Summary: 2018 Cannonball

It is hard to believe that a month has passed since we completed the final stage. Things return to normal, but your mind is able to relive all the events of the month long adventure known as the Cannonball. Certain days and events rise above others, and some are forgotten in the passing of the miles. You never know where or when the takeaway moments are going to come, but they will, and they're yours for a lifetime.

For me, the days with difficulties rise on this list. The days you're tested, when you're backs up against the wall, sink or swim time. That's the Cannonball.

The day from Anamosa to Spirit Lake, changing tubes, patching tubes on the side of the road, racing the clock on the final 30 miles knowing it was going to be close,  approaching the Indian factory and seeing Mike, Patty, and Scott Byrd stopping traffic waving me in, racing up the cone lined entrance, and making it in on time was special.

The day to Sturgis. Two broken intake valves, a stuck exhaust valve, a leaking fuel tank, and running out of gas in the Badlands. All handled on the side of the road. Repairing a intake manifold with a Mt Dew can on Mt Rushmore, then totaling a head 60 miles out. Didn't get an Ace sticker that day, but felt like I earned one. It was a standout.

The day off. We started at 8:00 am and cranked the bike at 10:00 pm. We changed the front head, piston, exhaust valve, both intake valve assemblies, changed the hedstrom carb to a linkert, replaced the wheels, soldered the fuel tank, and reworked the rear fender struts. If working on an old bike is your thing, it doesn't get much better.

And the people make the memories. Mike and Patty were there everyday doing whatever it took to make another day, the day off accomplishments would not have been possible without Joe Gimpel, then all the new friends we made along the way.

Then there's the final day. The celebration, the short ride in. Having lunch overlooking the Columbia River, and the last 2 miles.

2018 was definitely a standout Cannonball. The routes, stops, staff, and organization were all top notch. As far as my performance,  I didn't get my perfect score, but it sure beat the side of a California highway, 28 miles from Carlsbad.



To be continued.........

The Finale

Stage 14 from Spokane Valley to The Dalles Oregon, was another tough 303 mile day. The morning route crossed some barren plains, with the wind blowing strongly in our faces. It never let up, thru the lunch stop at Kennewick, Washington, all along the Columbia River to The Dalles. It was a tough, but uneventful day. Arriving at the Dalles, they had a block party for us, and a late start time for the final stage the next morning.

Sunday morning arrived sunny and clear, and we prepped the bike for the last day. One last pin was cut for the front intake, and we were ready. It's always bittersweet on the last day. You are so ready to get to the finish, but you don't want it to be over.

Team 96 at the last official start 

The route for the final stage was classic. Old highway 30 that had been cut thru the gorge in the early 1900's was fantastic. I eased along, enjoying the final stage, and arrived at the final checkpoint at the Bridge of the Gods, where we were staged for grande finale. Class 1, then Class 2, and finally Class 3 left for the Skamania Lodge across the river!

Staging for the final 2 miles

The 3 Hedstrom Indian arrive at the finish.

The Skamania Lodge, The Grand Finish, overlooking the Columbia River

Spokane Valley: Stage 13

Stage 13 began with a beautiful ride out of Kalispell, along Flathead Lake. We turned west on 28 headed for Washington, and at the first gas everything was fine. But old habits die hard, so at about the 50 mile mark, the front cylinder pushrods bound, and the tig weld broke. This time I had tiewired the bottom half so as not to loose the cup, and was able to save it. It happened on a pretty decent climb, but the bike made it to the top, so I packed the pieces in my tool roll, and soildered on on just the rear cylinder. I thought I would get as many miles as possible, but soon noticed the bike was moving along pretty well. At speed, the front cylinder intake valve was working like an atmospheric valve, with the most noticeable differences at low rpms, and starting from red lights.

But soilder along we did, and made all 254 miles into Lone Wolf Harley Davidson that evening.

