Today we went from Nags Head, NC to Apex, NC. It was 245 miles, plus some if you got lost. In the beginning I was leading, and I gave up after seeing some turns too late and having to turn around.
However, We all made it in!
We started at 0700. That was an early rise. They wanted us to be at the pier at 0615. Mostly to get everyone there to take a picture. Pretty much at sunrise.
Scott and Jerry drove to the pier where the rest of us had kept our bikes in the trailer. I am glad, it was dark. For some reason they thought I should lead. We stopped pretty quickly as we needed to fill on gas. As we were driving the 10 miles I noticed that my front wheel was wiggly. It ended up that we needed to tighten the nuts on the axel.
Nothing overly exciting happened. Mike is getting used to his Henderson. He said it is a challenging ride. And if you know Mike, you know that that is serious business. The back highways and county roads were smooth sailing, but in town with traffic sucks.
Jerry was having some problems with power. When we got back he redid it his throttle cable that they adjusted the day before. He adjusted his chain and brakes. Worked on wiring with his Stryker.
Mike drained and replaced oil. Checked all the bolts, several being loose. Wrapped the exhaust with heat tape.
Scott didn’t do anything to his bike.
Larry adjusting his valves and chain.
I checked on my chain- back one was slightly loose so I tightened it. Checked my spark plugs and tightened my front wheel.
It was cool going on these roads that are surrounded by water. The worst part about these old bikes is riding them in the towns especially when there is a lot of traffic. Obviously this is unavoidable, but I will still complain about it. We had 54 miles left to go, and they felt like the longest due to the traffic and stop lights. We sat at a light for 3 rounds. It was terrible.
Quote from Larry “it takes big nuts to ride this bike”
Mark Z came up to Dave C saying "What are you wearing Dave? A training bra?
I laughed for a long time.
Shout out to Nick Kara Presley and Gwennie for sending the most adorable picture
I found Bucky!
Checking our oil...in the shade
Team Butts <3
Tomorrow we head to Statesville, NC. I've heard that it is a shorter day. I'm not complaining and neither is my butt. We were able to get our maintenance done at a good hour, about 8:30. We will be starting every day at 0700 so early nights seem appropriate
Can also check out the TransAm's blog! Also follow them on facebook -- I think they are doing live updates at times.
Today was a low key day. At 0900 Kelsey and Sean came around to write down our vin numbers. To assure we keep the same one, and that it's an appropriate year. As you know these bikes have to be 100+ years old.
At this time, Jerry was working on his valve. Him and Scott got up early and hit the NAPA store for whatever they need. When I came out, Jerry quickly said "we need Joe, lets go wake him up." I reassured him that Joe wouldn't be far behind me as we just had breakfast. Jerry thanked Joe probably close to 10 times today. I am not 100% sure what they did, but they needed Joe and his fabrication skills.
Mike told me the things I should do. I checked to make sure I had enough oil in my tranny. Then he thought I should change my chains. You'd think we would have put new chains on right away when we put chains on the bike when we were putting it all together. I guess that is my bad, because we didn't do that. Instead we put the same chains that Mike used on the 2021 Motorcycle Cannonball, where again, it went across the country. So, I learned how to do that.
If you haven't ever put a chain on an old motorcycle... let me tell you, it is a long process. I kind of thought you'd just put it on and you'd be good to go. BOY was I wrong. First you have to take the primary cover off. But before you do that, you have to detach the clutch link, and then the floor board. THEN after that you can remove the primary cover. I tried to keep all of the washers, pins and nuts in a correct formation so I'd place them in the correct spot when I put it back together - well, it worked slightly, but things still got a little messed up.
After the primary cover is off, you have to remove the old chains. You have to master the master link. See what I did there? Hardy har har. We loosened the tranny, because we usually have to adjust that to get the correct "snugness". Then we get the new ones out, and you have to measure them. You can't really explain the exact point of how loose you want it, but how tight you want it. It's a feel. So, we do the best guess of where we want it to be. Then we have to grind down the poker things, then poke out the links. Then we put it on! Writing it, it doesn't seem like it should take that long, but it does. We then adjust it with the tranny and bolt that down again.
Then it's on to the back chain. Measure it, loosing then wheel and the thingers to move it backward and forward. grind, poke. Once you get the chain at the tightness you want it at, then you make sure that both sides of the wheel are equal so that your tire isn't wheeling weird. In other words, making sure that your back wheel is in proper alinement. Then you tighten everything back up.
I put the primary cover back on. Then connect the foot board, Reconnect the clutch.
