Tour Update
September 15, 2021
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"Run with the Big Dogs"
was a Success!
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VA Dogs reports that the event raised $3,998.71. Thank you to all who came out for the event and to those who volunteered their time. VA Dogs provides a great service to Texas Veterans. Let's make this an annual event.
It was great to see the tour riders and other participants at the event.
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Chaplain Bob Stinziano (Christian Motorcycle Association) and event attendees.
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Jude Schexnyder giving an outstanding presentation on motorcycle safety. |
VA Dogs Trainer with a dog in training that will be of great assistance to a Veteran. |
Bike Blessing conducted by Jim Fullerton. He is a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and a tour rider. |
Tour rider 245 (Tom Jones) with a map depicting the tour stops he has made. |
Video of the American Legion Riders leading riders out of the hotel for their ride to the Bent Rim Grill in Leakey. |
Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas (VA Dogs of Texas) experienced the full heart and soul of Texas Motorcycle enthusiasts; this past weekend, on the 20th anniversary of September 11, over 85 Bikers from all over our beautiful State rolled into the Hill Country to support our organization.
The Grand Tour of Texas is the brainchild of David Canada; he came to us earlier this year with a heart to help, and wow, did he ever.
The months of planning showed as one by one bikes, trikes, and I think the bat mobile pulled into the Y.O hotel here in Kerrville, all eager to enjoy a beautiful ride and support our Veterans.
Each year, V.A. Dogs of Texas trains rescue dogs from shelters all over the State as service animals for disabled Texas Veterans who suffer from PTSD, MST, and physical disabilities. We even have a diabetic alert dog. Since the American pullout from Afghanistan, the number of applications has more than doubled our normal levels.
Each fully trained service dog costs between 25 and 30 thousand dollars, and our Veteran pays nothing. That is why the support we received this past weekend by raising $4,000 Dollars is not only appreciated but is crucial to helping us accomplish our mission; it raises the much-needed funds and raises awareness.
AGAIN, Texas riders, we Thank You and look forward to seeing you next year.
If you are interested in helping, you can go to our website www.vadogs.org and click on the donate button.
and choose Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas as your preferred non-profit, and with each purchase you make, Amazon sends us a small portion of their profit. And it costs you NOTHING!
Verla Bruner
Executive Director
VA Dogs of Texas
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Accident Scene Mgt. Class
Set for October 23, 2021
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Knowing how to properly respond to accident scenes is vital. An Accident Scene Management Class has been scheduled for October 23, 2021. I have worked-out a $10 discount off the regular $99 cost when riders apply the discount code. The class will take place in Weir, TX (near Georgetown, TX). The class will be conducted in the community center of an RV park.
We need a minimum of 10 folks to register in order to have the class. The maximum is 20. Register now to reserve your spot.
The class will be conducted by Penni “Gypsy” Fuller, BSN, RN. She is an ER Nurse and an avid motorcyclist. She is also a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach. She combined her two passions to create her Texas Trauma and Lifesaver Training Program.
The Accident Scene Management Bystander Assistance class is fully accredited by the American Nurses Association, is evidence based using both TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) and TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum) to provide true trauma training to motorcycle accident bystanders. The course goes well beyond first aid training and provides the motorcyclists with real world skills in trauma management. It includes scene safety, moving the injured, controlling major bleeding, helmet removal (yes, there are certain circumstances when that is needed), shock, and spinal stabilization.
Classes are a full 8 hours of classroom and skills practice. You can earn 6 CEUs for professionals and learn to save the life of your fellow riders.
Steps to register with the $10 discount:
1. Click "Register for Class" button below.
2. Click the “Add to Cart” button
3. Click the “View Cart” button
4. Enter “MCGTTX” in the Coupon Code box, then click the “Apply Coupon” Box
5. Click the “Proceed to Checkout” Box to complete your registration.
While the class is technically in Weir, TX, the location address is:
345 FM 1105
Georgetown TX 78626
If you have specific questions about the class content, please address them directly to Penni Fuller.
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Rider 16 at tour stop 38 (La Salle Monument). |
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Riders Who Made All 50 Stops |
Riders who make 25 or more of the stops are considered tour finishers and receive a patch identifying them as Tour Finishers.
However, there are always some riders who make it to all 50 tour stops! Those riders are recognized here and will receive a patch indicating that they are 50 Stop Tour Finishers.
If you have made 50 tour stops and I have not yet updated your record, please contact me so I can review your pictures out of sequence.
Here is the list of those who have made all 50 tour stops (as of Sep 14, 2021):
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Receipts From 2021 Sponsors
If you are a registered tour rider and want an opportunity to win a prize, submit receipts (up to 3 per specified sponsor) during the tour.
In accordance with the rules for participation, receipts from specified tour sponsors earn additional points. The receipts must have been issued on or after March 15, 2021.
Be sure that the name of the sponsor or non-profit, date of purchase, and amount of purchase/donation is visible on the pictures of receipts that you submit. Be sure to write your flag number on receipts you submit. If a receipt is to be split by a couple (hotel, food), write both of your flag numbers on the receipt. The split receipt will need to be uploaded twice (once for each participant).
Sponsors whose receipts earn points are (click on names for websites):
BONUS POINTS – For five (5) bonus points, take one picture of your bike at a tour stop with your tour flag and a copy of Ride Texas magazine. You pick the tour stop location, but only submit one picture. Submitting multiple pictures with the magazine in the picture will not increase the bonus points – just send one. The Ride Texas bonus points selection is right after stop 50 on the drop-down selector in the picture portal. For a list of where you can get an issue of Ride Texas magazine, see this link.
Non-Profits whose receipts earn points are:
When you fill-out the on-line form, please enter "Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas" in the "Name Here" box so that VA Dogs will know you are a rider supporting their cause. We will ride to honor all Veterans. You will receive a receipt via email. Submit a picture of the receipt to receive donation points.
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To make donations to Lone Star Rider's Fund Raising page for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), submit a picture of the receipt you receive via email from the ADA. When you fill-out the on-line donation form, put your name in the "name recognition box" and in the personal note box, enter a note to state that you are participating in the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
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Rider 1191 at tour stop 40 - Kerrville National Cemetery. |
A Message from
Antelope Creek Leather
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Antelope Creek Leather wants to thank all the riders who made the long ride to the Texas Panhandle. I know we are the farthest stop in Texas for many of the tour riders. We want to show our gratitude by giving everyone that made it all the way to Borger, Texas a free Antelope Creek leather patch. If you would just email me your name and address, I will be glad to mail a patch to you as a souvenir for your long journey.
Sincerely,
Tina Haney
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Please do not reply to this newsletter email. Instead, use the " Contact Tour Director" button, if you have a question. Thank you. |
Rider 35 at tour stop 42 (Pecos sign). |
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Have a question about the tour? Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page with the button below. If not answered there, you can also contact me at the Contact Tour Director button. |
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Small businesses (like our sponsors) employ Texans. If you can, buy from a Texas based small business and help keep fellow Texans employed in these challenging times. On-line ordering for merchandise, gift cards, future lodging, etc. is often an option. |
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For information on How to Protect Yourself from Covid 19, see the CDC website.
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