Princess "Half-a-day": the 1 cylinder twinn

The reoccurring theme of this trip has definitely been trying to nurse a sick Indian to the finish each day. Long days and late nights are the norm, and it seems each day brings the same challenges. So tonight, I'm going to try to sleeve the pushrod and silver solder it, then redo the valve domes and grind new lifter pins. Afterall, It's the Cannonball.

Stage 11 and 12: The Mountains

Stage 11, 248 miles from Billings to Great Falls Montana. The day should be spectacular. Heading towards Glacier Park in NW Montana, the route would prove to be great. After a run up the high plains, we turned onto US 89, The Kings Hill Senic Byway. Beautiful road up to the pass, with a nice steep climb at the end. The old singlespeed Indian did fine, but I decided I would gear down for Glacier the next day.

I have ridden Going to the Sun Road before on modern bikes, but you never know on these antiques. The weather decided to cooperate, but Jason still gave us the option to bypass Logan's Pass. Most riders chose the pass, and it was a special ride. 

Entering Glacier National Park

The Sun was shining on the way up, with sleet and snow at the top. The steep descent towards west Glacier it was spitting rain and foggy. Still a beautiful ride, and the old Indian preformed well.

Tonight we are in Kalispell Montana. Gonna change the gearing back and get ready for Spokane Valley.

Stage 10: The Day After

Stage 10 would be 300 miles from Sturgis to Billings Montana. We had finally arrived at the stages I had been looking forward to, with open roads and beautiful scenery. After a long day off, the #96 Indian is at the start for the 7:00 am start.

The morning was cool and crisp and the first 50 miles clicked off without a hitch. The first gas came and went, and as is typical with this motor, it doesn't like to start and stop. So at about 50 miles I noticed a drop in power, and looked down to see the front cylinder intake pushrod and lifter pins had been ejected. I soildered on for another 100 miles on 1 cylinder, then lost the rear cylinder due to a stuck intake valve. I changed the valve, spring, cage, and seal again, but the pushrods was not the correct length, and immediately broke the rocker.  So I had made it to Montana, only to be waiting on the bus.

Big Sky Country, not far from Custer's Last Stand

Another long night in the motel parking lot, but we figured out the problem with my valve geometry. All the spares were different lengths, and the valve stems were different lengths also, so we made the correct length pushrods and lifter pins. We also decided the new intake valves were to tight on the guides, so we opened them up.

Hopefully tomorrow we'll be back on track.

Our Day Off

Jason sent us a text early Monday morning to rest, relax, recoup, and enjoy our day off. Team 96 has work to do.

My souvenir from Mt Rushmore. I kind of wanted one of those small statues, but got this instead

We started to work at 8:00 am, completely taking the old indian apart. The heads of the valves had just popped off, so I displayed the carnage as it came apart. It was the talk of the parking lot.

Broken valves and hammered piston

So the list of repairs and adjustments was pretty extensive, including rebuilding a motor, fixing a leaking gas tank, servicing clutch and carrier bearings, changing wheels from 23" clinchers to my spare 21", welding rear fender and making a brace, and changing carburetor. We tore into it.

About 1:00

We worked thru lunch, then thru supper, finally cranking the bike and tuning the linkert carb about 10:00 pm. It was a long day, but team 96 will start stage 10!

I cannot thank Mike Podger, Joe Gimpel, and Patty Jones enough for all there help. They hung in there all day, making it happen. 

It's the Cannonball.

The Black Hills

Stage 9 from Pierre to Sturgis, then a much needed rest day. A long one at 300 miles, or third long hard day in a row. Just get there, and some much needed maintenance. Easing along at about 50 miles, I heard a pop, then a metallic clanck. Pulling to the side of the road, I start looking for the problem. Only firing on one cylinder. Check the plug wires, then the mag, the realize the front exhaust valve is hung open. About this time fellow rider Joe Gimpel stops, and decide to pull the pocket valve. I remove the front intake, and the valve face is gone, with a large piece of it stuck in the exhaust valve. Off comes the head. About now the support wagon pulls up to pick me up, but I convinced them I could fix it. So we put another intake valve in, and took off, but way behind schedule. For the next 50 miles, the grim reaper sweep bus rode right on my tail, so I really hated to stop and let them know my fuel tank was leaking.

