Despite the appearance of the grim reaper at this morning’s send off for the guys, all 4 made it in on time after the climb up and over Wolf Creek Pass at an altitude of 10,857. They are in Durango, Colorado tonight. The desert will be the next obstacle. Hopefully, temps will cool down!
Last night found the guys working on a variety of problems. Steve’s magneto burnt up on Monday’s ride and had to be replaced. He kept it from completely crapping out by placing cool wet rags on the magneto at every gas stop to cool the magneto down enough so that he could start it without kicking himself to death. He was successful in getting it in. Then, Justin’s replacement oil bag, split apart and began puking oil at another gas stop. Jared ran in the mini mart, got a roll of duct tape and they repaired it the best they could with the oily mess it was. Six quarts of oil later Justin made it in and Cali got her old oil bag re-installed. Steve had previously changed out that one as it was really leaking. He had covered it in epoxy and left it to dry in case they needed it again. And they did! Everything on all the bikes needed tightened, fastened or just fiddled with. Brakes were checked and re-checked in prep for today’s ride off the mountains. SUCCESS!!!!! Go Indians!!!! Another full day’s ride, 264 more miles in for all 4 bikes.
The Cannonball riders, while seriously competing with each other, are also a close knit group and they help out each other, whether it be with advice, parts, repairs, equipment, tools, hauling bikes, or just looking out for each other on the route. They are a rough looking bunch most days out on the run, but each and every one has a heart of gold.
Just talked to Steve and he’s finished with servicing and going through the checklist for his bike and the boys are almost done with theirs. Tomorrow’s ride will take them 262 miles to Page, Arizona. They will make a brief stop at the Four Corners Monument (New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona.) Did I just type Arizona? ARIZONA, then CALIFORNIA!! Almost there!!!!!