Michael's Journal

(note-having trouble with this blog, trying to fix the comment problems and now I can’t seem to upload images, aarrrgggghhhh

For those that like pics, a boatload is here

http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb19/mkauai/

I’ll get this fixed ASAP)

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I am in Florence, AZ. A small AG -town 60+ miles southeast of Phoenix. Happy with the distance as we got a late start and had lots of stops to hand out lit and thank all the MU people that came out to cheer me on. Which brings me to the first thing I want to say

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, PHOENIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean, these guys took care of me from 70 miles out, to 60 miles past. They put me up, fed me, lined the route with banners, accompanied me through the confusing sections. We had MeetUps, sign wavings, went door to door, manned the GOP booth at the state fair, hung banners in the middle of the night, everything an RP supporter like myself could dream of. Everything I had hoped for when I first dreamed this little jaunt up. I really can’t thank you all enough.

First Portland, then LA, now Phoenix. RP Grassroots is phenomenal. While each region has it’s own way. So far, Phoenix is the signage capitol of the RP rEVOLution. Unbelievable and EFFECTIVE. 90% of those I talked to, who had heard of RP, mentioned the signage. As TruckinMike says, “get those signs out people". And as BikinMike says, “then get out in the streets and give the people the info they are hungery for” They appreciate it, especially now, after the Leno interview. Get-em while that is fresh, people mentioned it all day today. It is incredibly satisfying to see people walking away reading the good news we bring them.

I got rid of a ton of lit today, (feels like a ton, at least while pedaling). Even planted a yard sign in one lady’s yaerd who had seen Leno. Really stoked to get a DVD to an Indian on a reservation I rode through.(kinda felt like Hawaii, plenty aloha and good cheer. The native people are much more sophisticated than they are given credit for and have an integrity sadly lacking in much of the “west".) That DVD will probably circulate through the tribe and word spreads rapidly through these cultures. I was stoked.

There were three cars following me today until people had to peel off for work/etc. There were banner, sign holders all along my route leaving town. In the end it was Ed, and Jake from the the “ASU students for RP” who stayed with me ALL DAY. For miles they drove 10 MPH behind me with handmade “RPrider-LA to DC signs” that got lots of thumbs up. When the road got narrow they started driving ahead and sign waving, I would pass and they would leap-frog. It was great. About 20miles out of town I asked if they would go ahead and get my room. Then they came back they started leap-frogging again.

At one point, a few miles out, I pulled up to take 5 and Ed asked if he could ride the bike for a while. I guess they had been discussing asking me for a while, but thought I may want to do it all myself, (silly boyz). I said, “sure!", I ain’t out here to prove anything about myself, I am out here to promote RP and if letting them ride a few miles made them happy, I was glad to take over video duty and rest my sore butt. They were stoked, Ed rode first and took off with a classic grin on his face. Jake drove and I took pics. I could see that Jake was chomping at the bitt, so when we hit town he took over and rode the mile or so to the motel. I was stoked to see them enjoying themselves so much and seeing how the rig looked and rode. The long and the short of it is there are now 4 official riders on this trip. I hope we have many more.

When we finally got in my room we sat for while, taped some stuff, took some pics. Ed got me to play the uke for a couple songs. He then gave me some parting gifts, one I will always teasure, another I hope to not have to use. Then it was goodbye, and now I sit here with all of you. Tired, happy and looking forward to the YouTubes.

Thanks again everyone.

GO RON PAUL!!!

What a day! First I got to rest up, do some mundane chores, and repack my bags. Sending home some stuff I haven’t used much; keeping the ukulele

Ed picked me up for a bit of a tour. These guys got RP banners everywhere. Here is one that has been up three months already

and another on the side of a market that has been up two months

These guys are serious about hanging banners, they put them out and if they disappear, they hang two the next day. The last thing I did today before coming home was hang a Nov 5 banner and three members went back out to hang more.

We had some fun on the road with a yard sign, we were passing an Obama girl on I-10 as she talked on the phone; Ed’s car is decked out and it looked like she was remarking on it to whomever, she had to laugh when I raised a sign out the window for her at 80 mph. I, also, got a big thumbs up from another car at a stop sign and we could tell she was then explaining to her mate who RP was. Huge smile. A guy in a Boy Scout uniform asked me about RP at a red light, (said, “I’ve seen his banners everywhere"), I jumped out for a chinese firedrill and got him some lit and a bumpersticker. Big smiles all around as we took off. We picked up Bill (in the youtube banner pic) then headed for the meet-up at my hosts house. Two members brought new faces. One was quite liberal, the other quite cynical. Had good conversations with both. Ed got them on tape.

The best was the fair though, from the moment we walked in we stared getting questions about RP (from our shirts). I mean, first was the swat cop at the gate. Seemed really interested. Took a liberty card and directed us to the GOP booth, which we quickly took over.

Every parking lot Ed had to stop at, Bill and I got out and pushed slimjims. Lots of good feedback.

There was a (covert?) member already at the GOP and RP was on the table, we got to work with stickers and passerby, talking to everyone. Had one sour-puss a few booths down who complained we were stepping over our line. The GOP guys there were quite patient as we continued to have our way. At one point it was just me and the GOP guy and we had a good conversation about, “can he win?” I explained two things; One was that he ccan win because there is much more support then the numbers suggest. Two, and this may have sold him, “Only Ron Paul can beat Hillary”

The only negative comment was from a Clinton Supporter who quickly walked past. While leaving we painted the entrace with stickers. Altogeter a productive day.

Then it was off to the great Leno I-view and now I’m home. Have to get some rest for riding towards Tucson tomorrow so will try to catch-up with pics elswhere and just crash… Ed has lots of raw tape

GO RON PAUL!!

Browser crashed just as I finished an update, I’ll try again…

Had a great day. Best thing I did was go door knocking while waiting for the MU to gather at the State House. I hope people notice the recurring theme of this blog. That talking to people is our primary job, as grassroots members of RP’s campaign; not blogging, not voting in on-line polls, not criticizing others efforts. Just simply going outside and talking to people. Everywhere!

Because RP doesn’t take special interest money, he needs to make his from an increasing base of supporters. These potential recruits are out in the world, not reading political BS online. The only way they are going to learn about RP is by the efforts of those who reach out and give them a good reason to look him up.

I assure you, this is easy to do. Ed taped me for a while at the doors, then stopped taping and started knocking himself. People are used to political door knockers; what they are not used to is grassroots ones who are promoting a honest a viable candidate. The thanks I get, for my effort, is so satisfying. You just need to start, you’ll see.

I don’t push anything, I just offer information. People don’t like to be “told” things, they like to make up their own minds. Our job is to simply make sure they have the best info possible to make an informed choice. A polite, sincere smile is priceless. You don’t have to convert or argue with anyone; just leave them with a pleasent memory of RP support. That kind of seed grows.

The other thing I did was have a longish conversation with a CSpan girl, (who sounded like a producer). After our MeetUp rally at the state-house,

we all marched a few blocks over to where the CSpan Election 08 bus was.

(I wanted to find the CNN bus and ride circles around it).

The conversation was good. I made it a point to tell her that, while CSpan has been fairer than most in regard to RP, that We, The People were sick and tired of “business as usual". I amplified the themes of last nights post about why we support RP so strongly. She had to laugh when I called the MSM a bunch of dinosaurs in an era of political climate change. I told her that it was just not us RP supporters who have lost faith in the MSM, it is echoed in 90% of my encounters on my trip. That the MSM faces reletive extinction if it does not learn to adapt, quicky. That the internet is passing them by.

I repeated that we simply demand our public servants to serve the public and stand by the oath of office they take. That we want decency to prevail in our Gov’t and will no longer vote the lesser of two evils. We want honest politicians like RP, and it should not be too much to ask. Indeed, it is just common sense.

And here is why we do it

I’m gonna stay an extra day here, they all had a vote and asked very boisterously. I’d write more but need to get a good nights rest. Ed’ll keep me running tomorrow, too

Thought today was gonna be a piece of cake, after yesterday… NOT! Thats’ what I get for assuming. Headwinds and a long, gentle, grade slowed me alot. Definitely good exercise… The road was through a valley I couln’t make out on G-Maps. Still uphill, but no mountain.

