Where in the World indeed - Bill's Motor Jaunt through two countries
SOME GENERAL INFORMATION:
Goals - 49 States in 7 days and 10 hours
10,000 miles in 9 days and 7 hours
Trans Canada (West to East Coasts) in 86 hours
Total Miles - 15,050 (give or take a mile or so)
4 Tires, 2 oil changes
Hotels/Motels - 13
"Il est arrive!"
(Latest info at Top - prior days scroll down)
"Re-Entry" - Friday
Bangor, Maine to Upper Nyack, New York
COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill, Radar and Dorothy never made it to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was only
necessary for them to get to the Atlantic Ocean, so a very tired Bill opted for
St. John's, New Brunswick, and then headed "south" for Bangor, Maine and home.
This was the first night in many that Bill did not set his "Screaming Mimi" to
wake him up. I do believe the noise that comes out of that thing could wake-up
the dead. He had a very pedestrian wake-up-call for a very civilized 7:00 AM.
"Re-Entry" - Friday
Bangor, Maine to Upper Nyack, New York
Mileage - 540 (estimate)
Fuel Stops - 3
States Visited - Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York
Tonight there is a "re-entry" gathering at 5:00 PM at Rick's Club American in
Congers, New York. You are all invited, and we hope to see many of your faces.
This is my last entry in this travelog, tomorrow's installment will be written
by Bill. I'm not sure if I got all of the facts and figures correct, but I know
that you'll forgive me for any mistakes. (It seems that I forgot the state of
Massachusetts during the 48 Plus...). I wanted to let all of you know how much
I appreciated the notes, and phone calls during the past 16 days. It made me
feel less alone while my family was off having adventures.
I hope you enjoyed coming along for the ride, Diane
Day 4 (Thursday) - Trans Canada
Part 1 - Chicoutimi, Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia (End of Trans Canada
Run)
Well, the ride is almost over. Tonight will be the last evening Bill spends
away from home and me, hopefully for quite some time.
One of the challenges of distance riding is scheduling the gas stops. Even
though Bill was careful, and confirmed the hours and location of each stop,
things can go wrong. I guess he has been extraordinarily lucky that yesterday
was the first time that a station was not open as he had planned, and gas became
a critical issue. Of course, it did not help that the crisis happened in the
part of Canada where everyone spoke French. But, a friendly bartender, took
pity on a stranger, and allowed Bill to syphon some gasoline from her vehicle
(I'm not sure if it was a car or bike, so that will be a story for him to
tell.) I don't know who she was, but, she has Bill's eternal gratitude, and
also mine.
Although today's mileage is not "long", the travel time is. It will take Bill
almost 12 hours to get to Halifax, and then another 7 hours to get to Bangor. I
can't imagine being in a car for 19 hours let alone a bike.
Day 4 (Thursday) - Trans Canada
Part 1 - Chicoutimi, Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia (End of Trans Canada Run)
Mileage - 570
Fuel Stops - 5
States Visited - None
Provinces Visited - Quebec, Nova Scotia
Part 2 - Halifax, Nova Scotia to Bangor, Maine
Mileage - 418
Fuel Stops - 4
States Visited - Maine
Provinces Visited - Nova Scotia
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 3 (Wednesday) - TransCanada
Thunder Bay, Ontario to Chicoutimi, Quebec
Last night Bill finally found himself in the same time zone as me! It's hard to
believe that this great adventure is almost over. Yesterday ride was uneventful
except for the beautiful scenery. I'm hoping that these last few days stay that
way.
Questions are still coming in...:
IS BILL TIRED?
Bill's fatigue level is in direct proportion to how many problems he encounters
on the road. For the most part, he stays excited about the scenery and that
helps to keep him alert and involved in the ride. Since he only gets 5-6 hours
of sleep, he will take a nap during the day if he starts to get drowsy. He
calls them "power naps" and insists that he wakes up rejuvenated. I do think
that he has been taking more naps lately, the long hours of riding are beginning
to catch up with him.
