What a day this has been. The anticipation of the ride is almost over and the reality of it begins in less than twelve hours.
My day began on the Yamaha Super Tenere, getting suited up and bidding goodbye to Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council and the man who tapped me to represent the MIC on the Cannon Ball Centennial Ride.
It was a short ride to San Diego, only about 80 miles from Seal Beach, but it was just enough to get a feel for the bike. It also gave me a feel for what’s ahead. As I was driving south on I-5, I could look to my right and catch the beauty and expanse of the Pacific Ocean to my right. Then I could look ahead and visualize 3,000 miles of American roads; dirt roads and two lanes and back roads and freeways that are all tied together and lead to the Atlantic.
This good feeling increased at San Diego’s CycleVisions where owner (and Cannon Ball rider Randy Aron) welcomed all of the riders and Don Emde hosted a rider’s meeting to let everyone know how the ride will unfold. Don was emphatic that at 8:55 a.m. a warning horn will sound and at 9 a.m. – 100 years to the minute of Cannon Ball Baker’s departure, we will ride.
The day ended at a special dinner where I had a chance to meet some riders who I’ve only conversed with online including Toyota’s Stephen Read and Indian’s Robert Pandya. They were among a few dozen others who, for a variety of reasons, feel compelled to ride their motorcycle across America.
Getting close now.
Tomorrow we ride.
