The First Annual Iron & Ash Ride is an Epic cross country ride to raise awareness for Veterans, Cigars for Warriors and Veterans Outreach.
The team came from all over, Rogue traveled 1129 miles in one day from FL, Dr. Ruth traveled 1300 miles from MN, and I traveled about 1200 miles from Wisconsin. We all joined up in San Antonio, Texas for the start of the Ride.
Our first stop had us traveling towards the Gulf Coast, which is a beautiful ride, be sure to wear lots of sun screen! This took us to Corpus Christi long enough to drop off our luggage and run to Tobacco World to be met by David and Liz and welcomed into their world of cigars and veterans.
There we met the Corps Man, and shared a wealth of medical information and instant camaraderie with his trauma background of patients and caring for them in the field. It is incredible what they are expected to do out in the field, but are not given similar jobs for their skills when they get back to the US.
We met up with a Vietnam Veteran who is still plagued with memories. And onto Jose the owner born in Cuba but who came to America as a child and his family obtained their citizenship correctly. He enlisted in the Navy and has been on nuclear subs ever since, working through the ranks to become a commander. The stories were absolutely incredible.
More photos from Corpus Christi:
Our next stop had us riding up the coast; we rode onto a bridge with the sunrise behind it, and were met by the site of a fully loaded battleship with jets and helicopters on deck. This was a very impressive sight. I kept wishing I had a camera with me.
We then headed to Houston where we were met with rain every 20 minutes only to drive for another 20 minutes, long enough to dry out only to be drenched yet again. The idea of wearing long sleeve white shirts due to sunburn blisters and the rain, you get my drift. We finally arrived in Houston, after cussing out our GPS which gave us confused directions. Then Rogue rode down the grass hill to the ramp, and yes this is a true story!
We finished up at That Cigar Place and were met there by an old time friend of Rogue’s, called Billy Tinny. We had a great time listening to the two of them as they exchanged stories. We were lost in time as we listened to the history of motorcycle events through the times, as told by the stories these two were sharing. It was awesome!
Then we were off to Lake Charles to add another rider to the team. Darryl is a longtime friend of Rogue’s, and is helping out with Security for the rest of the ride. We stopped over to meet Sonny Keeton an iconic pin striper and a man of many talents with a wonderful wealth of information. His son Waylon is a paramedic and he also races motorcycles. Some very cool times were shared. Cool, cool, cool!
The nights were spent with little sleep, great laughs, knowledge and stories shared. All the money and cigars raised is for the veterans. This has been a fast paced epic adventure so far.
In Baton Rouge our coordinator Alaine, a soft spoken fireball, put together such an awesome time. If you are ever in Baton Rouge you have to try the best Catfish ever at the Cadillac Café. What an awesome place, the owner Jen is funny yet inviting and a huge veteran supporter.
How wonderful all of this has been and how privileged I am to have Rogue, Dr. Ruth and Darryl riding along with me. A truly fantastic and incredible adventure! We are paying our own way, not using your donations and it has been worth every penny.
Stay tuned for more
updates as we travel to the next part of the journey!
More photos from the Ride:
Since 1987, Tobacco World has been South Texas’ choice Tobacconist! We offer brands such as Arturo Fuente, Punch, Ashton, Macaundo, Punch, etc. Our shop also carries imported cigarettes, pipes, humidors, and accessories. Our staff is very knowledgeable and is here to make your shopping experience with us memorable.
That Cigar Place is the cigar shop and lounge you have been waiting for. Our lounge is spacious and comfortable. We have 3 TV’s with the sports, news or a good movie playing at all times. Sink into our leather chairs and take off the load of the day. This is truly your extended den where you can enjoy a cigar from our fantastic selection.
For 25 years The Cadillac has provided the best live music in Baton Rouge. They have stayed ahead of the curve while introducing various new acts which all revolve around rock and roll. They started out as a small music venue in 1989 and have developed into one of Baton Rouge premier night clubs. They have the best light show, best DJs and live music. Enjoy!
Please follow and like us:
