Our Founders, Walter Gardner (Big Red) & Gailya Porter (Silver Belle) – rider & co-rider- rode in 2013 and 2015 with the “Run For The Wall” group who annually ride from Ontario, California to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Upon returning home in 2015, Walter was inspired to write a poem entitled “Who Will Ride For Them”.
He thought about an organized motorcycle ride called the “Trail of Tears” in recognition of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Chickasaw, and other Native American tribes who were forced to travel to the Oklahoma territory in 1838 – 1839 to enable whites to inhabit the entire southeastern USA. So, he thought, “Ok. There’s a run for the Native Americans and Veterans of War. What about struggling slaves? Who will ride for them?” His answer: “I will, will you?”
From this perspective, Walter, Gailya, and Amy (Walter’s daughter) began the process of organizing and planning the first run. Recognizing that this was an arduous task, they concluded that it was necessary to solicit the assistance of many other resourceful people and organizations in order to facilitate this great undertaking. Accordingly, the three of us busied ourselves working out the necessary logistics.
Being aware that the “Underground Railroad” branched off in many directions and traveling each of them would be impossible, the route chosen runs through states and cities known to have high concentrations of slaves. However, those cities and states that are not included are not diminished regarding their relevance and historical value as part of the greater Underground Railroad.