I had a good sign hanging day, “Phoenix Style". On the way out of town, I saw a Nov 5 sign our friends had left last night . That got my mind focused on sign planting.

I left Gila Bend with two, “Hope For America” signs, and a reEVOLution fence banner. I fixed one to the first stake-like object I came across. (The shot will be posted elsewhere, nothing fancy.) The second one I hung was the “original"-kine Phoenix banner

Then, as I got to the “top” of this low valley pass, there was a skeleton desert structure. And there, on a fence, was a “Ron Paul Hope4 US” grassroots banner that really looked like it wanted a little company

Again good luck as I enter stores, restraunts, and motels on the way. There are alot of receptive immigrant Americans who do not know of Ron Paul yet. Most don’t mind talking, in fact, are interested and thankul. There are so many untapped resources out here. Just like how we are such a diverse group, so is the dissatisfied, the apathetic, the undecided.

My friends, people are hungry for politicians like Ron Paul. We are sick and tired of slick willys and tricky dicks. We want politicians who we can feel good about voting for; Not to worry about being embarrased and sometimes horrified over. While corruption remains a prevelent disease in mankind, the best way to contain it is written in the Constitution; through “States Rights". We want each and every Gov’t employee to obey their Oath of Office. Simple as that. When the law makers are the law breakers… Justice goes to hell. We want Public Servants who serve the public. We want candidates who are smart, honest, and compassionately firm. We want leaders, not cowboys.

We want Ron Paul!

Anyway, now I’m up late ranting….

Am really glad to be here in the Phoenix area, these guys are busy. Last night, in front of the entering, sold out, Homecoming crowd of 75,000; the ASU students dropped a banner from the top floor of the parking structure. This was no ordinary banner. This one was a 20ftx40ft rEVOLution banner. It was huge, sorry I missed it. Raw tape is classic, lol. had a MU tonight, Ed has some stuff planned for tomorrow. Maybe video soon.

GO RON PAUL!!!

In Gila Bend, AZ. Small town south-west of Phoenix. Had a great day. 80 miles was intimidating. One mountain range in my way. 112 degrees in the midday sun according to my bike computer. At about 60 miles, as my body started to protest a bit and the shadows started getting long, I started wondering if I would be spending my first night in the desert. The dogs came out from a farm for a chase and I found new stregnth . By the time they gave up I was close enough to start counting down the miles. I made it off the freeway just before sunset and rolled into town. WOW.

Had a great day on the road for RP. Had more honks from passerby, even a freight train. I’m finding the rest areas a great place to talk to people. Even better is the type of people I am talking to. Definite voter types. I cannot stress enough that people are interested in a better choice and how thankful they are when we offer one. Many today read my fliers while standing there and asked questions. It is becoming time that people are aware they have to make a choice. We need to get out and promote RP. People are ready for him.

Most laughed at the way I described the media’s mistreatment of RP, and agreed that they have lost the plot and are becoming irrelevent. That helps in promoting. I, also, was really glad Yuma had given me some AZ voter reg forms as one guy was so taken he asked me how to register. I was stoked to reach in my pack and hand him a form

The Phoenix MU came out to meet me today and did a bit of taping for youtube. These guys rock. They brought me an RP banner to hang and other goodies, took some weight of me and then rode ahead and booked me a room. Thanks Phoenix. I really look forward to going through their town. Here is Ed and Buck

I was also passed by two “real", (one had a brush for his tires) bikers on a San Diego-Tucson run. We had a chat and they liked what I had to say about the good Doctor, never caught their names, nice guys.

One guy at a gas station (vita water for me) really liked the sound of RP and let me put a bumper sticker on his trailer

Final Pic is my first sign plant for Maricopa county on the median

Thats about it, the body could use some rest. I think of all kinds of stuff on the road but hard to recall at the end of the day

GO RON PAUL!!!

Got a bit of a late start today. My hosts in Yuma just wouldn’t let me go. First Elena brought me a big breakfast and then she had to take a bunch of Pics. What a sweet couple.

