Cannonball, Chase, 1911 Excelsior, 1923 Harley J tales

Blog

  • First Ride on the 1923 J!

    After completing a full restoration on the 1923 Model J I was able to take my first ride in this beautiful machine. I am at Sagebrush Cycle in Flower Mound, TX where the bike was prepared. Credit to Jon Neuman and Matt Rubble for an outstanding job.

    With my previous experience riding my 1911 Excelsior belt drive model, this bike is a dream. Only 12 years newer but now I can enjoy a twin cylinder engine, three speed transmission, and chain drive. In addition more modern oiling system, even though still a total loss design.

    In addition the tires are more robust, heavier duty frame, much better brake (rear only), a real headlamp and taillight, and a cool Klaxon horn. Also a generator, voltage regulator, and timer make this a “modern” machine compared with the primitive Excelsior.

    It was a tough decision to “retire” the Excelsior from another Cannonball, however I am proud of what we (Team Effort team members Tribbey, Thompson, and Rognsvoog) accomplished at the 2018 event.

    So this week I will put on 200 miles on the J, complete a first service, and check every single fastener before heading back to home. Once home I will continue to bond with the machine, learn more, and get more miles on before the Cannonball in September.

    More updates tomorrow after our 50 mile planned ride to continue the break in process. Over and out for now.

  • 1923 F Model work underway

    I recently acquired a 1923 F model. 61 cu. in. V-Twin engine. Three speed transmission. A trusted shop is currently going through the engine. Quite a few issues to resolve but nothing major. Will have in the road by spring to enjoy.

    Cylinders will need honing.
    Will be replacing the shafts.
    Flywheel and rod components.
    Top end components.
    Cases are in good shape.

  • Cannonball Update.

  • Last Day of Musketball

    Wow what a great day. I rode shotgun in the sweep truck today. Great time with Joe as we rode the route. Happy to say only one pickup: Dave on his 1911 HD belt drive. He is learning the hard way on climbing hills!

    A great dinner and closing celebration after. Wonderful event to say the least. Glad I was here.

    Participation awards for all.

    Loaded up and heading home in the morning.

    Back to reality on Saturday.

  • Day Three HOT!

    Riding the 1941 UL again today.

    Rode today with four guys all day. Beautiful roads, extreme hills, and wonderful people.

    The gas stops were always a hoot!

    Such a wonderful event!

    One more day tomorrow. Not sure what I’ll be riding tomorrow.

  • Sun & Fun

    Day two riding. Rode the flathead today for an excellent 100 mile ride.

    Stopped for some scenic photos along the way.

    Also had a cool short ferry crossing.

    Lunch stop was in MO and excellent food with great people.

    All in all a great day but still somewhat disappointed I’m not riding the EX. Better safe than sorry. Day three I will still be on the flatty

  • Tough Day

    Today was a ball buster for the 1911 EX. Started out great!

    Group next to the White River.

    Headed out around 9:30 with one other single cylinder: 1911 HD.

    Very quickly the route took us on very rough gravel roads. These roads had extreme elevations and declines. The roads beat the snot out of the EX. In addition because of the gravel I was not able to ride at speeds fast enough to get momentum to climb the hills.

    Here is one hill I made up up only half way. had to push the rest.

    Once cresting the hill the declines were just as steep and the brake was really struggling to slow me down. Not a good feeling in very rough loose gravel.

    So after about 21 miles I decided to throw in the towel for the day. I cannot risk damaging my bike before the Cannonball next year.

    So today I will be riding a friend’s H-D flathead and letting the EX rest. Still will be a great ride!

  • Musket Ball (smaller than Cannonball)

    I was invited to attend a smaller version of the Cannonball. Event taking place in northern Arkansas for people with Cannonball qualified bikes. A cool event in spite of the Cannonball being postponed to 2021. Gives us a chance to ride our bikes. I loaded up last night.

    Shared a truck and trailer with a fellow Cannonballer to ride to Cotter, AR.

    Arrived at the headquarters around 5pm.

    Lots of familiar faces and awesome machines!

    Have a 150 mile ride planned for tomorrow. Will be a ton of fun!

    Also have new number plates!

    I’ll be reporting at the end of each of the four days of riding. Hope the 1911 EX is all ready!

  • Shirts available!

    Just arrived. PLEASE READ COMPLETE POST.

    2020 Cannonball shirts. Small through 4XL. Grey and black. Heavy weight USA made 🇺🇸. Each shirt order includes a free sticker.

    S – XL $30

    2XL – 4XL $35

    Shipping in lower 48 $7

    Shipping to Canada $15

    Shipping to Europe $27

    I have VERY limited sizes right now. More coming as soon as printer ramps back up after closing during the CV19 crisis.

    Local pick up at Nick’s Anvil Inn.

    PayPal to ctribbey@mac.com (friends and family) with clear order instructions and address. I will reply with shipping details. Thank you all for the support.