Just an update, I took lots of pictures and a video clip of them arriving, I was part way up the hill on the access road and next to one of the locals in his Morgan 3 wheeler, Some Norton club folks (one from SoCal) and some from the Vincent community. Much fun and frivolity ensued. Because of my hearing problems I had trouble hearing at times, But really enjoyed meeting and visiting with Chaterlea/John and many of the others.
Some of the local vintage guys have been discussing on our local forum so heres my update along with one of the Norton club guys video as he has good editing and filming skills (Part 2 will be uploaded soon,
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Mike Tylers video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzTsIyfGkg8&feature=youtu.be--------------------------------------------------------
My comments and others cut & pasted from out local forum:
Nice Video! (much better than mine filmed from the entrance road) But the strange thing is I never saw you there Mike??
I visited with Jimmie and mucho thanks to Jim for organizing and urging people to attend as I had other things going on, and would likely have missed the event had it not been for Jim pointing it out and reminding.
I also saw Dave F, Lots of other locals, but when I asked where you were I was told you had something else going on. Were you there and then left or someone else filmed all this?? Regardless, great footage! Seems there is editing as well, so good job. (Do you do weddings as well?)
It was a great day. Only 2 things fell off my bike. A shifter peg (Seems after my transmission service I didnt loctite everything) and that was a big surprise nearing the river when I went to downshift. ( i had a spare in my tool roll and replaced it at the Lodge) And the weird thing was, I had a stainless drink container turned into extra fuel reserve for emergencies (Small tank, so a precaution). I had it secured to my Mil Spec backpack with a carabiner. I returned to Troutdale via Hwy 84 and had been doing 60-75 mph and stopped for fuel in Troutdale at the truck stop. I leaned fwd and heard *CLUNK* and the fuel can had fallen off my pack and onto the ground while at the pump.
Now, the amazing thing was it did not fall on the freeway at speed and while likely nothing would have happened,BUT being a stainless cyl,, It COULD have sparked and created a 16oz Fireball,... I could just see the news coverage today...
"ANOTHER Fire in the Columbia river gorge, Freeway closed as crews battle a fire near Bonneville dam, Authorities are seeking a Motorcyclist seen in the area for questioning" Luckily that did not happen. However my advice is never trust a Chinese made Carabiner.
I was able to talk to Charles Falco, and he autographed my BSA Goldstar book (He is the author) and I went also to meet up with what my friend Rons wife says are "Imaginary internet friends" as the mechanic and chase truck driver for 2 riders, was "Chaterlea John" from Ireland who flew over for the event. Another Irishman was also with them with a Harley, but had fallen ill the last few days so completed the event riding in the truck. I helped them with their bikes a bit, or more likely was just in their way.
I also got to talk to Paul D'Orleans (The Vintagent) and we might be hosting him at the Museum for an event with any luck (Fingers crossed) Charles Falco also said he would be willing to lecture on Magnetos (He IS afterall MagnetoMan) for the museum also. Paul said "I didnt know Charlie had written a Goldstar book!"
Tom Ruttan was there and told me some of the riders were continuing on and in Portland today and then Astoria (oregon coast) and will be at the Lighthouse and a photo op, and thats a great idea as why not? Tip to tip of the USA. So, good chance likely tomorrow to see them in Astoria.
I have a lot of pictures and my own video. I heard a lot of people say the most fun guy on the ride was the Japanese guy who runs the MC shop in LA and he had a large number of Friends and family at the lodge. A LOT of people said the Triumphs did surprisingly well on the whole trip. (Why not? Used to be Triumphs marketing as "Trusty Triumph") The Nortons (3) did well overall, but one had a cam follower pop out and some other misc issues.
The Ariel Charlie rode had several problems, one was the clutch center nut came off. Not enough threads but they resecured it and loctite and staked it.
The Brough that Paul was riding I am told is a replica,, but that might not be true but I was told that by 2 people who were on the ride.
When I left the back of the lodge was strewn with bottles of champagne, Whiskey, Beer and cups and detritus of all kinds. Some guests,, Soccer moms and Golf dads from Dunthorpe & Happy Valley.. Seemed dazed and confused about the Biker influx. I chatted with some of the lodge staff and we agreed it was a huge change of pace from normal day to day for the lodge. (its a swanky joint)
There was a large Banquet and ceremony getting underway, But as I was riding out I looped back thru the lots and many riders and teams were camping in the parking lot (Maybe not everyone booked a room) Some were working on bikes, Some partying, some cooking. I suppose 16 days straight on the road,, Why change? But the funniest thing I saw was during the party on the lawn behind the lodge, Some woman, in full Scottish garb was wandering about playing bagpipes inexplicably. One of the Irish men commented "Shes a bit of a looper!" (Crazy) and told me that the woman and her husband had followed the travelling circus on some sort of scooters. I am not sure if she serenaded with Bagpipes at every stop or not, but it was a bit surreal at the event. I told them about the UNIPIPER in Portland , so hard to compete with a Darth vader riding a unicycle with bagpipes that shoot fire, but, still, it was interesting.
Some of the chase vehicles ranged from Deluxe Tourbus/Motorcoaches to road worn contractor trucks with Trailers. John and his team used a Uhaul moving truck, said they averaged 9 mpg in the truck, plus whatever Uhaul charges for mileage would be expensive. I suppose some MAY be able to pull off the trip on a budget but I heard from a knowledgeable source that average budgets for each rider was in the range of $30,000 for crew, vehicles, lodging, food, consumables etc.
Regardless,, What an epic adventure what a great location and destination!
From: "OregonVintageMotorcyclists
What an amazing event it was at the final stage of the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball event yesterday!
I hope you will enjoy a few sights and sounds of the incredible bikes arriving after a 16-day ride across America.
