Day 7 Sept 14, 2014

Cedar Rapids, IA to Spirit Lake, IA

271 Miles

The day started without any issues. Okay maybe a minor one of Mike forgetting his glove and Mom had to book it to the truck to look for them. They have not been found. I have decided that because we were not there when he arrived at the check point to keep track of them, they got lost. He set them down and forgot them. Do you see what we have to deal with? (insert eye roll).

Other than that it was actually quite an uneventful day -- YES!!!! We need some of those in this journey. Although, during our drive a sheriff came up behind the truck and Starry was freaked out that it was for him, he was shaking in the seat. Also on this journey we came across a MILLION windmills. I personally hate windmills. They just freak me out too much. They look like knives or something. It's irrational, I'm aware. Then to top it off, there were a million blades on semi's just parked there waiting for us to drive by. ONLY would that happen to me. Not a fan.

We continued our drive to the hoel, we got to check in early, I personally got to relax, and Mom got some laundry done. Yes, we get excited about laundry here. Then I had two friends Andrea and Tony, who were coming into town. We also had my brother, my sister-in-law Kara, and her parents, Connie and Glen. We jumped into Andrea's car to head over to the Indian Motorcycle Factory in Spirit Lake IA, where the check point was.

When we got there we were early and Mike wasn't going to be in for about 30 minutes. So we chit chatted with some people. Mary and Steve had some friends come: Bill and Beth, Don and Kathy, and Tom. Larry rode his bike down with some friends Bill and Jennifer. Everyone got to experience Mike come into the check point, where of course, he went no hands and gave thumbs up to show off a little bit. Don't worry -- he didn't biff it. He's a professional. Then a little bit later, Chris and Laura with there two kids, Westin and Kailee.

After the riders were able to leave the factory we split up and some of us went to work on the bike while others went to eat. Here are some pictures of the shenanigans and hooligans:

Steve, Mary, Beth, Bill

 Again fixing the trailer

 Apparently it's funny that I sleep when I'm in the car

Nick, Mom, Andrea, me, Mike, Tony

Jerry, Debbie, Mike, Tony, Nick, Kara, Mom, Charlie, Connie, Glen, Me, Steve, Andrea, Mary

Chris, Kailee, Westin, Laura and Mike

 Oh My GOSH!!!!  Andrea got to meet Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers!!!!!!! 

Taken by the cannonball staff, Mike is on the left

Mike telling us that story about being shocked

This was the panoramic they took the first day of the cannonball, I took it from the Cannonball staffer Michael, all credit to him. Just wanted to zero in on him!

 Just some cannonballers fixing their bikes

Nick and me -- because we always have to get a selfie to send to our friend when we are together

There is never enough time to talk to people who come and visit during this time, but for anyone who has or who will come and visit, we appreciate each and every one of you! It means so much to us! 

Day 6 Sept 13, 2018

Bourbonnais, IL to Anamosa, IA

I believe it was 223 miles After so many days they all run together!!!

Today was a good day! The bike started right up, Mike said the ride was "good". If you know Mike, you know he is a man of little words. I did ask him for a "quote" and he said "the sun is hot." He isn't lying it was hot today. Isn't that what people say, Minnesotan's always bring the conversation to the weather? Anyway, the temperatures are rising folks. In Pierre, SD rumors is, is it's supposed to be in the High 90s. Yeah--no thanks. I'll take the 70s. (I can dream right?)

As the support crew got ready to depart, I decided to drive. Well, I was just pulling up closer to the hotel because I was waiting for Mary and Starry. I saw these cones that were ALREADY laying on the ground, knocked over. Well my mother decided to make it a big deal (jokingly) that I happened to run the very tip of one of these cones over that was already laying down. So, she had to get evidence of this...of course. And it seems only fair that I post it because I have been posting other pictures of other people. Please beware that it may be offense to some people (if you zoom in to my middle finger):

Anyway, we were off to Iowa! My driving freaks Starry out, unwarranted of course, but it does. We definitely hackle each other back and forth. If I need to do something that may freak him out a little bit, I tell him to close his eyes. For the record I am not a reckless driver, I am just proactive. 

We stopped at a Harley Davidson Dealership for a little help on a tire, and because, why not? They were super excited about the Cannonball and wanted to see pictures of Mike's bike. They had wished the bike was with us. I mean, we get it, we aren't anything special compared to the bike. We did get a picture taken with their cool back drop. So if you are ever in Illinois, definitely stop in at the Starved Rock Harley Davidson shop/service. They helped us with our tire real quick and had some great customer service. Plus, I had to contain myself with items I wanted to purchase. You know, not working for three weeks and such.  

We then continued again, and stopped at a Yamaha dealership for some 2 stroke oil. It still flabbergasts me the amount of people that are interested in this Cannonball and ask you questions about it, or have heard about it. The lady behind the counter said "Oh, I just heard about that on the news this morning -- how awesome!"