While she was printing some, her husband Benigno let me know that The Yuma Republican HQ was right around the corner, so I took a little ride to say Hi!. They were closed and I had to just leave some calling cards

Everyone who was up at the hotel was around and were interested in RP, I think we have some new friends.

Then I left to go to the office of the local MU organizer and picked up some signs. He was away, but had quite the table set-up in his lobby, sorry no pic.

I really had a good day giving out stuff, lots of people have not heard of RP and are interested in a “new” choice. My bike draws their interest and it’s easy to start up a conversation. I don’t have to say much. I just give them the handouts and ask them to look him up. The fact that I am grassroots and doing this ride makes them very curious.

The road was long and hot, goes with the territory While resting under an overpass (and getting ready to place a sign) another officer came by. Someone had called about me on the freeway. He was great, said he was stopping cause he had to, but that it was legal to be there and I looked well set-up for my ride. Laughed at the call and said maybe it was a supporter of another candidate. We talked about politics for quite a while. He took a DVD and SlimJim and was quite impressed. A former marine, he had fought in the mideast. He did think that they hate us for inexpicable reasons, I talked about blowback and how he should look deeper into the reasons. All in all a good encounter (except for thwarting my sign plant.)

Had one mountain range in my way. I did my best “little train that could” impression but had to take a few rests on the way up. Was really glad the freeway had a cross-over on top with an overpass to rest in the shade. I was a bit reluctant to put up a sign and perhaps dissappoint the cop but…

sometimes you have to take a few risks. Not much to nail to in the desert so glad I had some ducttape. It should hold for a while and is in a visble and protected area.

Then I had to go down. Normally I would relish the idea of a long downhill but the cop warned me about this one

I used my brakes most of the way cause an accident here could have been big trouble. Was really glad for my expensive tires because there was some glass that I could not swerve around (for obvious reasons) and fixing a flat out there would not have been much fun. Anyway, it wasn’t bad in the end and I was down and pedaling away in no time. Was nice to get a few miles via gravity. It was still quite a ways to the next town and I was glad to see it waaaayyy in the distance. Stopped and had a late lunch…

…where I sat on the sidewalk and talked to quite a few people, who gladly took the handouts. A polite smile works wonders (and a decked out road rig helped). Then it was ten more miles to the place I sit now. I have a long day tomorrow (75miles) but Ed from Phoenix is going to come and meet me and move some wieght forward so it should be fine. Ed is great, he has AZ mobilized for me and I really appreciate it.

GO RON PAUL!!!

Oh, if you haven’t seen it, RPHQ put our start video up and I am honored beyond words

THANKS! RON PAUL!

Wow, what a day 60 miles was a bit intimidating for a guy who used to BMX and downhill mountain bike. Truth is this is the first road bike I’ve ever owned , and today was, by far, the longest I’ve ever ridden in one day.

I was not worried about the desert, only curious as to how I would handle it. My survival skills are strong and I’ve spent years in the tropics so am used to working in the heat, but I have never been in that kind of sun with little chance of respite.

On the freeway

Off the freeway

I was glad I brought a gallon of water and downed a gatorade and a vitamin water at the first store I got to (just outside of Yuma).

But enough about me, the day for RP turned out better than I expected for such desolation. My first encounter was with CHP when I attempted to place a sign on an overpass, you can read about it here:

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=28721

That officer kept his eye on me all day and spread the word that I was out there. He was a nice guy and after stopping to check on me during a break remarked that anyone capable of inspiring a trip like this was worth checking out and he would do it first chance he got. Other officers seemed to find me every time I stopped and were all helpful, and showed genuine interest in my welfare.

Because of their shadow I never got to plant a sign in Imperial County. I hope to make up for that in the future. I have also taken to stopping at every little store I come to, buying a drink and passing out lit. One manager knew of and liked RP but thought he was a Democrat. He now knows better and I hope he changes in time for the Primary. I also got rid of some DVDs to people who had never heard of him and slim jims to a bunch. For some reason, they all thank me, maybe it is a pleasant demeanor and informative answers.

