Where has time gone?

I can't believe I've gone this long without a new blog post. Thankfully I still have access and remembered my password. Soooo much has changed since my last post and it's all GOOD! I may have to find plenty of pics to share and document my continued 2nd chance at life since my Hoka Hey spill, but it's been almost 7 yrs since the June 20, 2010 journey that changed or added a bit of reevaluation to my priorities you might say. More to come, just need to gather blog details to catch up with my writing for anyone who comes across this blog. Oh by the way, I still have my mean machine of a Harley Davidson I rode during HokaHey 2010. I will never part with her.

Hoka Hey to the 2014 Challengers

My shout out to those Warriors who completed this years challenge, those who left but did not make it to the finish line and those who sacrificed their all and then some. Anyone who crosses that starting line to have what it takes to gear up and set your soul on a journey like that is a riding Brother or Sister in my book for life.

Nothing else matters. How a rider transforms themselves to undertake such a challenge to mentally prepare and execute is hard to explain unless you were signed on and had what it took to try. In that world, nothing else mattered and you were focused. This is true for our Military personnel we must never forget.

I've read some really fascinating blogs on those who captured memories and pics who were able to share their experiences with us. I will always have that in the back of my mind and can feel that light flickering deep in my own soul to finish what I didn't start. If the stars and moons ever align, I will hear the lone wolf warrior howl again.

4th Year Anniversary - June 20 2014

4 years into my new lease on life, "what a strange trip it's been" but nothing short of Fantabulous!

I'm approaching another milestone where so much of my new adventure has made me reflect on what started out to be a life changing and soul searching event, to turn around and become a life changing soul finding direction all for the good. So much has transpired leading up to, during and after my own personal Hokahey Challenge.

The birth of my Grandson Mr. James Brody Goldman, aka "The Bro", who recently turned 1 year old. I sincerely believe he had a role to play by the great spirits who decided that fateful Sunday afternoon as I lay on the highway like a rag doll next to my shattered bike, whether I should remain in this life and cherish his presence or carry on to take my soul elsewhere. The spirits chose life and for that I remain grateful.

2nd Year Anniversary - June 20 2012

Time once again passed recently and I briefly reflect on the minor setback in my life doing something I enjoy. Riding my 2008 Road King Classic Harley Davidson. I still only have about about 16k miles on it, but that is due to my work load overseas. Me and that bike share a common bond now. It's like a good pet, a dog or horse, that understands its master and quietly obeys my every command when on the road together. We trust and look out for each other. I know had it not been such a well built, hunk of a steel sturdy machine, let's say a Vespa instead, my injuries would have been a lot worse. I can't wait to make another long journey across this great country and feel that freedom in the wind. Since that accident, I have the desire more than ever to complete a task I had put my mind to. Setting off to explore and finding new adventures. I know in time this will come again.

So it's with great pride I quote the band Rare Earth with their song, "I just want to celebrate":
I just want to celebrate another day of livin' ......
I just want to celebrate another day of life!!!!! 

I recently read some old blogs from the 2010 Hokahey Challenge after many riders had taken the long journey. Funny, I find some comments in their journal about how traffic was stopped for hours due to a bike accident and someone having to be airlifted. Sorry about that fellow Hoka Hey brothers. Believe me, I had no control over it.

My hat's off to all motorcycle enthusiasts who ride for recreation, work or it's just part of their daily life. We have to always watch out for the other person (including rear view mirrors) and sometimes put up with the spills, thrills and weather. But if there was ever one machine that man invented, the motorcycle came to pass as the commoners true feeling of freedom. Pilots may say otherwise for aviation, engineers may say otherwise for railroads and Ricky Bobby may say "if you ain't first, you're last", but give me a two-wheeled motorcycle over them any day.

So I often think, I have been to so many places in my life before and after my near-death experience. We are put here to enjoy life to the fullest each and every day and not get hung up on the stresses of others or work. When that does happen, jump on your machine and ride like the wind laughing at the Devil.  

 I found this trike in Basra, Iraq. Used often to haul supplies, people, animals, explosives, etc.

