush turnpike and turned North East on I 30. The road was moist but we had no rain. About 70 miles we noticed a good storm ahead in our path. A couple of lightening bolts later we found an exit for which to put kickstands down and wait.
Slaw again had to adjust his makeup. After about 30 minutes of standing around looking very much like a Harley Davidson Rain Gear commercial we decided to saddle up and press on. We made good time for the next 100 miles and a fuel stop. With the temps rising and the weather clearing we all decided to doff our raingear. Next stop, Little Rock, AR and DATAMAX.
By the time we crossed into AR the Patriots Pack had settled into a riding rhythm. It took a few miles to get used to a seven pack vs a four pack. We roared off the highway and into the DATAMAX parking lot to find a welcoming committee all decked out in Jillian Fund T-Shirts. It was a very warm and engaging welcome. Barry Simon was very gracious and excited to show off his marvelous facility.
Pete and Jason from ACDI showed up as well to see us off and so did Darrell Amy of Dealer Marketing. Who knew Little Rock AR was one of the hot spots of the copier/imaging world??
Barry didn’t give us a “nickel tour” rather we were treated to a full $9.00 tour. The best part of his facility was his team. What great people. We were treated to refreshments and snacks. We were even sent on our way with individual goodie bags!
Such gracious hosts to be sure but… also a wonderful donation to the Jillian Fund. During our visit Barb Noll asked Paco for some time.
While standing in the crowd she pulled out a worn motorcycle vest adorned with many pins of accomplishment and destination. It was her husband’s vest… or had been her husband’s vest.
He died a few months ago. He had been a Navy Vet. Barb was taken by the spirit of Paco and the Patriots Pack and presented the vest to so we can transport to the wall and then have Paco keep it as a gift. It is still emotional to write about this 8 hours later.
We left DATAMAX and Little Rock like our hair was on fire. Next stop… Memphis for a quick hotel check in and shower. Slaw, are we checking in? We pushed it hard for the 140 miles across I 40 into Memphis. The reason for our hurry was the home-cooked meal awaiting us at the residence of Scot Berry from MCC.
Our hurry was not wasted. Scot Berry, his entire family and many of the MCC team were waiting for us to arrive. It was meet, greet, and meat! We were treated to the most wonderful, home cooked Filet and all the fixins. It was a gift to be invited into the Berry home and treated as honored guests.
We offer heartfelt thank yous to Scott and his family as well as the MCC team for taking time out of your evenings. Scot sent us off with a prayer of thanks and safekeeping. We will sleep well tonight. Tonight we were walking in Memphis. Walking with our feet ten feet off of Beal.
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