BUT now I have to make sure that I can shift okay. You know that thing that Joe and I worked on the day before? Yea ... we now had to do that again. I have become a professional on this. Mike didn't believe me when I said I knew what I was doing. But I did. We did have to adjust it a little. And then also make sure the brake still works good enough.
I don't think Larry had to do much to his bike. Nor did Scott or Mike.
By that time, I needed a break. I needed to hydrate.
The guys went to do a practice route. They went to Jeannette's pier took some old time pictures. I decided to stay back, practice my stopping to go. I feel slightly more comfortable with that. Then I took a trip to the beach because I hadn't been there yet. I read a little bit, then got distracted by crabs. See video below for some greatness.
We had the beginning banquet this evening. We headed there. I learned the North Caroline uses waaaaaay more vinegar on their BBQ pork than I have ever known. We got to see some of the people we haven't gotten to see because we are at different hotels.
Sean told a great story about Avis and Effie Hotchkiss and mother daughter duo who took some water from the ocean and brought it across the United States in 1915. I think they dumped the water in the other side of the ocean when they got there. So, they gave us a small jar and we put ocean water into it.
I could go on a little bit more about things that happened, maybe I will tomorrow if I have time. You aren't missing too much. But we have to be up EXTREMELY early. Like 430 am to ride.
"Groupie"
Mike is special, he wears his helmet when he's not riding
Team Butts all made it to the start of the TransAm. Everyone but mom and I drove to North Carolina. Mom and I got to be princess's and fly. I mean our flight was delayed, does that make it okay?
Joe, one of our support crew members, flew from Oklahoma to Minnesota then drove along to North Carolina. They did stop in Springfield for the Springfield Mile, it's a flat track race.
We started the day with breakfast at the hotel. Jerry was struggling with getting Facebook on his phone and blah blah blah. I tried to help and only got more irritated. I got so close to figuring it out - I did not succeed. Naturally we went and worked on some motorcycles. Jerry had to look for a gas leak, however, ended up figuring out it is leaking from the petcock. He also noticed that his valve was stuck.
It was hot but not as hot as Virginia beach where we started last time.
Larry changed out his petcock. The transmission was leaking so he put cotton piker spindle grease in it. It looks like "green poo" according to Larry. I did not see this goo, but it was described and compared to other things many times.
Mike finished up the wiring for the battery. At the end of the day I asked him what he worked on, reminding him it was something to do with wiring. He responded by saying "yeah, I did some wiring". Joe confirmed that they wired a switch for his headlight. He also mounted his fire extinguisher and mirrors.
What did Scott do? Nothing, because his bike is "F***king awesome!". I shouldn't say nothing, he helped everyone else.
I set up my bike some more, placing items that I want in my bike, adjusted my kickstand (Joe did this part) and mirrors, put a red blinky light on the back. I also cut my new chaps, Scott now has cool armbands.
At one point Mom was standing next to a trunk/pole, she all of a sudden was like "is this a real tree?" It definitely was a pole for a light.
We road the bikes to Outer Banks Harley Davidson. It was only about 6 miles. We didn't have any issues, getting there or back (besides me struggling with getting going on a hill I stalled it three times, not to call myself out or anything). We already knew Jerry was having issues with his valve. Oh, and to point out, Joe was riding the Honda CRF behind us, and all of a sudden it stopped working. We didn't think we had to worry about him on our ride over. He thought he ran out of gas, but also knew that there had been a good amount in it. It turns out he accidentally hit the kill shift.
When we got back, I worked on my kickstand because it leaned too far over for my comfort. Along with getting third gear to shift smoothly, and emptying my oil. We want the amount in the transmission about 4 oz- I was slightly over - but essentially nailed it.
The guys were working on Jerry's bike, figuring out that the valve guide was stuck to the valve. It is apart waiting on parts to repair it. We were putting the bikes away and smartaleck Scott asked if we had to put the bike into the trailer if the bike doesn't run. Scott will be seeing some karma I am sure.
Although it may seem like we didn't do a lot, the day flew by!
So, I met a guy...
Discussing how I was going to handle getting out of the parking lot.
A nice little jot from Kitty Hawk NC to Point Harbor NC
All tucked in for the night. Yes, Jerry's bike is in there. But the Henderson has its own support van.
FYI, I decided I am going to go around to our support crew in the morning and take their pictures so ya'll can know who I am talking about, and put names to faces.
Oh and also - they will have a blog going from the TransAm coordinators - check them out!
Last Monday all the riders plus some came to Mike's to work on bikes.
