John Wayne trail riders arrive in Tekoa

The John Wayne Wagon Drivers and Riders completed their cross state trip on the John Wayne trail last week with an appearance in the Rosalia Battle Days parade and a final day riding on the trail to Tekoa.

Ride Chairman Jay Adams of Roy said a total of 145 people registered for the ride this year and 32 stayed on the trail for the duration of the two week ride.

Other participants joined the ride for a few days when they are able to get away from their jobs or other obligations.

Adams said one new feature in recent rides by the organization includes participation by out-of-state riders. They have had people travel from Alaska, Texas, California and Canada to participate in the cross-state event.

The wagons and riders assembled May 18 at Easton and begin the ride May 19.

The group makes stops on the west side of the state and crosses the Columbia River at Wanapum Dam where they now have to trailer their horses.

One feature of the west side part of the trail is the closure of four small tunnels by the state parks. They did have to bypass two Thorp area tunnels west of Ellensburg which remain closed this year.

They come into Whitman County from a stop at Ralston and make stops here at Revere, Ewan and Malden. Adams said because of the size of the group this year, most stayed two nights at Malden before coming into Rosalia to visit their annual hosts, the Kenneth Hames, and ride in the Battle Days Parade.

Five of the six wagons in the group participated in the Rosalia parade along with about eight individual riders. After their parade appearance they rode across to Tekoa where they were treated to a potluck.