Today is the official start to the 2018 Cannonball. We will have a short required ride to Bug Light Park after a Riders meeting. Will be a fun day. Weather is perfect. 
Checking bike over and organizing trailer. 
Here is what today looks like. 
More to follow!
Wow what a day. As my earlier posts have indicated, expect the unexpected. I’m an thrilled Brent and Dan are here to help. We were able to save the day repairing the brake.
Had a great day filled with camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.
Here’s a few more beautiful bikes: 
Tomorrow will be the official start. We are ready.
This is the Cannonball. Expect the unexpected. After a perfect 19 mile practice ride (to better understand the paper scroll route map) I was one block away when the rear brakes locked up solid! Thank God I kept the bike upright. We got the bike back to our tent and pulled everything apart. Here’s what we found. 
The gouge on the left should not be there. This is what caused the lock-up. I called a Daws in California and he is sending me new parts tomorrow. In the meantime Brent says I can fix that! So he brazed new material and machines to size. 
We assembled parts. 
And together it went! 
Went for a ride to make sure all OK. 
So now I am again in seventh heaven, after being totally depressed after brake issue.
Whew, what a day. 17 days to go.
Well the 19 mile practice ride went flawless until .1 mile from end. Rear brakes locked up solid! 
Pulled wheel and tear apart in six minutes. The brass sleeve damaged. Also bearing race pitted. Called the expert who is next day mailing parts we need. So in theory if all goes well I’ll be up and running again by 11am.
Welcome to the Cannonball!
Had my machine inspected this morning; license plate, insurance, registration, two mirrors, headlight, taillight, reflector, and brake light. Yay!!
I’ll find a couple of riders to do the 19 mile practice ride. So far so good.
Weather is perfect. 
Had a good flight here. Met Dan at airport and an uneventful two flights later we arrived in Portland. Met Brent and mingled in parking lot getting work done. I asked Tom to drive me to musical instrument store for rosin to use on my belt. That was great. Next to NAPA for some extra condensers. Back to the lot and fixed the reflector and taillights. All good! Met several other riders and had a great dinner with Team #60.
Back to room to charge my electrical equipment. 
Day one in the bag. Tomorrow is technical inspections and a 19 mile practice ride. I’m in seventh heaven!
Everyone is rolling in today. A nice collection of machines showing up. 
Time to catch some dinner and tomorrow is bike inspections.
Well here we are on Monday Sept 1. Truck and trailer left today. A very melancholy day as all our work has now ended before the event. My workshop is empty of various EX components. All loaded up in trailer. Here’s our Team: (left to right) Dan Rognsvoog, Dennis Worthy (front), Chris Tribbey, and Brent Thompson.
All that’s left to pack is my kidney belt. 
Workbench empty 
Bike stands are empty 
Route reminder
Truck and bike on the way to the northeast corner of USA
The adventure has officially begun. A life changing event is upon my doorstep. Amazing to think what a motorcycle can do to change your life.
Cannonball, Chase, 1911 Excelsior, 1923 Harley J tales 