We arrived in Cedar Rapids, IA which is the town we are staying in. We took a quick break and then headed to Anamosa to meet up with the riders. Of course, there was a huge turn out!  At the National Motorcycle Museum some familiar faces were there. A shout out to Jerry and Debbie W, Dick and Jan Z, Paul Z, and Bill and Beth. It is appreciated, fun, exciting, etc to see friends who are just as excited as we are to drive from miles away to see these bikes and support Mike as he takes on this country. It means a lot. 

One thing that we were told we should do, is mark when there isn't oil in the bike, or when it hasn't been pumped in. Of course, I thought of an idea. Lets wrap a pipe cleaner around the little pusher thing (clearly I know a lot about motorcycles) when there isn't oil in it. Well Mike and Starry have been making fun of me because they always forget to put it on when there isn't oil in it. I then told them to just always inform me and I will make sure to put it on. Then they kept it on as a joke, and well you can see where this can get confusing. Well Starry found the pipe cleaner today and decided to keep it in his pocket. It has been an ongoing joke and has been very entertaining for all parties involved. Here's a good picture for your enjoyment: 

Mike did tell us a story about how he was shutting off the gas valve (thingy), and it happens to be right next to the spark plug cable and his bike wasn't running well, so he reached down there and he shocked him. Well he showed us the dance moves that were the result of this shock. I tried to get it on video for you guys, but I guess it was a one time thing. However, I'll let your imagination go with it.

Once we got back to the hotel, we had some trailer maintenance to work on, we had to pretty much flip flop most things due to the wear and tear on one side of the trailers tires. That was not fun needless to say, but I am glad it is over.

We hope for a smooth and steady drive tomorrow. We have some more supportive people showing up tomorrow and can't wait to see them! Thank you again to every single one of you who keeps ups with us and sends good vibes our way, it's appreciated and needed.

Day 5 Sept 12, 2018

Bowling Green, OH to Bourbonnais, IL

260 miles

Last night we had to fix the metal rack on the back of the bike. During travel it had broken off and had become loose, and was being held on by bungees. Mike did think this was nice because it gave the backrest a little more give and was move comfortable. However, not safe. It took some work but we managed to get it fixed.

Oreos were given by Mary to everyone, however, she did forget to offer some to her own rider. So much for a good support crew member. Mary gave me a ride on the wheeled "shop" chair we have along with was fun -- I probably should have been wearing a helmet with her crazy driving. And Steve now has a new name because I cannot stop calling him Larry. So, Steve is now known as either Steve, Larry or the new name of Starry.

We thought today would start without a hitch because we had done our checklist the night before and were overly confident in the success for the morning. We started with an early morning issue of needing to switch out a tire. We solved that problem.

There was also a loud noise that again made Mike's face get that scary panic look-- but Starry was able to find the culprit a nylon nut jammed between the chain and the sprocket. We had then named him support crew member of the day!  YAYYYY Starry!

Starry continued to impress us with his awesome supportive skills when he drove the whole way, he filled up the gas tanks without any of us other support crew remembering, he helped Mike again later, AND after dinner he dropped us off at the hotel before dropping off the truck by the trailer. Ladies and Gentleman-- the real MVP of the day!!!! MISTER STARRY!!!!!!! (also known as Mikes older brother Steve Butts!) Not to mention...look at this beautiful picture I was able to capture.

GOOOOOOOOO TEAM BUTTS!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, we actually didn't have to run errands for Mike today-- it was the first time so far. PRAISE THE LORD!!! (trust me, it gets old, but we are here for a reason). So, as I was minding my own business walking into the hotel to bring my luggage, my bag broke--just the handle, but this isn't the first problem. So it has some wheels, but you hit anything and its going wonky and takes a bazillion seconds to get back into working order, then the strap broke, so Mom and I went and bought a new suitcase, because lets be real--ain't nobody got time for that. So we had a nice walk around a mall and a busy street. Some lady even pulled up next to us and asked if we needed a ride. I assume she thought we were homeless or stranded or something because I was holding a suitcase. hmmmm if only I could read minds. Anyway, we politely declined. 

We were excited to see that some of our friends made it back without being on the sweeper. Rick, Skeeter (John), Cris, etc. There was a crash or two and hope we see those guys doing better soon. 

Oh! As Mary, Mom and I were walking around scooping out single guys, we ran into a team who used Budweiser beer cans with wire wrapped around to make a muffler. The Budweiser spokesperson who promoter or whomever it was was impressive and took video of it! I mean seriously, people have to get creative out here.

Here are some picture from last night and today:

Our Irish friends plus Charlie

All of us helping out

MVP Starry with Mike

Me saying: wait....what did you say? I"m what? riiiiiiiight??

 Nap when you can

Wherever, whenever

Mary and her friends. She has some beard growing to do

Apparently Mikes dad would work on his bikes the same way with his ankles crossed the same way, how cool is that? 

Cheers to another day, rootebeer

"Bikers helping bikers" Past Cannonballer helping Mike

Sooooo close to my name

Thought this sweeper guy who picks up the bikes that can't be fixed on the road side, was pretty freaking awesome!