DOES HIS BUTT GET SORE?
Radar is equipped with a sheepskin seat cover that helps cushion the road.
CROSSING THE BORDER
To date, Bill has never had problems crossing from the U.S. to Canada, or Canada
to U.S. Although he has not yet needed it, he travels with his passport in
addition to his drivers license for identification.
Day 3 (Wednesday) - TransCanada
Thunder Bay, Ontario to Chicoutimi, Quebec
Today's Mileage - 1,062
Fuel Stops - 7
States Visited - None
Provinces Visited - Ontario, Quebec
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 2 (Tuesday) - Trans Canada
Lloydminister, Saskatchewan to Thunder Bay, Ontario
These travelogs have been forwarded around to so many people, that some are
asking "Who is this guy?" So, for those who know him, please be patient.
"Bill" is a 57 year young Elementary School Art Teacher, and Adjunct Professor
in the Graduate School of Education of Mercy College. He is a member of the
Ramapo Motorcycle Club, the AMA, and the Iron Butt Association. He travels on a
BMW K1100RS ("Radar") and with a Garmin GPS System ("Dorothy"). Three years
ago, he completed the 4 Corners Motorcycle Tour (9 days, 19 hours and 40 minutes
- 10,235 miles). He is a friend to all, and a counselor to many. He has a
calming influence on almost everyone he meets, and has the largest, kindest
heart of any man alive. I am lucky because he has been my husband, partner and
lover for 27 years. Bill and I live in Upper Nyack, New York with our two cats
Donut and Monday.
Yesterday, Bill reached the 10,000 mile in 10 days mark for this trip. I can't
believe that he has gone such a distance and that there are still more miles
ahead of him before he comes home. I know you all send your congratulations to
him.
His careful preparation really paid off on this leg. Bill stopped for fuel at a
planned stop, and could not remember why it was scheduled so close to the
previous one. 131 miles later, he reached the next station, and had he not
followed his route, he would have run out of fuel in the middle of literally
nowhere.
Once again Bill commented on the beauty of the scenery as he rode through the
Canadian Rockies. His animal count for yesterday included herds of buffalo and
mountain goats, coyotes, and 4 elk with gigantic antlers!
Day 2 (Tuesday) - Trans Canada
Lloydminister, Saskatchewan to Thunder Bay, Ontario
Today's Mileage - 1,085
Fuel Stops - 8
States Visited - None
Provinces Visited - Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 1 (Monday) - Trans Canada
Prince Rupert, British Columbia to Lloydminster, Saskatchewan
Our trio arrived in Hyder, Alaska on schedule, and Bill visited the Sealaska
Inn. I told him about the wall of photos for Iron Butt riders, so I think he's
open to having his photo sent up there. I really hope so.
Yesterday was also a day of firsts for Bill. To quote him, the ride was
"incredibly beautiful" so, with a purchased disposable camera he stopped and
took pictures. He also saw his first glacier that was "an amazing blue/green"
color. And, the animals came out to say hello: a moose with antlers, 2 black
bears and 2 foxes. I really like reporting this kind of excitement!
The weather was very foggy and cold, so Bill stopped in Houston, British
Columbia to warm up! Now for those of you who know him well, you know that it
must have been freezing. Bill doesn't own a winter coat, he uses a lined fall
jacket, and if it's really cold he puts a sweater on underneath.
Mileage So Far:
Intro Ride - 1,424
48/Plus - 8,639
Total - 10,063
The official route for the Trans Canada is Vancouver, British Columbia to
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bill is doing an alternate route from Prince Rupert,
British Columbia to Halifax. It's slightly longer, but he did not need to make
the almost 1,000 mile detour south from Hyder, Alaska to Vancouver to get to the
start point.
Today's Mileage - 1,061
Fuel Stops - 7
States Visited - None
Provinces Visited - British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan
It's amazing to me that Bill has completed the 48 Plus with his sense of humor,
positive outlook, and sense of adventure in tact. In addition to really
admiring him, in case you didn't know, I really love him.