Jerry had to work on his gas tank. He was looking for a leak in his tank. They removed the tank, then they put in gas to see if they can either rule out the leak or to see where it was coming from. I was used due to my eye sight, I noticed some fluid, but maybe wasn't from the gas. However, as he was checking and swishing gas all around, he forgot that the cap was off and gas was poured all over the garage floor - everyone evacuated, it made me laugh. I just said "well let me know when you need me again" and walked away.
Jerry enlightened us that they say "when you go to build your garage you need to build it twice as big as you'll ever need, but you better leave room to triple it"
Lots of people hanging out in the garage
Mary and me. I love her, she is so extremely supportive. She unfortunately won't be coming on this trip, but her absence will be noticeable.
Scott doing Scott things - soldering? For Jerry's tank
Everyone has to try everyone's bike - to see how it's driving
Zak and Steve supervising, making sure things are being done correctly
This arrow was placed so that when Larry notices his tire is flat he knows where the hole is. Unfortunately, he was drilling a hole in the fender and went a little too far.
This is a video of the discussion about how he got the possible hole
Everyone gathered to watch Larry start his bike
"Let's not start it and just look at it"
Larry driving off on the beaut
I decided to stain the side bags - they were a very light color. I am LOVING how they turned out.
We also worked on putting a LED light for the headlight. I painted some of the touch ups. Put my name plate on. I also put my fire extinguisher on
A picture Mike got from Mark Hill who was putting the engine in his Henderson
A video of Mike's bike being ridden!
Presley came to Nana and Boppa's so she needed to try out the bike
The numerous people it takes to get the kids all in for a picture. 5 year old, 3 year old and two 18 month year olds.
We got all the grandkids on the bike and looking/smiling - we did have to remove Nash, my brother in law, out of the picture
Jack attack!
I am just going to throw this out there, Scott is awesome. He knew that Mike has been working, along with myself and he reached out to me and asked if I wanted to plan some rides on the bikes to get more comfortable. We ended up going out last Thursday. The ride was super fun, I got to try my new camera and I learned that I was having issues getting it into 3rd gear, and sometimes 2nd. However, we were about to adjust that and it worked!
Then we made plans to ride on Sunday. It was another beautiful day. The ride went smoothly!
Mike and mom drove to New York Sunday to pick up Mike's Henderson, getting back Tuesday. Essentially the town is on the Canadian border, so a long drive. Some may say that Mike is a little crazy. Now he has Wednesday and Thursday to get that bike ready to go across the country - putting a box on, saddle bags, speedometer, etc. It sounds like people are headed over on Thursday to load all the things up. Well everyone excluding me because I am working all day (shucks). I did bring all my things over on Tuesday, so that anxious part is all done. Mom and I will fly to the beginning. The people driving to the start are leaving Friday - I believe stopping in Davenport and maybe even Springfield.
The adventure is coming real quick! One week and a day and we will be starting our first day!
Welcome to another blog post where I pretend, I know what I am talking about. If you came to actually learn anything about motorcycles, you won't get that here. I do my best with learning, but I am not at mom and Mike's every day.
Besides that, I don't know about anyone else on Team Butts, but my anxiety is through the roof. The start date is quickly approaching, and we will be leaving days before that. I do not feel prepared. I have been preparing - I got a new video camera to mount to my bike, along with the extra things I need for that, like a mount, microsd cards, etc. And in true fashion, I have had to remove a bunch of pictures off my phone move them to my computer to then move them to an external hard drive - that takes a lot longer than I care to admit.
If you have read this blog before, you know I struggle to get info from the guys about where they are in putting their bikes together, or what they are working on at the moment on their bikes. I typically get something like "stuff" or "well I'm trying to figure out wiring".
Love my mom - she thought it was only her head in the picture
This past Saturday I headed to mom and Mike's. For those of you that don't know, I only live about 25 minutes away. I got there and Larry and Scott were there. Scott had actually driven his 1922 Harley to Mikes. He told me it ran good! Here in Minnesota we had some strong storms the night before and it rained off and on during the day, but he made it without getting hit with any.
If I am remembering correctly, I believe we started right away with putting the chain guard on the 1920 J, it wasn't lining up perfectly with the holes and some of these areas are tiny then you have to get bolts and nuts in... AND THEN TIGHTEN THEM. Then of course we had to make sure the nut wouldn't hit the chain. It wasn't hitting the one it was closest too. Well we were putting the chain on that goes to the back tire and we came to find out that the chain was getting stuck. The clutch bar thinger, it was too close to the chain so we had to figure out a way to fix that. It wasn't the foot clutch but the mechanism that the foot clutch controls which then actually controls the REAL clutch.
