To echo Dinky's post and add a little. From what I understand Barbarbalee was just going to have the PGR relay the Flag to Ca. and pick it up there. She then decided "What the heck" and chose to accompany it. Then she was going to just ride in her cage. That didn't last long as she was talked into riding on the back of the bikes, and her brother joined her. They have been on the bikes almost constantly since leaving Fl. Now bear in mind they have never been on bike before, and her brother has some back problems, but they are sticking it out. They have already been in all type of weather and when I was with them, you can see it's taking a toll on them, the long days are also getting to them, but they are sticking it out.                     

Now for the delays/change in routes. When someone comes up to her, she is one that can't say no. She will stay and talk to you and will not leave anyone out. If you sit and talk with her as she tells stories of her stops, you will realize this is in her heart and not some publicity stunt. While she was in Illinois and we were getting her something to eat she related a story of one of the hospitals she stopped at. She went into  the room of one of the patients with the '76 Flag, started talking to him and asked if he wanted to hold it. Now remember this Flag has very seldom been out of it's protective case. It was taken out and handed to him. He was holding it for a while, then Mrs. Monday said she saw his hands starting to shake and he started crying. Mrs. Monday getting worried asked him "Whats the matter?" He replied to her "Mrs. Monday I have shrapnel in my hands and a piece is starting to come out and I don't want to bleed on the Flag" Now I can't tell it as good as her, but believe me we were all in tears.

Best advise I can give it try to be at the hand off points as the routes can and will change. If I had gone to where I was going to meet-up I would have missed them due to a change in plans, and I know others in Illinois missed her because of the change. So please don't be upset if you have to wait or the route gets changed, I had to wait 4 hours and didn't get to go as far as I wanted, but I would not have missed it for the world.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Hello All,

The honor of carrying this flag, which flew over the medic station where many of the PGR missions began, is larger than the personal efforts of an individual. This flag flew over the hopes of the injured as they were brought in, the flag comforted troops when the news of a lost brother or sister was passed on, this flag flew in a battle zone as proof that a country at home was proud of their service!! What an honor to be invited to relay it!! What a massive undertaking!! Snap, you are commended for taking on such a huge logistical task!!!!!!!!

That said, and it should be plenty, in true PGR fashion, it has become an improvise and overcome situation at times. How many of our missions do this? I myself have seen many missions where at the last minute a change was made. I was the lead flag bike on an unknown rote hundreds of miles from home and the police road blocks ended and I had no clue as to where to go,  so I slowed down to a crawl, kept looking back for help to arrive and PRAYED;"please dear God, don't let me lead this group astray!!" Well, I was questioned on why I slowed and everyone laughed later, The pucker factor lasted long after the event. We made it safely!!

Well fellows, we are in another adapt and overcome situation!! You folks are doing a great job. Continue on in true PGR fashion. We may face some struggles, but we will over come!! I have faith that each and everyone of you involved will be proud of your efforts once your personal pucker factor subsides(LOL)!!! You are representing each and every member of the PGR, and each and every member is proud of the job you are doing!! Remember that as you post....

GET-ER-DONE!!!