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 9 (Sunday) - 48 Plus and travel to start of Trans Canada
Yesterday I joked about a blizzard in Canada, and did we need to worry about
that happening. Well, our friend in Idaho let me know that she has had snow in
August! If it snows on our travelers, I'm going out to buy lotto tickets. If I
can predict the weather I should be able to pick the winning numbers.
In case you're curious, Bill does have the winter liner to his Aerostitch jacket
and warm pants and a heavy turtleneck just in case it gets cold. Let's all hope
he won't need to use them.
At approximately 2:00 pm CDST today, Bill will complete the 48 Plus Ride. His
time is 8 days and 12 hours and I could not be more proud of him. He has
finished this first leg with his good humor and positive outlook intact. Please
send a mental hooray to him this afternoon, he deserves it!
The Sealaska Inn in Hyder, Alaska will post an 8x10 color photo of any rider who
earns the Iron Butt certification for the 48 Plus on their "Wall of Fame" in
their restaurant. I think Bill should do this, but he might need some
encouragement. I know you all will help.
Day 9 (Sunday) - 48 Plus and travel to start of Trans Canada
Prince George, British Columbia to HYDER, ALASKA
Hyder, Alaska to Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Today's Mileage - 438 + 608
Fuel Stops - 5
States Visited - Alaska
Countries Visited - United States, Canada
Provinces Visited - British Columbia
Total Miles - 8,639
The Trans Canada ride is 3,470 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia to
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bill's plan is to cover that distance in around 65 hours.
(3 days and 7 hours) And then he comes home!
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 8 (Saturday) - 48 Plus
Spokane, Washington to Prince George, British Columbia
Today's Mileage - 664
Fuel Stops - 3
States Visited - Washington, Oregon
(Still 48 down/1 to go)
Total Miles - 7,593
On Monday, Bill will start the last leg of this trip, the Trans-Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia in under 90 hours. He is
using the shorter days of Friday and Saturday to re-charge his batteries for
this ride. I wonder if we need to worry about a blizzard in Canada in August?
...nah...
Until tomorrow, Diane
Revised Day 7 (Friday) - 48 Plus
Ogden, Utah to Spokane, Washington
"Revised" seems to have become the operative word regarding this trip.
Outside forces continue to conspire to prevent Bill from getting where he wants
to go when he wants to. So, he just goes with the flow, changing the
reservations. Yesterdays excitement was a forest fire outside Missoula, Montana
that shut down I-90 for 4 hours. It took him 4 hours to go 67 miles.
So, instead of getting to Yakima, Washington he spent the night in Spokane.
The first part of this ride, which Bill has been calling the 49/7, is really
called by the IBA (Iron Butt Association) the 48 Plus. The record for this
event is held by Ron Ayers with a time of 7days, 0 hours, 20 minutes.
Congratulations to him, but I think he really must be nutz! In order for bill
to earn IBA certification in this event, he must complete it in 10 days. It
looks like he'll do it in 9 days and I know you are all cheering him on.
Revised Day 7 (Friday) Details - 48 Plus
Ogden, Utah to Spokane, Washington
Friday's Revised Mileage - 696
Fuel Stops - 6
States Visited - Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Washington
(47 down/2 to go)
Total Miles - 6,929 in 7 days
Bill will not be certified by the IBA for the 10,000/10 ride because he will not
have 10 consecutive 1,000 mile days, even though he will have traveled 10,000 in
10 days. This lack of a piece of paper will not diminish his achievement in my,
and hopefully your, eyes.
(Day 7 (Friday) - 49/8
Ogden, Utah to Bellingham, Washington)
Friday's Start/End Time - He wasn't sure last evening.
Friday's Mileage - 1,190
Planned Fuel Stops - 6
States Visited - Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
(48 down/1 to go)
A very dear friend sent me the following quote by Lewis L. Dunnington (I'm not
sure who he is, but I really like the way he thinks), and I think you'll agree
he could have been writing about Bill. "Your living is determined not so much
by what life brings you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by
what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."