Scott, Mike, and I trimmed the bushing on the transmission cover using the Bridgeport mill. Naturally, I got to use the new machine, so I again felt super cool! I am always grateful for the amount of opportunities I have in my life. One being the riding of motorcycles across the country 2) all the cool tools I get to learn just for the hell of it!
This same day, Scott let Larry drive his bike. I got a video of it, was hoping to get a video of Scott riding - but he snuck away.
Mom and I were on a mission to find something that was misplaced -- mom is dedicated. This happens every year
While I was at work one day I got a video of the bike I will be riding running! After the test drive, there was some more fixing to do. The oil pump was leaking in 3 places. They had to tighten up the fittings. Tightened up the clutch spring, adjusted the idol, centered the headlight by adjusting and bending the bars. The push rods for the rear cylinder were rubbing on the cylinder so they took the rocker towers apart to reposition the rod towers.
They also noticed that the ammeter wasn't reading correctly, but it still seems to be changing. They also calibrated the speedometer.
On Thursday I headed back over. Right when I got there I took it for a ride! I know I have mentioned this before, but if you are new here I will explain. When I learned old ass motorcycles and mostly the suicide clutch, I drove this same bike. But only around the block a few times. Then once my Indian was ready that is what I drove. Now there is a big difference between the Indians and Harleys are this point in time.
We got our number plates! And....Mike broke the nicely placed cover for the taillight. Mom and I glued it back together :)
Harleys have a right hand throttle, the shifter is on the left side of the tanks and it goes furthest from the driver is 1 then N, then 2nd, lastly 3rd which is closer to the rider. And lastly, the foot clutch is "toe to go". So the clutch is engaged when the toe part of the clutch is down.
On an Indian, the throttle is on the left side. The shifter being on the right side of the tanks and it goes from first gear being closest to the ride, then N, 2nd and 3rd being the furthest away from the driver. The foot clutch toe down is disengaged and engaged then is hell down.
As you can see, they are way different! At least in the driving aspect. I do have to admit, that driving the Harley is easier. Shifting isn't as touchy and the Harley has it marked where the gears are, were the Indian is by feel. And for 3rd gear I really had to bend down. However, the Harley is taller for me and more top heavy. I can barely get the kickstand up -- I have to move up onto the tank to reach.
It was time for the box! First, I had to decide which box I wanted. Because this bike doesn't carry a lot of gas, I went with the box Mike used for it when he rode it in the 2021, he had made an extra tank to put gas in, then had it jimmy rigged way of getting into the tank. They originally had some steel in the box to reinforce it. This made the box extremely heavy, so we did try to "lighten the load" by removing parts of the steel that we didn't need. It allowed me again to use more cool tools. I got to use the plasma cutter and a grinder to grind the sharp areas. We had to come up with how to attach the box to the luggage rack. We got that figured out and we put foam to hopefully protect the paint. We tried to make it easier for the saddle bags to be connected and not rubbed for the 4000 miles by the box.
I then set up my handlebars. I put the speedometer on the other side then what Mike had put it on, put on my route chart and a Saint Christopher thing that Larry had gotten us all before the 2021 Cannonball. Lastly, I put it on my bag that I put on the handlebars, I put ear plugs, wallet, phone, ChapStick, and glasses. We got the box connected to the luggage rack. It is fit to me - as it has a back rest.
On the 2021 Cannonball, Jim (a friend of Mike's) and his wife Dawn made Larry, Mike and I these cool plaques that have our names on it with out number and a motorcycle drawing. Anyway, we were able to take Mike's off and I was able to take mine off so I can put it on the new box I'll be using. It was cracking slightly - so I asked Scott what would be the best way to fix it. Apparently, and I didn't know this but before he got into the cool old motorcycles his hobby was wood crafting.
Scott and Beth were working on Scott's box - he made it himself!
So once I was leaving mom and Mike's I went to drop off my plaque with Scott. We thought of multiple ways to fix it, not knowing exactly what we wanted to do, and not wanting to wreck it. Scott just pulled it apart slightly and put wood glue in then clamped it to stay together and that worked well. I did tell him that I could have done that - but I appreciate his willingness to help!
We are hopeful that Mike will get his Henderson next week, with a week until go time and that we will be able to get it all TransAm'd ready with a box etc.
This is Randy, you've met him on our earlier blogs. I had sent some vinyl Harley things to our friends in Kansas. I also included many stickers of my face. It was posted on facebook - so then Randy wanted some! Obviously, I sent him tons.
