By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Run for the Wall convoy ran for shelter when a storm struck during their stop at Bunker Hill, delaying their cross-country journey.
The nonprofit raises awareness for veterans, prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.
On the fifth day of the central route's expedition, the motorcyclists were halted by strong winds, heavy rain and hail on Sunday.
After exiting Interstate 70, the motorcade stopped for gas at Sunmart, 4115 193rd St., before being abruptly instructed to take cover inside the gas station.
Motorcyclist Mark Ruffalo from Los Angeles said that while he had encountered earthquakes before, the unexpected storm was a new experience.
"All of a sudden, we get these tornado warnings," he said. "I've never seen anything grow so far."
For about 45 minutes, the patriots and other travelers took shelter in the truck stop's backroom as the lights flickered and the sound of roaring winds and hail echoed outside.
Motorcyclist and Navy Veteran Darwin Hansen from Idaho said he was not fond of the storm but remained optimistic.
"I didn't like that," Hansen said. "It's been good up until this point, but it's still fun."
According to a post by Run for the Wall, motorcyclists rode through the storm and endured golf-ball-sized hail for more than an hour, resulting in marks and welts on their bodies.
Members of the convoy were scattered up to 31 miles from the truck stop. All riders were accounted for, according to the statement.
According to Russell County, the area faced golf-ball-sized hail and wind gusts reaching 82 mph, resulting in damage across the community and leaving many without power.
SEE RELATED STORY: Sunday storms brought hail, flooding rain and 100mph winds
SEE RELATED STORY: Power outages still reported Monday; official rain report for Hays
This marks Hansen's first time in the Run for the Wall, who said he was excited about visiting the Vietnam Wall memorial in Washington, D.C.
"It's something that I wanted to do before my time is up," he said.
The coast-to-coast routes include the central route, the midway route, the southern route and the sandbox route.
The Run for the Wall concludes at the nation's capital before embarking on a three-day "run" to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles, Illinois.
SEE RELATED STORY: Run for Wall to traverse several Kansas locations, Bunker Hill
Ruffalo said the ride is a deeply emotional and patriotic tribute to retired soldiers, prisoners of war and those missing in action.
"We ride for those who can't ride anymore and who are not with us anymore," he said.
About two hours after seeking shelter, the riders returned to their motorcycles and continued their journey to Junction City, enduring more rain along the way. They are expected to reach Washington, D.C., by Saturday.
About 35 years ago, Run for the Wall was started by veterans who rode motorcycles, working with local radio, television and newspapers to bring attention to the thousands of people still unaccounted for from different wars.
Due to freeway closures, Ruffalo said the convoy has not encountered a single red light, calling the ride a "military operation."
"We can never forget that freedom is not free. A lot of people put their lives on the line for all of us, and that's why I'm riding," he said.
You can follow the Run for the Wall ride on its website and Facebook.
