Michael's Journal

What a run into the metro area. It was nasty. The temp never got over 37degrees, and the traffic was nuts. The rain started about halfway. Actually just a bit of sleet and only a few snowflakes but lots, and lots of rain. Combined with the traffic we had to be on our frozen toes all day. In fact, it was so cold my camera would hardly work and the photos are from my phone.

Still a good day for RP though, we got lots of signs out, a bit of handouts in the Gas/Convenience places and redlights, and we got lots of honks from other supporters.

What was best was the local who came out for a ride. Robert was great, came out in the nastiness to ride for RP. So there were three RP riders to circle the Pentagon

Navigating the metro area on bikes was… hairy. Was really glad to have a local with us. Still got a bit turned around and ended up on some road sections that bikes normally do not tread but we made it. Passed Arlington National Cematary.

and made it to HQ, (sorry no pics on my camera and have to wait to get them).

What was best though was cruising with Robert. He started with a “town crier” rendition as soon as we entered downtown and we went all the way through bellowing out slogans.

“Find out who the real front runner is”

“Ronnnnn Paaauuuullll!!!”

“End the military industrial complex”

“Support Ron Paul”

“End Tyranny”

“Visit RonPaul2008.com”

“Find out who the troops support”

“Vote Ron Paul”

“Support the Constitution”

“Ronnnnn Paaauuuullll!!!”

among others. It was great. I was mostly bellowing “end tyranny” and “A gov’t of The People, by The People, for The People". We would trade off and there was almost always one of us bellowing and the other two answering with “Ronnnnn Paaauuullll”

All three of us have powerful lungs and people could not help but look and most just had to smile. I was absolutely stoked. Riding with three was so much better than riding alone and I was real honored by the company. I was also quite impressed that Tony had made the whole 53 miles through the nastiness. He had been nervous about the distance and made it through with strength to spare.

Anyway, after taking a few pics out front of HQ we had to get warm and dry so Ken, Shirley, and I got a room here in Arlington. Ma and Tony have a room in town at the Crown that a supporter (Thanks Mr Malone!) had bought for us for three days while I was in Texas. I wanted to wait to enter DC on my bike so stayed outside here at a Quality Inn.

Last night I mapped a route through DC for today which is here

I just hope my camera doesn’t freeze up again, luckily it should be warmer and partly cloudy.

For months all I have been able to do is concentrate on my immediate area, the town I am in and the next on my way. Yesterday I kept flashing on LA. I cannot imagine what I will feel as we cruise DC today but I look forward to having the time to absorb this whole ordeal and believe I will a have a bit to say. Mostly it will be a great big THANK YOU to the grassroots…

GO RON PAUL!!!