This day started with it being the first "official" day. In our eyes, that bologna. The riders had a class to attend in the morning. Then at about 1:00 pm they had to drive to Bug Lake Park which was right on the Ocean, to take a group picture. This is also where people could look at the bikes and more or less that bikes could be "presented" for the first time. Then it was the first "official" start of the race, however, more so for picture taking purposed. They only had to drive for 9 miles back to the hotel. Luckily, Mike's bike survived this trip. Some did not, so in some ways, it was a good thing because then the bikes were able to be fixed before a longer route.
Following the ride a few hours later there was a banquet for the riders and support crew. It started off with the Jason, the head operator, welcoming everyone and introducing staff, volunteers, and riders. He also introduces Lonnie Isam Jr. This man was the man who started the Cannonball Race and who recently passed in 2017, this being the first year without him. That being said, you could palpated the raw emotion in the room and the support from all the people who knew Lonnie and were there to support Jason as well.
Jason had given each rider a medallion with their number on it. This medallion represents accomplishment and that you are apart of a team. It's given to those who show strength and courage. I believe it is supposed to give you good luck. It is really cool looking! I'll add the pictures!
Also, at breakfast this morning, Cindy had told us Larry (Mike's brother) had been up all night writing. We all had puzzled looked on our faces. She showed us what she was talking about. He had mad a flow sheet of what needed to be done. How to take care of the bike, and what to check and make sure it had. Then how to take care of the rider, was he fed, calm, drinking enough, sore, etc. These guidelines were so neat and so well put together, it was impressive. It goes to show how invested and how much Larry cares that Mike does well on this trip across the country!
Also something extremely hilarious. On our (support crew in a car) way back from Bug Lake Park, Larry was riding a motorcycle behind us. Traffic was taking so freaking long, and the intersection wasn't allowing anyone to take a right turn because cars just kept coming--well Larry being Larry decided to speed ahead and around and then stop traffic and let all the cars in front of us go, then start driving behind us. It was absolutely HILARIOUS. Everyone in the car was cheering and just literally laughing out loud.
All in all these adventure has been just that, an adventure. They told us there was a lot that goes into a Cannonball race, but I'll be damned, there are so many things and then some! But we are having a blast and we are exhausted and well, thats just fine by us!
No comments:
Post a Comment