East Texas Biker: June 2022

Finally, in the books!

Packed and Ready : 0300 hrs

For some reason, this had become an obsession of mine for almost four years now. I attended Nationals in' 18 and was unaware it existed. Had I known, I'd have completed it that year. Come '19 I had a schedule conflict. In '20 I'd considered it but Nationals canceled. Come '21 I had a personal issue that caused me to cancel; I was considering 1500 mi for that one (and .. maybe stressing a little doing the math/miles for that!). So this year, I was 100% focused on doing this even though a month prior I had some bullshit going down on a chapter group ride that made me question if I was up for it.... I was.

Early on, temps are nice

This past Wednesday, three of us rolled out of our start points at approx 0300 (Rocky, Pullout, myself). We all met up in Greenville for a 0400 depart and we were rolling. First hour was spent getting 'comfortable' at a speed we all wanted to roll at. With Pullout lagging behind me, I assumed he wanted to roll slower so I backed it down to 79 miles an hour. After our first stop the subject came up and realized it was just a misunderstanding. He's our Chapter Road Captain so I mentioned maybe he take the lead. This actually worked out well since he does a route to Indianapolis annually with family there. We are going this direction to bump our 800 to 1000 total as required for FTM. So the next 750 miles we rolled together as a group. The first 3 to 4 hours was enjoyable. But, around 1100 the temps started climbing quickly Before 1700 hrs it'd hit 102 with humidity and was a bitch. Our quick stops were exponentially longer with getting waters for drinking and dousing our heads with. Few times we found ourselves inside the gas stations enjoying their A/C. Initially I thought it was just me with the issue but I'd realize later we all three were dragging ass. The hypocrisy of all this is during the planning stages, I was adamant we'd do quick stops, no BS. Additionally, as we roll into the Indianapolis area, Pullout has to pullover and... his bike is dead. It'll turn out to be a stator issue and his battery is way low on volts. On a positive note his family is nearby and Mom and Step Dad rollout within an hour with a trailer, so Rocky and I stick around, help him get it up on it, get it all strapped down .. and .. we're back on the road. Again, in hypocrisy I'd stated if someone breaks down, they are on their own. However, we were less than 200 miles out and had plenty of time. On a positive note, not leaving a brother behind was critical on this one as it'd turnout he needed us to push that bike on the trailer. In retrospect, all worked out perfect.

Temps still in the 80s

We're back on the road and that heat is now a distant memory. Temps are under 90 and it feels good! By the time we get to KY, down to 76... brrr!

Ummmm.. we have a problem

Rescued!

Overall, the trip was uneventful if one doesn't count the breakdown. It definitely took longer than I'd expected. It'd be after 0100 hrs before we shut the bikes down. Ninety minute delay with the bike break down coupled with a few hours total of lolly gagging due to the heat... our 16 hour trip was closer to twenty or twenty one... didn't see that one coming! To say I was beat is an understatement. That bed was calling my name ...

After the smoke cleared... Finish the Mission was a success for 2 out of 3 of us; I still feel Pullout was robbed in a way. He'd down the hard work. The last few hundred miles was easy since temps were dropping, but .. it's the nature of the game I guess. For Rocky and I, Mission Completed! Well, you know what I'm thinking now right? FTM '23 and '24! Next year is Colorado Springs and Minnesota the following year. Already mapped it! You in?

Updated. Got home on a Monday, submitted LRRP FTM paperwork Tuesday Morning, and by Tuesday evening , all Approved and paid for the Tab. Texas State Rep Dudeman, Rocks!