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The preparation continues. I’m working on my carb and fuel line today.

Installing a linkert fuel filter assembly in addition to a small inline filter. There have been some small brass chips being captured in the clear filter. These are from cleaning the threads of the oil plunger.

Also installing a spacer between carb and manifold. This will allow me to drop the carb bowl without taking the carb off the manifold. In addition this spacer will greatly increase the air flow velocity and add about 5 HP!!! LOL

Also started marking all fasteners with reference lines. This allows me to look at the fasteners and quickly see if any of them have loosened.

And of course getting to all grease fittings. These will be greased each day of the event.

And of course I have compiled a daily maintenance checklist and all fasteners on the bike. This helps me determine what tools to bring along.

When in doubt refer to your rider handbook!

And that’s it for today. More work every day until we depart Milwaukee. Over and out.

Another day closer. I had to replace my headlight glass and all went smooth with the process.

I also looked over the carb and manifold to check tightness. All looking good.

No riding today. However it is a really good feeling knowing the bike is on the lift for a going over. I’m feeling pretty good at this point.

That’s it for todays update. Later,,,,,,,,

The time is getting near. I just finished one of two customer bikes in the shop so this lift is now occupied with the 1923 J model.

And the table of parts and tools is growing.

So…staring this week the goal will be to ride at least 10 miles every day. And sort through tools and parts. I can’t wait to get the hell out of town and RIDE!

July 29. 35 days to the start. It’s time to get serious and start riding my machine every day! So today before dinner a quick 5 mile ride. All good.

In addition to sorting parts and tools it will be pretty quick before we are headed to the start in Virginia Beach!

More to come. Over and out for today.

It’s been a while. Time to start preparing for the 2023 event. 45 days away. I laid out a bunch stuff to go through.

Tires will be changed one week prior.

Getting my oil capacity all set.

Next on the schedule is to strap on a gallon gas tank. Fill both tanks on the bike and first, run the main tank dry. Record miles. Switch to reserve and run that tank dry and record miles. Add the gallon I brought with me and head home. Now I know my range.

Over and out.

This was the final day of the event. Sept 26. The rider’s route was from McAllen to South Padre Island, 99 miles. The prior evening was filled with excitement as the riders and teams were all excited for the final leg of this epic event. The goal was for all remaining riders to safely finish with all the miles and NO ONE on the Grim Sweeper truck.

We (Bartman’s crew, me, and Dan) arrived at the ending finish line, across the street from our hotel, around 11am.

We set up the “camp” and waited for the riders. All the crews slowly arrived over the next hour and jockeyed for a good spot.

Around 1:00 the first group of Class One (pre 1920, single cylinder, no transmission) bikes arrived. So great to see; gave me goosebumps. The crowd to witness this was huge and erupted with applause and cheers as they rode in!

JR and his girlfriend Kim set up the table to display and sell the shirts and pennants we had left. I also realized we did not have a picture of the Team Effort crew – so we finally took one.

The Grim Sweeper did arrive with one bike, and Steve rode in in! Was cool to see!

After all bikes arrived and the celebration subsided, the riders and their crews made it across the street for a couple of hours of R&R before the evening banquet. Some went out to the ocean and some by the pool. I opted for the pool. Really nice to jump in and relax with so many great people.

Around 6:00 the Cannonball participants made their way to Clayton’s (next door to hotel) for the festivities. The first place trophy was on display.

As the presentations began, I was surprised and honored that myself and Alex were recognized for the fun raising we did and donating bikes to the Young Riders for the Chase. We were each presented with a beautiful handmade award.

The grand prize went to Dave Currier on his 1911 Harley-Davidson single, atmospheric intake, and leather belt drive. A huge accomplishment! I am proud at what he did. well deserved.

I woke up this morning to see this beautiful sunrise. Today was the first day since Sept 8 that I was able to wake up without a 5am alarm and had “nothing” to do. No bike to prepare for the day or no crew duties to get to the next city. A somber morning with mixed emotions.

I went down to the lobby for coffee and say goodbyes to a bunch of friends; Cannonball family. Some of them will be back for the 2023 event and some will not. Back to life tomorrow.

I will post a general overall post in a few days to reflect back on this event. For now, over and out.

Today’s ride was Victoria, TX to McAllen, TX. About a 275 mile course for the riders. Very hot. I am still in Bartman’s support vehicle. I received confirmation my bike is safely now in north central Illinois. I will be picking it up next week to begin the disassembly and determine the issue(s).

In the truck we had a leisurely drive through Texas. Lots of open land and interesting sights.

Once we arrived in McAllen, we set up the parking lot workshop for Bartman. We discussed what to do for dinner and Billy said he would cook steaks for us! Off to the store he went and before you know it he was cooking away!

Once John came in (with a perfect score) we teamed up to do the nightly maintenance.

John is now all set for the 99 mile Ride across the finish line tomorrow. Then the closing banquet.

Over and out.

Another day in the Miss Skeeter support truck. A 260 mile ride to Victoria, TX. All went smooth in the truck. Hot and sunny.

We arrived at the Victoria Mall where Steve Klein organized a great welcome reception.

We had a good meal and socialized with fellow Cannonball participants as well as the general public.

It was a great night mingling in the crowd and ended up helping John Bartman replace both his chains.

Wrapped this all up and heading to hotel.

Good night. Off to McAllen tomorrow.

Today’s route for the riders was a 259 mile ride from Arkadelphia, AR to Nacogdoches, TX. it was a warm sunny day for them.

Here was a great image sent to me by Willy he took the other day.

Also from yesterday a shot of me working on my ignition being assisted by Connor. We did get it fixed about 30 miles before the engine failed.

Also this morning my buddy Kenny was in town with his trailer. So we loaded up the bike to begin its journey back to home in Milwaukee. Another good friend, Matt, picked the bike up from Kenny and will continue to transport my bike to north central Illinois. I will go get the bike next week.

I was with Team Miss Skeeter support crew and Dan as we rode the route for rider crews. JR also came along in that cool van. We met the riders in downtown Nacogdoches. Quite a few on the Grim Sweeper.

Including this very unfortunate situation. Thank God the rider was not riding when this happened.

And of course the rider repairs tonight.

I thought about my situation all last night and all day today. I am at peace I made the correct decision. Terrible but reality.

Dan and JR will continue onto Victoria tomorrow. there will be a huge gathering to welcome riders tomorrow. Will be a great day and evening.

I miss riding more than words can describe. More updates tomorrow.