But I am saving the best for last: I have a new friend and sponsor in Yuma. The Bow and Arrow on Target Motel. It is a real hole in the wall and only recommended to those who like rustic, cheap hospitality. But what hospitality! When I first came up the lady of the house was a bit reluctant to rent me a room. I had been riding through town and saw that the place had $25 rooms and decided it looked like a place to crash cheaply. I don’t think they rent to tourists much and she might have thought I would want something nicer. But after talking a bit she warmed up and as she kept glancing at my shirt and signs I mentioned RP and gave here a DVD and two flyers. From then on it was smooth sailing, we talked for an hour about the state of the world and she was quite impressed with the slim jim and mentioned that this guy seems to have the integrity that has been missing from politics for too long. After she went to talk to her husband, she came back and said she wanted to help me. She rented me the room for $1, then after I asked where I could catch a bite she insisted on cooking for me. Here is my meal

and my room

Thank you, Elena, I shall remember this always.

GO RON PAUL!!!

Well, that was… an experience. While my heart goes out to those who are displaced and have lost their lives, homes and mementos, I am amazed that California does not have systems in place to reduce such heartache.

Those people chose to live in a tinderbox and chose not to build safety systems in their houses. During the wildfires a few years ago, the only house left standing in one neighborhood had rooftop and house-side sprinklers. The owner cut back the brush from his lot and saved his house. The insurance companies should insist on these type systems for those who choose to live in an area where wildfire is a natural part of the ecosystem. The fact that FEMA is now there spending our tax dollars to provide MASSAGES is outrageous. RP is right, the Federal government has lost the plot. Indeed, the people of San Diego were doing fine without FEMA, and now the corruption natural to government will waste even more of our hard-earned money.

I am sorry to have lost my partner on the ride, am glad he will be there for me via the ‘net. Only he knows what it is truly like out here. It is not a “ride in the park". The side of the road is not exactly pleasant, especially in the cities.

I am really looking forward to my next section. Every day will put more of the desert behind me. I have been doing well in getting the message of liberty out. Hit a few small towns yesterday where one CD will most likely be seen and talked about by everyone. I have been hitting the “free” news boxes also. There are many that are popular, and each rag gets its own insert. It is easy and effective. I also want to recommend that city folk take Sunday drives into the country, stopping in the small stores, etc. and bringing RP to the lives of those who are not as connected as we are. Just one convert in a small town can be extremely effective. Bring them signs, stickers, and flyers. They’ll thank you now, and we’ll thank them come January ‘08.

GO RON PAUL!!!

Well, what a day it has been. The smoke from the Santiago fire got Damon sick and all the fires in our path caused him to decide perhaps he wasn’t quite ready for such a trip. He got on a train today. I found a U-Haul to bring him to a station and am now in Newport Beach. Am contemplating my next move. I am going to visit a firehouse tomorrow and see if I can volunteer to help in some way. This is truly a mess, lots of people displaced and scared. If there is no place for me to help, I will drive around the fires and get back on the road. While I hope to get some company, I am used to trekking alone and will continue ASAP.

We did have a successful day talking to people about RP. Got a dozen bumper stickers to people who already like our guy, a hundred or so flyers went out, many were inserted into the “free” newspapers, dozens into peoples’ hands. Had one conversation with a reasonable guy that did not like the sound of RP’s Iraq exit strategy in the debate last night. I explained that it is sometimes hard to understand RP’s ideas from sound bites, and that he is a prolific writer who is better understood in writing on these complicated issues. When we parted he said he would look them up and may still vote for him. Another group of guys were walking past when I overheard the word “vote". I immediately whipped out a slim jim and said, “Did I hear the word vote?” One of them said, “I love that guy!” His friends asked me to tell them more, so I did. When we parted they were all carrying bumper stickers. While we were talking to one guy at a stoplight, another man asked if we had any bumper stickers. Glad we had them handy. It is so easy and satisfying to spread RP. Most people are grateful for the good info we have to offer. Try it, you’ll like it.

GO RON PAUL

What a day in SoCal, fires everywhere, smog, traffic, I guess I’m just not much of a city guy after years on Kauai.

The ride went good today, got lots of handouts in peoples hands, that’s what this is all about. I’ve got the moving hand-off down. People still thank us for giving them good information. Everyone sees our rolling yard signs, lots of good comments. A couple passing bikers with quiet compliments. A few horns and thumbs up from passing cars.

