Going Back Together

Time is Sneaking Up - Less Than 365 Days!

I am positive that I can't be the only rider who had the thoughts on this past Thursday, September 5, 2013, "In one year from today, we will be in Daytona Beach, Fl about to take off on a 4100 mile journey". Of the 100 riders, 60 of them are experienced Cannonballers. 40 of us are rookies.1st timers to compete in this awesome adventure. I remember getting accepted as a rider with Carson Classic Motors (CCM) this past May. We had 1 year and 4 months until Showtime, now we are less than 365 days. Time is Sneaking UP on us!
As I write this entry on September 8, 2013 - Next year on this day, we will be 3 days into the 2014 Cannonball Run, pulling out of Chattanooga TN, heading to Clarksville, Tn.

My Cannonball notebook, known as my "Blue Book" mentioned several times in this blog is getting more and more notes and updates. Several weeks ago, I misplaced this book and began to have panic attacks about what happen to it. Then, I got a call from a friend stating he had found it in his shop, just where I had left it weeks earlier. Maybe I should make a copy of the book every couple of months. I did write a note inside the cover to please return this book if found. With my return address and contact information.  There are 12 calendar pages in the back of the book that serve as the final 12 month count-down months. It has dated detail check points and goals listed. Some of those goals listed are:

On the 1st of every month, I will document and write in my current weight.
On the 30th of each month, I will write in total bicycle miles ridden
October 10, 2013 - Motorcycle should be together, running and on the trailer to Barber Vintage Weekend.
December 31, 2013 - 1,000 miles on Cannonball Motorcycle - Engine & Transmission #1
March 1, 2014 - Spare Engine and Transmission complete and installed.
May 31, 2014 - 1000 miles on Cannonball Motorcycle - Engine & Transmission #2.
June 30, 2014 - Original Engine and Transmission #1 installed.
September 5, 2014 - Be in Daytona Beach Fl - Ready to GO

Stumbled upon a very cool video series on Netflix this past weekend. It was called "Long Way Round". 2 fellows, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride BMW motorcycles from London to New York (19,000 miles) in 115 days - It was a 7 part mini-series. This documentary makes the Cannonball Run look like a ride through the park - Look it up on Netflix, or search the internet for the complete video series. It is worth watching.

Still working on many items in the shop - Here is a little video on small clips, combined into one video of several things doing into this motorcycle.

 

After seeing the actual route of the 2014 Cannonball Run, brakes have become my greatest concern. Several of the western days are going to see some amazing altitudes. Climbing and descending. I was very happy with the choice of adding a VL front drum brake, but now studying a better rear brake setup. David Kleptz ran in the original 2010 Cannonball and his 1915 performed perfectly. I contacted him months ago and he has been super helpful and sharing a great deal of information and advice. When we last discussed rear brake options, he recommended I used a better rear brake than the original 1919 band shoe over a drum setup. He shipped me a rear brake drum he designed to fit on his 1915 Harley J model rear hub. He also allowed me to copy the design to use on my J model. It requires a Panhead front brake drum and a fabricated backing plate. You mill out the brake drum center and weld in a cogged spine from a sprocket. This setup offers a great stable rear brake and maintains a vintage original look - Thanks David Kleptz for all of your advice and coaching - I would never be where I am today in this project without your help!

Until next time..................