Until tomorrow, Diane
Revised Day 6 (Thursday) - 49/7 Ride (although it's probably 49/8 at this
point)
Williams, Arizona to Ogden, Utah
OK, I am going to stop writing about how well Bill is doing! Every time I
do, something goes wrong! A very rested Bill left Needles, California looking
forward to a great day of riding...except that sections of US-95 (Needles to Las
Vegas) were washed out due to heavy rain and flooding. The road was
periodically shut down so that the heavy equipment could work on shoveling out
the debris. So, just when it looked like our trio would pick-up time...
Then, the best laid plans of mice and men...
Yesterday I wrote about how cooperative the BMW dealership in Salt Lake City
was. Bill arrived for his service appointment, only to find that they sold the
rear tire that was reserved (and confirmed) for him! So he now has tires that he
is unfamiliar with, but he is comfortable with them.
What more can I say...except that none of this is really important as long as he
is safe.
Revised Day 6 (Thursday) - 49/7 Ride (although it's probably 49/8 at this
point)
Williams, Arizona to Ogden, Utah
Thursday's Start/End Time - 7:00am/12:30am CDST
Thursday's Revised Mileage - 853
Fuel Stops - 6 plus service(?)
States Visited - Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
Total Miles - 6,233 in 6 days
Day 6 (Thursday) - 49/7 Ride
Williams, Arizona to Missoula, Montana
Bill called me at 9:00pm just to say hi! Needless to say, after the past
days excitement, I was glad to hear him so relaxed and enjoying himself again.
But that was before he got to New Mexico...remember Roswell??? Since safety is
his first concern, Bill decided that since he was getting tired, he would stop
and take a nap. I worried until he called me from the hotel that he would get
abducted by aliens!
The hotel turned out to be not in Needles, California but in Williams, Arizona.
The days of hard riding finally caught up with Bill and he cut his goal for
yesterday short by 185 miles and stopped early for the night. (Or would that be
day?) He always keeps his goal of completing the ride in mind. He races not
against the clock, but against himself and his endurance and limitations.
I received some really great notes over the past days, including one from
England this morning. Thank you Cliff, of Cliff's BMW, for forwarding Bill's
story to other riders. I really do read your messages to him each night, and
also keep them for his "scrap book."
Today's Start/End Time - 7:00am CDST/2:30am CDST
Today's Mileage - 1,535*
Planned Fuel Stops - 8 plus service
States Visited - Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana
(44 down/5 to go)
*This mileage sounds crazy, but it will be done in 2 legs: Williams to Salt
Lake and Salt Lake to Missoula. He'll get at least a 2 hour "nap" in Salt Lake
and if he's tired, we'll adjust his ride again tonight.
DOESN'T THE BIKE NEED SERVICE?
Today Radar goes to the Spa at a BMW dealer in Salt Lake City. Bill has spoken
with them and they are aware of what he is doing, and are keeping an open bay
for him from 1:00 in the afternoon until he gets there. The service guy, Andy,
is also arranging a quiet corner for Bill to take a nap while Radar is getting
pampered and getting a new set of shoes (tires). Although the bike doesn't need
new tires now, he will when they are traveling through the Pacific Northwest,
and Bill wants new rubber for the road.
HOW MANY MILES HAVE THEY GONE?
Since Bill began the 49/7 on Saturday, they have traveled 5,380 miles (give or
take a mile) in 5 days. There is also an additional 1,423 miles that they
traveled to get to the start point in Breckenridge Minnesota.
DOESN'T HIS BUTT GET HOT AND SORE?
100% cotton or "Coolmax" underwear, and Monkey Butt Powder keeps his bottom safe
from chafing or irritation. (As you can tell, almost no question is too
personal, so ask away.)
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 5 (Wednesday) - 49/7 Ride
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Needles, California
Several years ago, Bill became a member of the Iron Butt Association for
riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours. At the moment, I'm sure you'll all agree that
that was childs play when compared to what he is attempting to now do. I know
I'm his wife, but I stand in amazement of his determination and stamina as he
attacks this trip. His positive attitude in life serves him well, and it allows
him to not get discouraged when he has setbacks.
