Category: Uncategorized

Well today was the official start of The Chase. Started the day with an all Riders meeting to review the rules involved with this competition. After this we all prepared for the prologue ride to a local park. Here is where we lined up for the group shot. Also had a nice group of Badgers!

At the conclusion of the group shot the official “race” began. As the green flag came down the miles now count!

Most of us then completed the 13 miles back to the hotel. Yes I said most. There were a few who has bike issues and were not able to complete this first day. They will be feverishly working through the night to be able to start in the morning.

Later in the day we had the banquet to enjoy each other’s company and have a great dinner.

Wrapped up at 9:00pm and I headed to room to straighten all my gear. Will be up at 5am to pack the bike. On the road at 7:45 to Ludington, MI. I’m ready!

Wow, what a day! Registration and technical inspection. Also did a practice ride to get used to the paper scroll map.

Lots of excellent bikes in the parking lot.

Off to dinner and official start tomorrow.

Had a nice drive up with my neighbor Larry. Lots of rain to contend with on the ride up. Found a nice covered parking spot.

Not many bikes here yet. Right now it is still raining so no activity outside right now.

I’ll settle in for a while and meet up with some folks for dinner.

Did another 40 miles today. Bike is running good. Need to adjust the rear brakes and timing.

Had a mishap in my packing yesterday. The quart of oil opened up and drenched everything in the tour pak. So a lot of cleaning and repacking took place tonight.

Got the brakes adjusted and finalized my tool list. Packed it all up and loaded bike in trailer. Then packed parts around it for the swap meet.

Will be good to know the practice miles are done and now the real deal starts Sept 3.

Busy today packing up tools and spare parts. Clothes and riding gear next. Installed a nice old tour pak from the 70’s. Will hold all my parts and tools. Saddlebags will be for riding gear and clothes.

Also giving the bike a “go-over” to touch every part I may have to work on. This way I can make notes on any tools I may need. Remember the rules state only you and the bike; NO support crew. So I will have to be able to fix and repair the bike on my own. After all the work I have done on this bike I can say I know every but and bolt on the entire bike!

Starting to get nervously excited at this event as the start date is fast approaching. But first will be the swap meet in Davenport, IA this weekend. I’ll bring the bike to help support the event. After getting back from swap on Aug 31 will leave only two days before I depart for Sault St. Marie for the start.

I will do my best to post daily as we complete this ride. Thanks for following along!

Well well, time is closing in fast! Off to Davenport this weekend then immediately after heading to the Soo. All good. Got my tour pak mounted today.

Updates will

Be happening more frequently now.

Listen to the interview!

https://themotorcyclechase.com/

Getting my 1947 WL ready. All going good so far! Sault St. Marie, MI to Key West. Will be a great ride. No support crew allowed. Man and machine!