 Hotel welcoming us in!

Day 4 September 11, 2018

Jamestown, NY to Bowling Green, OH

273 miles

Today started off rough. Mike didn't sleep well for unknown reasons. Then when it was time to start, his bike wouldn't start! This hasn't happened yet, so here I am watching, freaking out. And I'm thinking..."FIX IT MIKE. You have to fix it, you have no choice, do something magical, if you can't fix it, no one can!"  He had already crossed the start line, so support crew can't help him (yeah...because I know how to help him at this point). Some wonderful gentleman offered to push start him, which he did. Then eventually he was off on his route. I later found out, that after the push start didn't work, the guy asked him if the gas was on...it wasn't. Needless to say, it worked perfectly fine after he turned the gas on -- haha.

In Jamestown, the weather had warmed up, but it was still drizzly and cloudy, but as we headed west to Bowling Green, OH it started to clear up. The sunshine came out and it turned into a beautiful day -- which was well needed.

One thing we've been thinking since the cannonball has started is what other guests in the hotel think. The race starts early, between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, and these bikes are LOUD. There aren't a few bikes going, there are 106 of them going. I don't know about you, but if I A) wasn't a motorcycle person and B) was at the hotel for some other reason I would be PISSED that these loud ass machines were going off that early in the morning. To give you an idea of how loud these are, I've taken a video for you. Also, the last video is a video of how many people show up at these events to see the motorcycles. It's a large amount! I never expected this many people. We get asked all the time what we are here for, and people are like, oh I want to see that! They end up coming.

Day 3 Binghamton NY to Jamestown NY

As stated before due to flash warnings and safety issues the route was cancelled today. So, Mike got an easier and more comfortable drive today. Here is a look at our day:

The rain that started the day

The support crew needs their fuel

We actually got to eat before 8:00pm and with Mike!

Real life: snooze when you can

The support team helps with everything--even fixing the trailer!

True dedication -- GOOOOO Team Butts!

 Late night discussions and working on the bike: welcome to the cannonball

Day 3 September 10, 2018

Due to flash flooding it was deemed unsafe to do the route today. Unfortunately it has been cancelled. Mike seems to have mixed emotions about it, wanting to ride but understanding that it truly unsafe for the riders. 

From Binghamton NY to Jamestown NY we go! Mike does have to have his bike on display (& himself) at the Harley Davidson in Jamestown for a couple of hours. Maybe we will actually get lunch and a decent nights sleep! 

Day 2, Sept 9, 2018

September 9th, 2018  Keene, New Hampshire to Binghampton New York

About 240 miles

We got up super early. We got the bike ready to ride, and the biker ready to travel. We had to go to the other hotel for the start of the race. So, the riders get their route 45 minutes before their leave time. So Mike’s bike class scheduled time was 8:00 am, so he was able to get his route at 7:15 am. We take it, we mark where he needs to get gas, we assume he can get about 90 miles per tank, so we mark that down. Then we have to roll it into this container thing, so he can turn it while he is riding his bike. Then we chit chat until he leaves. According to Larry’s guidelines we are supposed to make sure he stretches, we forgot that today. Whoops—don’t tell Larry! We did buy some stuff to make a checklist. 

Mike’s kids unfortunately had to head back to Minnesota. The rest of us went to pack up the trailer and head onto the road ourselves. We personally had a beautiful drive through Vermont, it is exactly how you would picture it to be. Very quaint and small town-like. There were brooks on the way with rivers and mountains all around. It was just beautiful. I wish I could send ya’ll a mental picture. Mary and I continued to do our Moose calls. No Moose yet. 

At one point we were trying to find a bathroom to empty some passengers bladders. We came up to this beautiful red covered bridge, ya know the ones you see in the movies. It's a one car at a time type of deal. I believe it's called the Henry Covered Bridge in Bennington County, Vermont. Google it, it's amazing. We drove through that, and after that we let Larry lead us to a bathroom, well we turn down this unpaved road that goes through the woods. I could have sworn that he was going to murder us there. (Can I say that on here? For anyone reading this--that part about him murdering us was said sarcastically -- He wouldn't do that). Anyway, he had that Larry grin/giggle on his face when we got out of the truck at the location and ask what we thought of it. For the record, it was actually really beautiful. 

So, after 4-5 hours in the truck driving we made it to the hotel. We parked and were able to see Mike come in for the second time! He didn't look as happy, but mostly because he was cold. He said he was freezing. I believe the highest it got was 62 degrees. However, tomorrow looks worse, add on a flash flooding. 

Thats what our evening consisted of, preparing for the wet weather. As support screw you let the people who know bikes work on the bikes, and the rest of you go buy stuff for the rider and thats exactly what we had to do. 

Also in the last few days we  have been BEGGING Larry to stay on the adventure with us. He is so good at taking bikes apart and see whats wrong with them, we need him on this trip. Steve is doing awesome, but what harm can adding another motorcycle dude? None. Maybe we convinced him enough? We will see. Keep your fingers crossed for us, we have a long road ahead of us.