I am pleased to report that Bill is back on schedule! Not only did he make it
to Tulsa, Oklahoma last night, but he went on to his original day 6 destination
of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma! With all of the positive thoughts you are sending
to him, he rode like the wind and traveled 1,250 miles! I know he will sleep
well tonight.
Today's Start/End Time - 9:00am/1:30am CDST (he's sleeping in this morning)
Today's Mileage - 1,250 (est.)
Planned Fuel Stops - 6
States Visited - Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California
(39 down/10 to go)
WHAT DOES BILL WEAR?
Bill has a two-piece Aerostitch riding suit (red jacket-to match the bike/black
pants), a full face Shoei helmet, and BMW riding boots. Underneath all of that
he wears 100% cotton socks, underwear, mock turtleneck, and light weight long
pajama bottoms. He carries with him a clean set of clothes for every day,
placing them in ziploc bags with the city and day marked on the outside. Since
he is traveling through different climates, he needs different weight clothing
to keep him warm or cool. Speaking of "cool", his riding suit is vented so that
air can flow through and keep him from overheating.
DOES HE TRAVEL WITH CLOTHES AND FOOD FOR 15 DAYS?
Bill travels with supplies for only half of the trip. Waiting for him in
Missoula Montana is a box with clothes, Cliff Bars, Odwala Bars, and peanuts for
the second half. Also inside the box is a prepaid UPS label and package tape so
that he can use the same box to send his dirty clothes home.
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 4 (Tuesday) - 49/7 Ride (Yes, we're still looking at 7+ days)
Newnan, Georgia to Joplin, Missouri -or- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sunday's traffic, congestion and accident delays have reeked havoc with
Bill's very carefully laid out itinerary. That's the "bad" news. The "good"
news is that because the itinerary was so carefully put together, it is serving
as the backbone for the adjusting that Bill is doing now. I am also happy to
report that when he left on Monday morning, his spirits were high, and he really
looks great!
He did not make it to Montgomery, Alabama today, and to try would have been
really foolish. Bill wants to complete these rides, so safety is his first
concern. He spent last night in Newnan, Georgia (in the Atlanta area), and as
near as I can tell, his mileage was somewhere around 1,020 miles. Our trio
continues to be about 3 hours behind schedule.
Today is a happy day for Dorothy since she will be passing through her home
state of Kansas. Hopefully she won't shut down because she wants to visit for a
while, Bill needs her.
Today's Start/End Time - 5:00 am/11:00 pm CDST --or- 1:00am CDST
Today's Mileage - 1,030 -or- 1135 (est.)
Planned Fuel Stops - 7 -or- 9
States Visited - Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri,
-and- Kansas, Oklahoma (33 down/16 to go)
Sorry I can't be more specific, but today so much will depend on traffic and
road conditions, and how tired Bill is.
Thank you for so many notes yesterday. I keep them all for Bill to read when he
comes home, and of course, I tell him nightly all of your good wishes. He
really appreciates hearing from you.
Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 3 - 49/7 Ride (49 States in 7 Days)
Yesterday did not go as smoothly as Bill would have liked. He was on time
leaving Maine, and then the traffic jams started. By 6:00 EDST he was an hour
and a half an hour behind schedule due to an accident and closed highways. At
10:30 EDST, Bill was 3 hours behind schedule and it was apparent that major
adjustments needed to be made. Lucky for me, the motel that Bill selected was a
little bed and breakfast on School Street in Upper Nyack.
The ride plans are now in a state of "flux" to say the least. Leaving metro New
York in the morning is a traffic nightmare, and there is a good chance that Bill
will hit major traffic in both Wilmington Delaware, and in Baltimore Maryland.
So, how far he gets today, and how much time he will make up is totally up in
the air. Below is the info for a best case scenario day, and I know you all
wish him well.
