SAM'S RIDE FOR PEACE

[bertman]

My apologies for being so far behind on getting pics or video of SAM'S RIDE FOR PEACE up at OET.

Here's a quick synopsis:

last week I had the privilege and the honor of supporting the riders in Sam's Ride for Peace as they pedaled from Raleigh to Washington, D.C. via the backroads of North Carolina and Virginia. We left the State Capital Sunday morning the 29th of April at 8am, lead by 87 year-old Sam Winstead. Sam is a World War II combat veteran of the Marine Corps who served in the Pacific Theater and was involved in the battles for Okinawa and Pelilu. Back in January Sam asked our Veterans for Peace Chapter if we would be interested in helping him in a Ride for Peace. I was so impressed with Sam and his desire to make the 350-mile bicycle ride to see the President that I signed on immediately.

You can find the details of why Sam decided to lead such a challenging bicycle journey if you go to http://www.ncveteransforpeace.org You can also find a brief day-by-day summary of the Ride for Peace.

Sam and ten other bicyclists arrived at Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. at 2pm on Saturday May 5th where he and the riders were warmly greeted by family, friends, and well-wishers. The riders had averaged 50 miles per day through the beautiful Piedmont, over its hills and around its curves.

My role was rear security. I followed close behind the riders with a flashing amber light and a warning sign that initially read: CAUTION BICYCLISTS AHEAD, then was modified as you will see in the video, then was modified again to its final version which you may see later if I ever get the video/pics together and posted. We had a committed and safety-conscious team that logged in over 1600 bicycle miles without an accident or injury--and only a few close calls.

The three riders who rode the entire route were Sam (age 87), his cousin Joe Winstead a retired military tech sergeant (age 68), and a sympathetic pro-peace activist Fred Mauney who has two cross-country biking trips on his resume (age 64). Others, including Sam's grandson Billy and great grandson Aidan joined us for various legs of the trip. In all, 14 riders, rode for peace.

On Day 3, we were joined mid-route by a Vietnam veteran, Michael Davis, who rode with us to Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring. Michael put together a montage of pictures as well as the Youtube video that I am including as a link for your viewing pleasure.

In addition to our fine hosts at Grayhaven Winery, we were given delicious meals and a place to lay our weary heads by two other generous peace activist households who treated us like beloved friends.

This is only the beginning of this effort to bring peace and sanity to our world. I hope you enjoy the video and are inspired and motivated to work for peace by the words and actions of Sam Winstead and his friends on the Ride for Peace.

peace and solidarity

Bertman

[cornermouse]

Congratulations to all of you.

[F. Gordon]

Go Sam Go

That's incredible. Thank you so much for doing this. Being involved. A tip of the hat to you (if I wore a hat). I can call quite a few WWII Vets my friends. Sadly, most are now gone.

[waiting for hope]

I can't believe he is 87 - Wow. Hubby just watch the video with me - he said Wow too. What beautiful county you guys rode through - and I recognized that truck! Glad you all made it okay - how did you get back?

[bertman]

Yes, waiting for hope, it's an amazing ride for someone to make, especially an 87 year-old, but that shows you what Sam is made of. When the riders would take a rest break, Sam was usually the first to say "Okay, let's ride."

Everyone rode back with family members who had come to greet them at Lafayette Park. My wife and my youngest step daughter rode up together and we all went back Saturday evening. Believe me, I was ready to get home!

Sam's an amazing guy. He cuts his own firewood and splits it. Gets friends to help him load it up and stack it.

Some of those hills were LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGG and a steady upward grade. Very hard on a bicycle. That didn't stop Sam and Joe and Fred--or the others. It was sensational to see.

.

[waiting for hope]

I am so glad that you got to go - peace and solidarity to you Bert!

[ima_sinnic]

simply fantastic, Bert! Thank you! And a big hug of appreciation to all of you!

[Naja]

I recognize that freezeframe in the youtube. It was great having you guys come through my neck of the woods here in Central Virginia. Sometimes isolation out here makes me feel like not a whole lot of people are doing enough or that I'm not doing enough. It was a boost to my spirit to have peace activists show up on my door step. Hope all are well and take care, bertman! Hope to see you again some time.

[NowIknowWhy]

Go Bertman (and Sam!)

[PassionateProgressive]

Go for it! What an inspiration! I have to go now - can't wait to return and read every comment!