Now I have another dilemma, so I just dump the fuel in the font tank, and take off on the rear, trying to stay on time. We rode thru the Badlands, and came across some other bikes having problems, so the chase truck got off my case for a while. Then about 5 miles from gas in Rapid City, I ran out and had to wait for the truck with some spare gas.

Out of gas in South Dakota

By the time I was rolling again, I was late again, but picked up an hour by not stopping for lunch. With only about 60 miles to go, I turned off the highway headed toward mt Rushmore and the Black Hills. The bike was not running well at all, and I didn't think it would climb the hills that were coming. It got very hot climbing, and I walked along side pushing and slipping the clutch for the last bit up Rushmore. It got so hot the intake manifold hose melted. Refusing to quit, I got a Mt Dew can from a park ranger and cut a bandaid for the tube.

Mt Dew Manifold

After cooling down a bit I took off towards Sturgis, just 60 miles to go and just enough time. Easing along, enjoying the black hills, and the motor broke another intake valve. Only this time, it took the head with it. So after so much struggle, the day was done about 69 miles to soon.

End of the Road

Lots of work to do our day off!

Midway: Recap of 1800 miles

The days fly by on these events. You lose track of where you are, what day it is, etc. it's also hard to find time to get everything done. Day 1 and 2 went smoothly, with minimal trouble. The adjustments to the bike made over the last two years seem to be working. We made every mile, and are running in the top 10.

Day 3 was rained out, with over 3" of rain some the roads were flooded and unsafe, so we trailered the bikes to the next stop. Things go pretty smooth over the next stages, with flat roads, cool conditions, and minimal trouble. Still running a perfect score.

Pulling into Anamosa Iowa 

Things started getting exciting on stage 7 from Anamosa to Spirit Lake. It was another long day, and as I pulled into the hosted lunch stop, I realized my rear tire was going flat. So during lunch I removed the tire and found a valve core leaking. So after reinstalling the wheel, I left the lunch stop a little late. About 65 miles later the tire was flat again, so I replaced the tube on the side of the road. Shortly thereafter, I was removing the tire for the third time. This time I had to patch the tube, and I removed the rim lock, and headed to the destination at the Indian Motorcycle Factory. Knowing I would be close, I rode it hard, squeaking in with 3 minutes left of my 45 minute grace period. Still on perfect score, and running 7th.

Arrivng at Spirit Lake

Stage 8 took us into South Dakota, and the terrain started to roll and the winds picked up. Another long day (300 + miles) and the bike is showing it's age. Arrived at the hosted dinner by the Missouri River with the bike barely running. A long night replacing intake valves, dome washers, and springs, and we head for Sturgis and a day off. Still on perfect score, and running 7th.

Day 1: Portland Maine

Arrived at Portland Maine, ready to get the event started, along with approximately 106 other riders. Went to Bug Light Park for the official photo and start, and again had to deal with heavy traffic. Beautiful day and setting for ceremonial start.

Bug Light Park

Day 1 Start

Day 1 ended in Keene New Hampshire, after 150 miles. Very pretty ride through Maine and 

southeastern New Hampshire. I broke the front brake stay in the first 20 miles, had to tie wire it in 

place hoping I could find a welder at the lunch stop at Rodchester Harley Davidson.

Slipped right in the service department and Mike fixed me up.

After lunch the road headed southwest to Keene, and the bike began running poorly, but I was able to make it in without penalty. Upon inspection I found the rear intake valve adjuster had vibrated off, so the bike was running on only 1 cylinder. Further inspection revealed a broken rear fender support, so we welded it up. Topped off the gas and oil, and ready for day 2.

2018 CANNONBALL: Portland to Portland

The 2 years that separate each Motorcycle Cannonball have flown by. It is hard to believe that we leave for Portland Maine in the morning. Registration is Thursday, followed by a new promotion stage on Friday, then the official start Saturday morning. Headed west.