Day 3 (Monday) - 49/7 Ride
Upper Nyack, New York to Montgomery, Alabama
Today's Start/End Time - 5:30am/12:30am CDST
Today's Mileage - 1150 (est.)
Planned Fuel Stops - 11
States Visited - New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia,
Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama
(27 down/22 to go)
Until tomorrow, Diane
It is amazing to me how Bill can ride the distances he does and arrive within
20 minutes of his scheduled time! When I spoke with him last night I could
"hear" the grin on his face. He's having a great time, and thanks all of you
for your good wishes.
Day 2 - 49/7 Ride (49 States in 7 Days)
Erie, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland
Today's Start/End Time - 5:00 am/12:15 am CDST
Today's Mileage - 1,080
Planned Fuel Stops - 9
States Visited - Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine,
Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland (19 down/30 to go)
I received a response from the Iron Butt Association regarding my inquiry about
record times for these events.
- "The rides you mentioned are level-of-achievement rides, where finishing
within the specified time is the only thing we keep track of. This is to avoid
turning them into races." Ira Agins -
I'm really not sure what that means, because I can't believe they don't keep
track of times. But I agree about the "race" factor, it could get really
crazy. Maybe someone at RMC knows of another way to find out about the records
for these rides? If so, please let me know and I'll pass the info on to
everyone.
POLICE INVOLVEMENT
The Breckenridge PD had no problem authenticating Bill's start time and
mileage. Maybe that's because during the planning stage he contacted them to
let them know what he needed. He also stopped in to see them the afternoon he
arrived in Breckenridge, just to make sure someone would be available at 3:00 in
the morning. They were also kind enough to give him a suggestion as to which
gas station he should use, even though he had already researched who would be
open. Needless to say, he used their recommendation.
GAS TANK/MILEAGE
Radar's tank holds approximately 4.8 gallons of gas, and he gets 40-50 MPG
depending on speed. Fuel stops are scheduled roughly every 200 miles which
allows Bill to get off of the bike, eat, drink, take a short walk, etc. He
thinks about each day from one fuel stop to the next, not about the total
mileage he will be covering.
DO HIS HANDS AND ARMS GET TIRED?
Radar is equipped with a "Throttlemeister" which allows the throttle to remain
open when they are cruising at a constant speed over relatively flat roads.
Since the route is primarily over interstates, this is a great help. I hope
I've described this correctly.
Thanks again for all of the notes and questions. Until tomorrow, Diane
Day 1 - 49/7 Ride (49 States in 7 Days)
Breckenridge, Minnesota to Erie Pennsylvania
Good morning to all of you. Yesterday was an uneventful day for our trio. Bill
arrived in Breckenridge on schedule with a replaced fuel light and a
confirmation that the Breckenridge Police will be available at 3:00 am CDST to
authenticate his start time and mileage. They also suggested a gas station for
his "start" receipt. In each state that Bill visits, he needs a gas receipt
that is date and time stamped, and his mileage noted in his log book. This is
all part of the documentation he will need to verify that he was indeed
completed this ride.
Today's Start/End Time - 3:00 am/11:40 pm CDST
Today's Mileage - 1,258
Fuel Stops - 10
States Visited - Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa,
Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Again, thank you for all of the good wishes. I pass them along to Bill every
night and I know he appreciates your positive thoughts. As I write this he has
already been to Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, in Iowa and
headed to Wisconsin.
Until tomorrow, Diane
July 28 2005
It doesn't matter how carefully you plan, unexpected things always come up.
Like the 1 hour construction delay and 1 hour traffic jam around Chicago, or the
fuel gauge light not working, or Dorothy getting so hot that she shut down and
reset to Kansas (I guess she just wanted to go home!). But, Bill plans for what
he refers to as bumps in the road, so even though he was 2 hours late getting
into Madison, he has time today to visit the BMW dealer in Minneapolis to get
the light fixed and still have plenty of time to relax before he starts the
"real" part of the ride.
Today will take Bill back onto I-90 and I-94 into Minnesota arriving in
Breckenridge at around 2:05 pm CDST.
