Sorry everyone that I didn't find it sooner. Well on July 3rd. I was number 170 to cross the finish line. Due to injury to my hip, I was not able to ride across but I did limp acroos the line. I promised the only way I wouldn't cross the line was if I or my bike was totally incapitated. When Jim asked me what I was going to do after Doc said no more riding I told him.... " Finishing is the prize" and I would crawl across if I had to.
I became a support truck driver for two different support crews. First one of the riders was trailering my bike and the second was a bike builder from Long Beach,Cal. two on the first team got married after the final ceremony.
Final ceremony had a prayer -via phone link - by Grandfather Red Cloud, current cheif of the Souix nation, in the Lakota language. He prayed to the Creator !!! Giving thanks to the Creator and thanking Him for all the riders who made the journey safely. He told the Creator They are here. Then he thanked all the people from across the land and the world for helping the Lakota people. He ended his thanks saying in Lakota - Mitakuye Oyasin -( we are all related)
Stats for the ride as best I know :
753 started
195 finished( in the time frame) some still riding in - but finishing
3 died (Ledger sports section said 2 and one was from Ocala- 3rd one was on 7/4)
30+ went to hospitals that I know of, ( me included)
Jim Red Clouds' brother and nephew sang two of the songs they sang every day riding asking God to watch over the riders and then Jim had a moment of silence and the prayed for all of the finishers and the families of the 3 who died, thanking God for strength and peace for the 3 families .
Please pray for me as I try to find a way to get back home. The trailer that was to bring my bike and I home broke down in Kalispell,Montana. I will have to fly back (I don't like to fly) and wait for my bike to get to South Dakota which takes about 2 weeks. The added expense is making funds very tight.
I thank all for their prayers and please keep Curtis in prayer for healing as well.
God Bless,
Jeff - Bodybag
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