Cheers
Mike Tyler (Mi Ty)
https://youtu.be/fzTsIyfGkg8__._,_.___
Posted by: Mike Tyler
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Well, I look fwd to the 2nd edition of the video, Much better than my version.
I wanted to hang 2 banners, one for the Museum and one for the Norton club, but logistics were a problem. Plus I did not have time to setup luggage, sissy bar or other ways to secure them while riding. I have some experience with crash recovery of acft, and well aware of the effects of large deployable material
(Some acft use parachutes for emergencies) So I had visions of what COULD happen if a 10x3 ft banner were to come unfurled at 70 mph while riding, While not the shroud of Turin, I was concerned about the safety.
I was concerned as well about being able to display the banner, We have stayed at the lodge in the past and its a well run ship most of the time and they are very on top of an issue. I expected to be conf ronted by staff If I displayed it without permission. So, when I saw John C and some other people I knew part way up the access road in a nice little spot, I decided to stop and setup there. A LOT of people slowed down and stared at the banner and Johns Morgan 3 wheeler. There was a few near misses as well from people distracted for many reasons.
There was a guy from the SoCal Norton club, some Bonneville LSR guys and several from the Vincent community that all gathered at our spot. My ONE banner was not optimally placed and crooked, but secured to a tree and my bike. The SoCal Norton guy (Marshall) suggested moments before the riders arrived that we relocate it to some rocks and trees across the way. GREAT idea! However there was no time by then and there was other reasons as well. But I did get a couple pictures of the banner greeting riders and those coming in with John sitting in the Morgan.
At one point someone told us that ALL the riders were across the river at Cascade locks below Bridge of the Gods and were milling about, sightseeing and perhaps a riders meeting about the finale... I am certain they received a briefing about the finale at Skamania. How they would park, what would happen, etc. Some of the riders had trouble coming up the hill and one had auxiliary pedals and was pedalling like mad to get up the hill. (EPIC photo) Some couldnt get up the hill and stalled or just got off and pushed assist. Some motored in with vigor! (Again, some near crashes!)
I saw a LOT of the locals, but certainly not everyone. It was Dave Friesen who said Mike was not there, But I have terrible hearing issues so perhaps I did not hear him correctly. Tom Young was there, Tom Ruttan,, Nils from the OVM and his 2 brothers. Terry Wolbert, and more that escapes my memory. One who stood o ut was Crazy George who lives below my place down the hill. I was a bit shocked as, while a very accomplished rider and former racer,, He does not have a license due to medical issues. He rides most days up to the bar by my house for coffee, but we live in a rural setting so unlikely to get stopped by the police. But another thing to ride to Skamania. Several other neighbors of mine were there. I am sure I will compare notes with them soon, but I kept it brief with them because if some of them get talking, you will be there for 2 hrs.
There was people there from all over the world,, Aussies, Asian, Germans, UK, One of the riders was from Maine and we talked fishing, he was very interested in the local fishing scene so I hooked him up with a contact from my friends who are with the tribal fish guys... he wanted to buy 200 pounds of Salmon for a cook out. He told me he supplied 300 pounds (or was it 200?) of Maine Lobster and s erved it up near the beginning of the ride to everyone who started out in Maine.
I hung out in the crew area with some of the riders helping with loading their bikes (Too expensive to drop!) and Charles was talking about future rides. The other Irish guy (Also John, riding a Harley) this was his 3rd or 4th Cannonball, But Charlie said he was not likely to do another. But did say likely he would do a BSA ride in the SW as he lives in Arizona, We talked about my old Goldstar guru. GS Ron Halem and Charlie said he would like to do a big ride next year so, that could happen. The logistics however for the Cannonball is amazing. Hats off to anyone who completes one, let alone how well you place.
Thank you again Jimmy for taking a lead role on this
From: "Oregon Norton Enthusiasts"
The only person I saw that I knew was Doug besides the 5 folks who rode with me. It was nice meeting his friend/Team Member from Ireland.
I saw the Norton Banner on the bike when I left at 5:00 PM
It's my opinion that Skamania Lodge was NOT the Real Race Finish for 3 reasons.
I say it was a Ceremonial Checker Flag Event for the benefit of the Public. Which makes a more compact time viewing of all the bikes.
1. They did not clock bikes as they arrived,
2. And, on a normal race day it takes 3 or more hours for all Riders to arrive who don't need a lift on a "Trailer of Shame."
3. The Owner/Rider in No. 2 Position, on the modified Indian, I talked to told me who was in what place for numerous riders. The only way they really know is after they add up the time & points deducted which I believe was at the Dalles the night before.
Anyway, I thought it was GREAT! My only regret is that I was not able to meet them in Kalispel, Montana for the last 3 day ride as originally planned. That would have been STELLAR!
I eagerly look forward to find out where they will end up in 2020. I would like to see them finish in Seaside at the Go-Around at the beach. My several Emails to them back in 2014 & 2015 encouraging them to consider it for 2016 got no response.
jimmy jones
-----Original Message-----
From: DOUG
Well, I was there. Hard to miss as I parked my bike next to John Carraway in his 3 wheeled Morgan on the entrance road and I hung a large 10 foot banner with neon orange cargo straps to a tree and the bars of my bike. I wanted to hang 2 banners but had strapped the one to my backpack, so was Worried about them on the road at 70 mph.
But the banner said "Oregon Norton Enthusiasts". After the crowd thinned along the entry, I packed up and went up to the lodge, I draped the ONE banner over my bike and was parked with all the other bikes by the front door. I hung around the party and visited with many people, saw a number of the usual suspect locals, Jimmy who got the ride organized I presumed you rode with? And saw Dave F at one point.
I had 2 switch covers in my backpack, but I suppose it would have been helpful to have preexchanged cell numbers. Still have the covers if you like.