The bike eligibility was extended to 1928 this time, but I knew I had to ride the 14 Hedstrom again. I'll be in class 2, and one of the older bikes. A Singlespeed. I did fit a front brake this time. The reoccurring issues we battled in 2016 have been addressed, and I hope solved. Time will tell. The Hedstrom era Indians have not had great success on previous Cannonballs, But maybe this is the year we get one across!

It's the challenge that brings over 100 like minded riders, from all walks of life, to the Cannonball every two years. I'm sure the organizers have put together an amazing ride, with lots of cool destinations and events, but we all know the best stuff lies in the unexpected.

Portland or Bust! (Both of Them)

Carlsbad: The final Stage

Sunday morning dawned to a beautiful morning. Enough  of nerves and emotions for everyone. What had started 2 years earlier as a quest, had reached the final day. One more mountain to climb.

After some minor clutch adjustments, my 8:30 start time rolled around, and we headed up route 74. Eleven miles of climbing right off the start. The Indian was running really well, and what a joy it was climbing out of Palm Desert. As the road twisted and climbed, you could look out over the valley, each switchback higher and higher. It was a glorious ride, cresting on a beautiful plateau. We turned on route 371, thru Anza, and followed it back down towards civilization.





We had one last scheduled lunch stop at Temecula. I got there early, and had over an hour before the departure time. We ate, talked to the crowd, each other, then finally headed for Carlsbad. The traffic was bad leaving Temecula, making the motors run hot, but we finally got out of town and on some open roads.

It was on on of these open sections, running along about 45 mph, that I heard the familiar sound of a motor exhaling thru the intake valve. I pulled off, and sure enough the rear intake valve was wide open. Pulling the intake dome revealed a broken valve spring, but the spring keepers were gone. Determined to finish, I changed the spring, and secured it with a large cotter pin I had. I didn't know where the spring keepers had gone, but I was willing to chance it. I buttoned the valve train back up, started the bike, and the front intake hung open. So back off the bike I came, and removed the front valve dome. Both keepers were in the front intake valve, so I removed them and started reassembly. By this time I had quite an audience, including the chase truck. In the heat of the moment, I cross threaded the intake valve tensioning nut in the dome, and despite all our efforts at chasing these

threads, my time had run out.

So there on the side of the road, 28 miles from Carlsbad, my 2016 Cannonball ended. After all the effort, help, highs and lows, I had come up just a little short. Some days the bear does in fact get you.

But what an incredible experience and challenge, riding a 102 year old motorcycle across this country. It's always the unexpected that stands out, whether a particular road, event, or personal interaction that stands out in your memory. You never know when it's going to happen, so you keep pushing on.

 

Doug Jones 2016 

Stage 14

Stage 14 started nice as we headed out of Lake Havasu into the desert. We had a hundred mile stretch with no services, so everyone was carrying spare fuel. My fuel tank had been leaking again the day before, and last night repairs were on my mind.

 It was a beautiful morning, on spectacular roads as we crossed into California. The grade kept dropping, and at about 50 miles we started across the desert. 100 miles of nothing, and I was glad it was early so the temps were only approaching 90.

We headed south towards Palm Desert, crossing thru Joshua Tree and the Painted Canyon.

  

The day ended with the bike running fairly well, but the clutch throw out bearing howling. These bikes are tired, they were never designed for this, and add a century of aging and it is pretty amazing we are even here. We serviced the clutch, repaired some brackets, and bled the oil pump. Now we only have the Sierras to cross in the morning.

Tomorrow we will end this journey in Carlsbad. Excited and a little sad to see it. Got to get there first, one more day headed west.

Stage 13 : Route 66

the day started out nice and cool, with a good ride down old Route 66. We followed the old route from Williams Az to Lake Havasu City. There is a lot of history along that old road, along with the remnants of days gone by. The thought I kept having was that I was riding a machine from an era even before Route 66. Kind of amazing.