Standing by Cades Cove falls near the Great Smokey Mountains.

Me and my bro's at work in Iraq. Uh, I'm the handsome one, 4th from right. Larry's vest shrunk in the heat.

Desert sunset on Mars

Early grunge rockers (my cousin Don and I) on the San Francisco scene - Circa 1980

My trusted machine who has been to hell and back with me. Parked on my land in the scenic mountains of Mendota, Virginia.

1 Year Anniversary of my demise - June 20th

My how time passes. It was just a year ago I had a life changing event that for all practical purposes, this blog should have ended in tragedy. It was a fateful day that had so much planning, preparation, excitement, passion, dedication, love, support, energy, spirit, honor, commitment,trust, integrity, emotions all rolled into the day of what was to become a journey of a life time. The one thing that was not with me was fear. I had already cast that out of me once I had rediscovered my ancestral roots and prayed for their spirits to guide me. Listening to Native American Music and learning about my bloodline connection from my mothers side of the family gave me the strength to overcome that challenge. For that, I thank my brother Bob. Going back and remembering my many relatives who served in the military as heroes also helped drive away fear. It was all about family heritage that guided me to take that journey that I accepted to test my endurance and spirituality we all find ourselves doing at some point in our lives.

On the very same day I set my course to test my will and spirit, it all ended within 6 hours on my journey. A day that changed many lives and touched mine to the soul. I can reflect back now on the time it took to heal my physical wounds and let go the mental ones. I am at great ease knowing that I survived that accident with the help of many spirits that were watching over me. I most likely had a conversation with some during my state of unconsciousness. I have also forgiven the person whom I never met that hit me from behind. The event that day also changed her life as well I'm sure.

So it's on this anniversary that I give many thanks to family and friends who supported me before and after my crash. Make no mistake, it's the love of family and how we honor and remember our ancestors that has the ability to change our course in life. There really is a reason for everything, we just have to find it in our hearts to understand them and make peace with it.

As the saying goes, "Live to Ride, Ride to Live"!

That was a 1976 Bicentennial Edition 1000cc Sportster. Picture circa 1981 at Buras, Louisiana

I have recovered from my accident Physically, but not Mentally!!!

Ok, it's been 6 long months since my June 20 accident that literally knocked me down on the very first day of my long distance ride across America that started in Key West, Fla. It took 3 months to recover from injuries, reflect on circumstances and heal with a loving family, before I could return to work. A lot has happened in that time both on a personal and professional level. By all rights, I should not be writing today or even breathing, but the great spirit and ancestors debated during my 30 minutes of unconciousness and have decided other plans which enabled me to basically "Die Another Day". In short, my work is not done here yet. So................

Isn't flight wonderful! I can still recall being loaded in a helicopter on a stretcher rising in the air some 5,000 ft. enroute to a hospital wondering what happened, only to find out later that a vehicle (without insurance) hit me from behind and threw me into the air some 20 ft. before hitting pavement. Now, fast forward ahead 184 days and I'm free falling in the air again, only this time from 13,000 ft above to the ground. Except this time I will not land on my head, face and shoulder but instead on two feet with a parachute attached. And it's not in Florida but a few miles down the road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, my new home for work in the next 2-3 years.

So yes, I have recovered physically to some extent, minus a few memory/hearing/vision problems but that seems normal in my age group, but some have told me by jumping out of perfectly good airplanes that I have not recovered mentally. Let's just say I am taking advantage of my second chance to enjoy what is all around us each and every day.   

 

Thanks to Freddy, Tandem Instructor from Scotland. He is good people.

Recovered from accident Physically, but not Mentally!!!

Allstate TV Ad: Road Rash

Allstate TV: "Ghost Bikes"

It was a great ride

Hard to keep a good warrior down even if he did yell Hoka Hey!