I think we still have a lot of work to do in getting RP’s name and message out. Plenty of people looking at our signs with a quizzical look on their face. A few asking “who is Ron Paul?” I’m happy to be here to let them know.

We didn’t get the whole 50 miles today. Only 32. We got a late start and are just getting used to our full weight. I feel good and am ready to get an early start tomorrow. The good news is that we found the route through Camp Pendelton and some good info on getting through San Diego. Anyone who wants us to ride through their city, please talk to a biker and make sure the route is safe for bikers, please avoid unnecessary hills and dales, and a guide through would rock. This is good work, but it is work. I will say though, riding is much easier than walking.

Here is our start pic:

GO RON PAUL!!!

As Damon mentioned, we are on train to LA. Had bus ride yesterday and I sat next to a nice grandmotherly woman. We chatted for a while. I found an opportunity to bring up RP and we talked politics for an hour. She is registered Republican and had not heard about the good doctor. By the time we got off the bus she was wearing a button .

We had an hour in Eugene, and I took a stack of slim jims and went walking around town. Posted a few on bulletin boards, put a few “inserts” in free newspapers and hit gold while buying sodas when the owner of the store noticed my shirt and said, “I love that guy” and took the rest of my stack for his counter

On the train we have given out lots of slim jims, buttons, bumper stickers, and may have turned a Hillary girl last night.

Most of the people here know who we are and what we are doing and the talk is encouraging. The low-key approach I am developing is very effective.

GO RON PAUL!

Luckily, I like roller coasters. We drove from Damon’s brother’s place and found the banner brigade zone. Got the bikes rigged a bit while waiting for Dave to show up in his rolling billboard.

We loaded the bikes into the billboard, then drove it to a perfect parking place where I-5 could see it while we rolled. It was classic, we left with a smile. Our first hour or two was in an industrial area. It was good, navigation practice helped. Portland can be a tricky city to drive in, much less bike through. Highways going everywhere.

Not much rain, which for Portland is famous, except that it made for a slick rail crossing that Damon took a spill on… He’s alright, but it kinda ended the day for him. He parked at a coffee house, and Dave and I wheeled off to get the van. The end of the ride had its ups and downs (down is good).

We also got in a bit of “in the wild” flyer distro on the bikes, got about a dozen into hands on street corners and at bus stops. Two on the fly (that’ll take practice). A bunch of good waves and horns. We did have the inevitable foaming at the mouth response - this time from a short-haul trucker?}.

Then, when we all got back to Portland’s 5000/view per hour (VPH) banner brigade zone… had they arrived…, or what?

A great spot, great enthusiastic crowd, great signs. Twas a win, win, win it was. Lots a horn-honking in the rush hour traffic. Lots of waves, getting slim jims into the hands of passersby. Some hottie stopping to take pictures for her “friend” (in the office, who was talking up RP). I offered her a bumper sticker, she asked for two. It rained a bit and might have been chilly to this Hawaiian Boy, but the enthusiastic sign waving kept us warm. When we all split up they were talking about buying gensets and lights and umbrellas and staying longer. These guys rock!

Tomorrow, however, we board a train and leave this hard-working and happy place. Much mahalos to the Columbia River Valley ohana of MeetUps. I’m really glad we came here first. Your smiles are priceless.

GO RON PAUL

Big Thumbs Up to all of the MeetUps that line the Columbia River!!! Wow, what great, active supporters. Big thumbs down to the Widmer Gashaus (where we choose to meet) who bumped us from the private room, with no warning, on a two week old reservation!. So, even though it was a bit awkward being crammed into booths, and meeting in a loud public environment, the grassroots rocked. I loved seeing Kurt handing out the goodies. Great enthusiasm all around. And speaking of goodies, the personalized multi-tool that Dave got for us brought them good kine tears to my eye. It is such an honor to be a part of the Ron Paul rEVOLution. GRASSROOTS ROCKS!!!