Scheduled Gas Stops - 4
Today's mileage - 466 (plus the Minneapolis detour) Approximate Map
Once he checks in at the motel, Bill will visit the police station to set-up
their authentication of his mileage for the start of the 49/7 tomorrow morning.
He'll also double check with the service station that they will be open at 3:00
am so that he can get a receipt that is date and time stamped. That receipt
will mark the official start time of his ride.
IS BILL BREAKING ANY RECORDS?
The simple answer to that is no. The people who go after records, don't sleep,
take drugs to stay awake, and often have people at various stops to assist them
with fuel ups etc. They also often modify their bikes to have supplementary
tanks for more gasoline so that they can go longer distances between stops.
Bill's bike is the same as it is for his daily commute, except for the tail
trunk. Since several of you have inquired about records I have written to the
Iron Butt Association to get the info. When they respond, I'll pass it on to
all of you.
July 24, 2005
Hello - Well, Bill hasn't left yet and already the questions are coming in,
and thanks to all of you for the interest, it has allowed me to take a fresh
look at this amazing adventure and what motivates Bill.
We want to thank Cliff LaMotta of Cliff's BMW in Danbury Ct. for his generous
sponsorship and also the staff at Cliff's for getting Radar ready to roll.
You might wonder, who is "Radar"? Bill refers to Radar as his ride, a BMW
K1100RS. Giving his bike a name is a refllection of the partnership they have.
I sometimes think he knows his bike better than he knows me! They go on their
adventures accompanied by "Dorothy", a Garmin GPS system.
SOME GENERAL INFORMATION:
Goals - 49 States in 7 days and 10 hours
10,000 miles in 9 days and 7 hours
Trans Canada (West to East Coasts) in 86 hours
Total Miles - 15,050 (give or take a mile or so)
4 Tires, 2 oil changes
Hotels/Motels - 13
DEPARTURE: Thursday, July 28, 6:00am, CDST
Since Bill will be crossing through many time zones, his entire ride is schedule
on Central Daylight Savings Time to help preserve his sanity, as well as keep
him focused on his official start time in Breckenridge, MN. His plan is to
arrive home in Upper Nyack on Thursday, August 11 at 4:00pm.
WHAT DO I FEED BILL? - He basically eats a high protein, low carbohydrate, low
cholesterol diet when he is home. I'll write more about what he eats while on
the road at a later date.
WHY DOES HE DO THIS? - The combination of challenge, planning and execution
fascinates Bill. He has been working on the logistics for at least 6 months,
letting it come together "to" him, rather than trying to force any one element.
As a result, what started out as 49 states in 7 days, evolved into adding the
Trans-Canada and the 10/10,000. Interestingly, he does not look at this as one
long trip, but rather a series of 150-200 mile legs. He says to think about the
whole of it would be overwhelming. Bill also loves seeing the country. When
asked about stopping and taking pictures he often responds, ",,,some people like
photos, I like moving pictures...". He carries what he sees in his mind and
doesn't need the documentation.
WHAT DOES HE DO TO PREPARE? - Before Bill leaves School Street, he has
completely (pardon the pun) mapped out his ride. This does not just mean the
roads he will be traveling but, hotel reservations for every night, every gas
stop with hours of operation verified, EZ Passes purchased for every state that
has them available, and oil-changes and service scheduled and confirmed. The
Internet has been an invaluable tool, but EVERY aspect needs to be
double-checked, which means many phone calls. Bill cannot afford a closed road
or service station. His schedule is too tight, and lost time equals lost
sleep. He has had conversations with everyone; State and local police, motel
managers, service station owners and attendants, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
representatives, and officers in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. And of
course, there are lists for everything; what goes in the tank bag, what goes in
the saddle bags, what goes in the tail trunk, etc. He travels with clean
clothes for every day, food, emergency water, a first aid kit for himself and
for the bike, extra oil, his passport, and 2 sets of directions among other
things.
Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm, I hope you all will enjoy coming
along for the ride. Please continue to send in questions, we love hearing from
you.
Diane and Bill