(Editor's note: , four firefighters from West Pierce Fire & Rescue are riding their motorcycles cross-country to New York for the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. They are providing daily dispatches to Patch)
Well, today was an 0700 start from Coeur d'Alene, ID. Most of the group found that they didn't dress warm enough as the temp was in the low 40's. We are in for over 500 miles today.
The first few pictures were taken when we made an emergency stop, one of our riders had a rear tire blow out. The bike stayed up and the tow vehicle with the trailer was 2 minutes behind us. The bike was loaded and the tire was replaced at the Harley shop in Missoula, MT.
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We then stopped in Bozeman and were met by an engine company and ladder company who escorted us through their town to the next freeway entrance. Thanks to them for making us feel welcome.
We continued to our final destination for the day, Billings, and again we were met and escorted by an engine company. They took us to their annual firefighters summer party, which they postponed this year until we were riding through. What a great spread they had; huge bbq, see photo, made by one of their members.
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The property was also owned by a local member. They had burgers, dogs, brauts, salads, chips and some killer baked beans! Not to mention cold beverages. Many thanks to those guys, it was a great welcoming.
The campers on the ride camped right there on the property while the rest of us went to our hotel.
On the road tomorrow at 0800 for the next days ride to Sturgis South Dakota. Less than 300 miles, our shortest day. Hope all is well at home.
Back atcha tomorrow.
Capt. Greg Johnson
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