The time is on us to commit.

Well there is not much time left in this riding season to get that much needed “ time in the seat”.
I know, I know, I keep preaching it but you don’t realize the importance until you ride the entire day and you are trashed.
Remember, we will be riding most of the day, for days at a time.
Yes there will be rest times but don’t underestimate the need for experience, conditioning and endurance.
There is NO SUBSTITUTAION for the experience you gain with that time.

 and what a perfect lead in to talk about conditioning.

Let’s paint a quick picture…
It is 100 degrees, the wind is blowing at 70 miles per hour hitting you in the face and chest and you are holding onto a 700lb steel bull that wants to throw you off.
Can you do that for 5 or 6 hours a day for 7 to 10 days?
O.K. maybe that is a bit extreme but not far from the facts.
Please take the time to think about where you are with your personal conditioning.
It is going to be very important that you be in good condition so you can enjoy the event.
It will break my heart to leave you on the side of the road and ride on.
I will do it, it will just break my heart.
It is time to start exercising.
I don’t think this is an option.
Please take this seriously.
You need to prepare for the worst and that way nothing that nature will throw at us will keep you down.
Your body is the one thing that could cause this dream to collapse around you.
I started months ago and feel really good but still want to be in better condition, yet!
Understand, We will most likely not leave you on the side of the road, we will have the trailer that we can strap your bike and broken carcass to for the rest of the ride.
(you won’t be stinking up the bus with your weak, busted ass)

 

Money…

Next fun topic.

I hope you have taken my advice and you have been squirreling away the funds to make this happen.

We are getting very close to the final call.
I will need to know, by the end of October, who has planned and is, without a doubt , in.
Now, I understand that things will happen between now and our departure but we need to start moving forward with deposits, plane tickets, transport arrangements, provisions and accurate planning.
Each one of us will have a share in many of the items needed for the trip.
Even the press corps that will be in the bus will be a factor in each of the other participants cost.
I want a solid number of participants by October 31, 2013 so I can get solid numbers to each of you.
I don’t want to appear cold or hard about the money thing but as of November 1, you will have some financial commitment to this venture.
The time is on us.
I warned you that it would come fast.

It is here.

I still can’t wrap my hands around , what we are about to undertake.

I am overwhelmed by the scale of the adventure.
I am humbled by those that want to be a part of this.
I realize that all of us have things going on and all of us have things that we could be doing with this time.
Time is the one commodity that is both finite and priceless.
I realize that this is something that each of us, for whatever your personal reasons, will walk away with a once in a lifetime experience.
I can’t wait to tell my grandkids that this old “ has-been” went on a motorcycle ride through the Rocky Mountains, the deserts of Arizona, and one of the most beautiful coast lines in the world.

How FREAKING COOL IS THAT ?!?!?!?

Do you get this yet?

Can you relate?

Has it sunk in?

For me it is not about the ride as much as it is about the company.

I know I have said it before but you all are some of the most important men in my life.
I can’t even express how much it means to me, that you are willing to be a part of this dream.

 Chris