Our lunch stop was hosted by Mother Road Harley Davidson, and as with all the previous stops the crowd was huge. The people really turn out to see the old bikes. I pulled in with Victor, only to discover my fuel tank was leaking again.

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The road after lunch took us down from 7000 ft to 400 ft. Temperatures picked up also, as we head towards California. Still tracing Rote 66,

we got Havasu City by 4 pm, and had a reception with another large crowd.

Then it's back to the motel to get ready for Stage 14. Got to fix a broken rear fender, install another brake band, fix a fuel tank, load tomorrow's route, and whatever else we find. It all makes for a pretty long day. 

Williams Az

Getting  ready to head down from 7000 ft to 400 ft. It's 35 degrees, heading to 90. Gonna be a challenge. At least it's not raining.

Some pretty cool Michael Lichter shots

Probably the only thing I've passed

Climbing a Grade

Grand Canyon

Durango to Page Az for stage 9 was a beautiful run. Southwest Colorado is a beautiful place, then the canyons of the Navahoe are special. You just can't ride thru without thinking of the history. We went thru four corners, then followed the high plains into Page Az. Crossed lake Powell on the way in. The bike really ran well with all the "adjustments". Valves seem to be seated well, and the domes are holding.

Stage 10 took us to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I was looking foward to today for many reasons, but the weather had another idea. The  rain and wind were so hard that it was hard to ride, and the canyon was completely socked in with fog. Made all the miles again for the 2nd day since all the valve problems.

The Grand Canyon 

Headed up the road 

Durango Colorado

its been a couple of tuff days for. Team 96. Leaving Dodge City, I completely blew the top off both intake valve domes. 13 miles into the day and I was done. Being early, I decided to take the penalty points and leave course with my support. We drove on to Pueblo and I rebuilt the top end in the back of the van.

Getting ready to run the following morning, it became obvious I had bigger problems. The valves
would not seal, and I would have to do a complete valve job. So we loaded the van and headed over Wolf Creek Pass to Durango. It was tough to be not riding on some of my favorite roads.

We got to Durango in time to make the repairs, and are ready for Wednesday morning.

Rest Day

The rest day. A chance to take a little break, get a few items sorted on the bike, and relax.
Not today.

We started around 9:30 am, and packed it in at 9:00 pm. 12 hours in the parking lot, trying to get things patched up. The rear tire was changed, along with repackaging the loose ball bearings. The brake band was bent, so a little time and some persuasion was applied. We then reclined a spare brake band with the new material sent from Dalton.

The valve pockets and heads were removed. All 4 valves were removed, cleaned, and lapped. The rear intake spring had collapsed, just like the front had done back in West Va. I was lucky it cost me points yesterday. We found some high temperature sealant to try on the domes, and are hoping it works. I got some new stainless springs for the intakes.

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As of 10:30 pm, the bike is ready again. I think it is back in pretty good shape for the second half of the a Cannonball. We will find out starting at 8:00 am.

Headed to Colorado!

Stage 8

Stage 8 was a 184 mile run from Wichita to Dodge City Kansas. The roads took us the farm land of central Kansas, and was a good ride. The bike was not behaving today, with the intake seals leaking and I'm having fueling problems. I stopped twice to drain the float bowl, letting water and trash out. The air leaks on the valve domes continue to be a problem. In the old days these were sealed with asbestos, but that is hard to come by today.

I limped along with very limited power, thank goodness the roads were ere flat. I pulled into the finish at the foot of Boot Hill, barley running and proud to be there. Tomorrow is the rest day, and I'll have to get this thing running better. I'll have to get it running a lot better before Colorado.

Dodge City Kansas

Wyatt Earp old Jail

New Brakes

I have been wondering about my decision to ride this bike in its original condition. The brakes are next to nothing, which becomes challenging in traffic. So we have been trying to come up with a solution. The boys back home sent word they come up with a plan they thought would help, and had forwarded the parts to Wichita. I was excited to finally be getting some help.

We got the box from and front desk, and went to work with the installation. Thankfully they included instructions.

So within minutes I was ready to go