Pony Express - Day 2: Crown King to Mayor

Win Ames and Gene Thale

The morning in Crown King couldn't have been more perfect. Waking up to cool mountain air and the smell of pine, it was hard knowing that we had to put the town behind us. With a couple of breakfast sandwiches in our stomachs we were back in the truck and again, were off to another non stop day. Win and Gene were side-by-side once again, riding the first two legs down the mountain. The fear of the slick oily roads arose yet again, but luckily, there were no serious issues. It was difficult to focus on the ride with such a beautiful day. The ride down to Cleator was swift and it continued at a speedy pace well after the small town.

Mike Hill, Dan Hamilton, & Brandon Page

Mike Hill rode out of Cleator, but he was not alone. Both Dan and Brandon were at his side in competition to see how many times the mail bags could be passed to riders in one leg. There was a slight hiccup when Mike's cell phone fell to the ground and he had to race back to find it and get back to the group. The day to this point was already feeling completely different from the prior day. The weather was more enjoyable, there was a much enjoyed lack of an urban setting and the pace was much swifter. We were beginning to get a true sense of what the state of Arizona is.

Gregg Bond and Mary Mo

The ride broke off to Cordes. Gregg Bond took us into the town handing off to Chris Kimbrough. Joining Chris was Mary Mo, once again, being given the opportunity to ride what was her husband's leg in years past. Emotions over Ron Littleton's recent passing welled up. However, the true bonds and friendship of the JC's came out to comfort. Gregg Bond continued on with Chris and Mary Mo, often riding hand-in-hand in support. The trio was quick to lift spirits, with humor provided to make what otherwise could be a somber ride into a trip to remember for its show of friendship.

Chris Kimbrough, Gregg Bond, & Mary Mo

It wasn't much later that we found ourselves in the town of Mayor with another similar story. The leg was being ridden by Larry Snipes, but if you asked him, it wasn't his, it was his brother-in-law's, Richard Haupert II. Richard passed within a week of Ron. The losses weighed heavily on the group as a whole, but they wouldn't let it stop them. Instead, Richard was able to ride his leg one last time. Alongside of Larry was Crackers, Richard's horse, still carrying him and the mail. The town came out in support, many residents out in the streets cheering on Larry. At the far side of town, Richard and Larry finished their last ride together.

Crackers with Richard's Ashes and the Mail

Larry Snipes