The silver lining in being bumped was that all the diners around us couldn’t help but see our enthusiasm, and anytime I caught them looking on with interest I’d smile and point to my button, or give em a slim jim or…

Others that have gotten RP’d include the manager and customers of the Uhaul place (cheapest way to move bikes, trailers, etc) and the owner of Clackamas Cycle World who is already a republican and waiting to hear of our man. I left him with a CD and slim jim and “…lesser of two evils is still evil” bumper sticker (my last but it fit him perfectly). I also had a long talk with two young guys on the train and hopefully they’ll follow through.

Tomorrow we do our first major warmup. Looking forward to it. We won’t be in any hurry and I want to figure how best to get handouts to people from a bike. We will end at a banner brigade, which is the kind of event I hope many can organize on our route. That, and maybe some door-to-door blitzes with other cyclists. (Really anything the locals feel is effective for their area. We are just tools for you all to use.)

Which brings me to an important point. Someone asked if we had special RonPaulRiders.com signs built for our bikes. The answer is that we do not. We have simple RonPaul2008.com signs on our bikes. This is not about us at all. It is about the good name of Dr. Ron Paul, and the power of the grassroots as a whole.

GO RON PAUL!!!

OK, we did a ten-mile warmup today. TruckinMike from Ron Paul Forums inspired our route today and we went to an Interstate entrance to plant our first sign It was a great rEOVLution sign that Dustin from the local MeetUp here gave us.

Thanks Dustin!

Damon mentioned the flat tire A mile or two into the ride I remembered that we had packed the tools and were unprepared. My Boy Scout leader would NOT be happy . The good thing about the flat was that during repairs we got to talk to a few folk who wondered about our rigs. Handed out slim jims and liberty cards - people were pleased to hear of an honest man running for president. And that’s what this is all about…

GO RON PAUL!!!

Damon arrived safely. Was great to move from ‘net friends to an actual handshake. I am very pleased that he has a great sense of humor. That is very important to me. It is a long road ahead of us and laughter will make the miles much easier to cross.

He brought some great shirts, and a warm hoody, with graphics we had created over the months of planning. I like them a lot.

We built his rig and dressed both with some RP signs and stickers that Dustin from MU #170 was kind enough to supply us with. Dustin also dropped off a bunch of DVDs and other stuff that we are using here in pre-trip mode. Thanks guys!

Our first ride together was great. We slowly tooled around in town here, stopped and talked to folk and handed out some slim jims. Figured out some gear we will need (headset comm for sure. SAFETY FIRST!) Then we came back, did some ‘net work and talked more about our logistical challenges, had some laughs over certain threads on RPFs and went to bed. More to come

GO RON PAUL!!!

Aloha,

Well, Damon got on a bus last night, arrives here today at two o’clock and we will finally get to shake hands. I’m quite excited. Talked to his girl Trish last night, on IM, after she dropped him off at the Greyhound station. What a sweetheart! It is quite a sacrifice to let the man you love take a trip like this. I applaud all of the partners of the troops of our army. I applaud the children and everyone who are making brave sacrifices in time and companionship for this campaign. You all give me strength and determination to work harder for success.

Mahalo nui loa from the bottom of my heart.

GO RON PAUL

What a day. The debate was exciting. 127 people on RPFs Speedchat. I thought RP did great with what he was given. Fantastic actually. I especially liked when he turned a trick question back on the mod and got back on-topic with the financial repercussions of our failed foreign policy.

Meanwhile, my inbox has not stopped yelling at me all day. I love it. Help coming in, things to change on the site, pledges to build, and the bikes came. Assembled one, not too bad, some bits took a few minutes to figure out but I’m pretty mechanical so was fairly easy. Will take it for a test tomorrow.

And the best news is I got two folk here in Kennewick WA to agree to put yard signs up and vote for RP . Contacted the local MU and Dustin is bringing me some signs tomorrow. MeetUps kick butt. He seems really active and I’ll update on the goings on here in the high desert later.

GO RON PAUL!!!

Left Hawaii last night. Full time RP now. Quite busy with working out details of the ride. Everything is coming together. Parts are arriving here in staging ground 1, Kennewick WA. (High desert and a bit chilly for an island boy. Glad I’m here early to acclimate a bit.) Looking forward to getting our bikes this week and seeing how well they ride. Then I can finally find out what I have gotten myself into…