Victoria
September 24
Today was my first day in the sweep truck with Dorsey and a disabled bike. It was quite enjoyable. I did miss riding, but after hearing about the route today I did not mind riding in the van. I was told today was about knocking out miles and they were on 75 MPH road at times with drivers getting angry with the slow bikes.
Here is the view of downtown Houston from the cockpit of the white whale.
That afternoon Steve Klein put on a heck of a reception. He had a car show, a band, and steak dinners. I had a great time hanging out with the crews that evening working on their various bikes.
From the previous day you remember Juergen wrapped the rod around the crank and damaged his engine cases on his 1911 Harley. He found a guy in the woods outside Victoria that was able to weld up his engine cases. He won’t be on the road tomorrow but intends to ride the last day, Sunday.
Inside shot of Juergen’s case.
He is cleaning up the mating surfaces getting ready for reassembly.
The Henderson team working on the four cylinders. I really like how Loring Hill organizes his tools. That’s efficiency!
A lot of bikes are suffering broken components from the rough roads. Below is rider #22 Keegan Wrieth’s 1914 Excelsior twin getting its forward frame tube welded due to cracking.
Another shot of the welding taking place on the Excelsior. The welder is one of team Norton’s mechanics. That’s the great thing about the Cannonball, everyone helps everyone.
So, I’ll let you in on a secret. I have a rabbit up my sleeve. Lying in bed this morning I had an epiphany. And lucky for me the hotel was next to Home Depot. I now have in my hands a 10” 5/8” bolt. Can you imagine what I have in mind?