Stage 16 : Tacoma

Cool, clear skies met us Sunday morning for the final leg of the journey. All the riders were gathered at the start, watching each class leave and wishing everyone well. A mixture of emotions, but I think everyone was ready to get to Tacoma.

The ride stated with some nice 2 lanes, then headed up into the mountains. Everyone stopped together at the 1st gas, warming up, laughing, and taking pictures. Then headed to Mt Rainer.

The road up the pass by Rainer was spectacular, and as we crested the pass, people were lined a bridge over the road cheering. Beautiful scene with Mt Rainer towering in the background. The road down was just as beautiful, and now the pressure seemed to lift as we rode on into Tacoma. I caught Hans about 10 miles out, and we rode In together. It was kind of fitting, fore we had first met almost a year ago by chance at George Yarocki's trying to build these two bikes for the Cannonball. So we rode in together, both bikes with perfect scores.

We assembled again for the last time, and rode by class to the grand finish at 2:00. Riding up the hill and thru the banners brought a lot emotions, memories, and relief from this 2 year quest. A special moment.

The challenge of taking a wore out 84 year old motorcycle and restoring / rebuilding it for a 4000 mile rally is enormous, but so are the rewards. Thru hard work, perseverance, and a little luck, you can get amazing results.

Stage 15

Stage 15 ride across SW Washington started with a run up a canyon to the high desert. Then we entered huge farms of apples, pears, onions, and grapes. The farm rides were laid out on 1 mile squares, and they ran us around these roads like a maze. If you got your mileage off, it was tough to get back on course. And for the first time, they had a secret check in this maze.

Got thru all the miles with no penalties, and still a perfect score. Tomorrow is the final day of this adventure, and should be a beautiful RNA by Mt Rainer.

Sent from my iPhone

Stage 14

Best day of riding yet. Absolutely beautiful scenery, roads, and conditions. Early morning canyons, to the high plateau, then along the salmon river down into Hells Canyon. 300 miles of some of the best riding I have ever done.

The bike is really running well. Seems to have settled in, and is still on a perfect score. 2 stages remain, with some 400 miles. Fingers crossed for Tacoma.

Stage 13

Crossed into Idaho this morning and had a beautiful ride along the high plain. Then a long decent thru another canyon to the snake river.

Bike did not the short storm, heavy rain with hail, and almost drowned the mag. Fortunately, it didn't last long and we were on our way. It really ran well with yesterday's adjustments. No major adjustments for tomorrow.

I just can stop thinking how lucky I am riding this old Indian thru this country, it is something special.

Headed northwest.

Stage 12

Long, hot day today covering 300 miles. Trying to maintain about 48 mph, so it adds up to a long day. Bike was missing this afternoon, so I cleaned carb again and added a filter, set points and valves, and changed plugs. Oil consumption is still consistent, although using a little more on interstate. A lot of interstate these last 2 days.

Stopped at Bonneville salt flats. Pretty interesting place for sure. Salt bed is long, flat, and very hard. I've heard it's pretty fast to. Took group photo of all the bikes

Utah

Headed to Utah along Colorado river. Beautiful canyon run down to Moab. Then northwest to Springville. Hot and long days are taking till on these old bikes. They are also running us on more highways and interstates, which makes you push these motors to much.

Another good day, and got the bike serviced and prepped for tomorrow. Looking forward to the Bonneville Salt Flats!

Colorado

Made a successful pass thru Colorado. Leaving Golden, we immediately started climbing. The cold air definatley helped keep the bikes cool, and after about 6500 ft of climbing, we crested Loveland Pass. Very special moment for me.

We continued to a lunch stop in Leadville, and on to Junction City. 280 miles on probably the toughest day.

Bike is still running well, with only small areas of concern. Still on perfect score, and pushing west.