Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738714
56 nNovember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Tim Anderson CRIPPLE CREEK, COLO., AUG. 20—Like so many times before, the cool crisp mountain air along Colorado Highway 67 had a slight bite to it. Not the nasty kind of bite, but the kind that reminds you you're alive and riding a motorcycle on one of the pret- tiest roads in Colorado. The road was full of bikes on this morning, all heading to the same place for the same reason: Cripple Creek, Colorado, to be part of the 24th annual Salute to American Veterans. The bite of the morning air at alti- tude and the peaceful putt up and over 10,200 foot Tenderfoot Pass washed away most of the cares and troubles that might be following riders into the cloud-shrouded valley that is home to Cripple Creek and the most unique bike rally in the country. By the time riders rolled into the old mining town, their focus was solidly on the mission of the weekend: saluting and honoring United States Military veterans. "The rally has a life of its own," said organizer Jim Wear. "All we do is make sure all the right elements are here to make a proper rally… the peo- ple who come here year after year, and for the fi rst time, are what make this such a great event." Cripple Creek Police estimated the crowd in town at between 30,000 and 40,000 people. Better than 3,000 motorcycles rolled in as part of the miles-long 29th annual POW/ MIA Remembrance Ride that came into town at the end of the Veterans Parade. Well-wishers, area residents, and patriotic spectators fi lled the sides of Bennett Avenue, the main drag through tiny Cripple Creek. The crowd greeting the riders had the same feeling of excite- ment that has come to be an integral part of the Cripple Creek Rally experience. The hoots, hollers and cheers were enthusiastic—as if welcom- ing heroes. The bikes barked back with customary thunder. The town was in celebration mode as the rally kicked off in earnest. The streets of the mountain burg were lined with bikes, and the main drag, Bennett Avenue, was fi lled virtually wall-to- wall with people milling about. Vendors were busy, other peo- ple stopped to chat with old friends, and of course, casinos saw a serious uptick in traffi c through their doors. It was the busiest weekend of the year in Cripple Creek. But it was the remem- brance ceremony in City Park that was the main attraction Saturday afternoon. Lest the ceremony get too heavy, which it easily can for some in attendance, when Dave Bray per- formed the National Anthem, he had an unplanned accompaniment… a local dog began yipping and howling a bit as Bray delivered a fi ne rendition of the anthem. The canine antics were a source of stifl ed snickers and some irritated expressions, but hey—it's Cripple Creek. Without a doubt, the highlight of the day was an address from the old- est living survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, 103-year-old Jim Downing, who was assigned to the USS West Virginia when it was struck that day. "We had Jim here last year and he was a little iffy about coming," Wear said. "He had a great time, and very humbly asked if we'd have him back again this year. Naturally, we said yes. This year, Commander Downing said he wanted to take part in everything the rally had to offer… and he did. He didn't miss anything and loved every minute." Before he dove into the rally though, Downing addressed the crowd in City Park. He delivered a message of vigilance and perseverance, honor and commitment. Seventy years on, he had not forgotten a single lesson of Pearl Harbor or its aftermath. He drew parallels to current events, and urged us all to do what we can to keep our nation strong… not to be complacent. The lesson was learned once, he said, that was enough. "Remember Pearl Harbor," he said. "Keep America strong." It's hard to fi nd a more fi tting voice for that message. Then it was time to surprise the proud Navy vet. 24TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO AMERICAN VETERANS AN OUTPOURING OF APPRECIATION Vets of all confl icts get their due "The bite of the morning air at altitude and the peaceful putt up and over 10,200 foot Tenderfoot Pass washed away most of the cares and trou- bles that might be following riders into the cloud- shrouded valley that is home to Cripple Creek and the most unique bike rally in the country." A moment of refl ection at the Vietnam Traveling Wall in Cripple Creek