Let me just say how incredible it was lining up at 0430hrs. (picture with packed bags) on a Sunday June 20th from the hotel starting point with other bikers. I must have been about the 30th in the front of the line while the remaining 750 lined up to the rear. Each rider obtained his route map with the first checkpoint being in Daytona Beach about 600 miles away. At 0610hrs. the challenge started and we all rode out North on Hwy A1A. It was a great feeling watching the sun rise over the keys and numerous riders from all states moving at their own pace. People, residents were all along the way waving flags and cheering us on. We got to the upper keys and turned off towards Card Sound road which connected to the Dixie highway. These were the beginning of great secondary roads to be mapped along the US. Then onto Hwy 41 which is the Tamiami trail stretch of swamp or alligator alley. I made my first pit stop for refueling and watched as occasional bikes road past on their way. I was feeling confidence in myself and new this was going to be a journey that I could accomplish. It was around 11am at another county road that I noticed emergency vehicles stopped. As I passed by, I observed two riders laying in the grass on a curve, injured, but sitting up with their bikes in many pieces. I drove by slowly and gave my blessing that they would recover. It also made me realize to stay at my own slow pace and remain focused on the hazards with this trip.

By around 1200hrs., I was East bound on Hwy 27 going towards Clewiston before turning North towards Daytona. I was in a four lane road and decided to turn off at a gas station to refill, eat a snack and drink some water. At this intersection of Hwy 27 and CR 720, is a left turn lane separate from the four lane of traffic. I pulled to my left with blinkers on and came to a complete stop, feet on the ground, waiting for oncoming traffic to enable me to cross the road. It was only a matter of seconds that I heard the sound of tires screeching very close behind me. I knew something was not right and presumed it could have been another motorcyclist trying to make a quick left lane change. It didn't matter as I did not have time to look in my rear view mirror or turn my head. I felt, saw, heard or remembered nothing else. My next observation was laying on my back looking up at another man with a blue helmet on. He was as polite as can be and asking me questions that I could not answer such as what is my name, where did I live, etc. This was confusing to me because I just knew I was doing something that was OK and yet this did not seem right for some reason to be looking up at the sky. He then explained to me that he and his partner were putting me on a back board and I would be airlifted by helicopter to a hospital now. Then I realised they were paramedics who had landed to pick me and transport me to a Trauma hospital. I could lean my head over to one side to see numerous emergency vehicles with lights flashing then watching my body get loaded into a helicopter. I felt alright for some reason as I knew I was in good hands, but had no clue as to what actually happened, or why. On the flight, I was able to remember my wife's cell phone number and passed this along to the crew. In about 30 mins. we landed at Fort Meyers Lee Memorial Hospital and I was in and out of consciousness. I could at times hear the doctors and nurses talking. I have to say I received the best care and treatment anyone could ask for. These are the men and women who perform a daily job we never give thanks to. In ICU, the diagnosis was a broken Clavicle (collarbone) which eventually required surgery to put a metal plate with screws in it, a cranial or skull fracture which was a slight break in one or more of the bones and causes minor headaches, dizziness as well as double eye vision. Those being the two worst points, I also had 4 stitches put in my right eyebrow and numerous road rash abrasions from head to toe. All things considering, I am healing well and resting up with rehab on the shoulder. I am now waiting on the insurance adjuster to enable me to start repairs on the bike which has impact damage as well. In the picture, you can see the tail pipe on the right pushed forward by the car who hit me, which by the way, was a hit and run for the Florida Highway Patrol to investigate. I may not have completed my journey, but I gave it my best shot. I was disappointed by this accident, but only for a few days, and will follow those online who continue their journey to achieve their accomplishment. I was grateful to offer my donations to the much needed charities as well. In the meantime, I am truly thankful for surviving, but will now reflect on planning my next adventure. Whether at home or at work, set your goals high and seek to inspire.

Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can - Henry Drummond

My Challenge has ended abruptly

It is wth great sadness I have had to end my challenge on the same day it started. My apolgies for not updating the information sooner as I have just  been released from a Fort Meyers, Florida Critical Care hospital to which I was airlifted by helicopter to an ICU (intensive care unit) for the last 3 days. Yes, a severe motorcycle wreck has eliminated me from this event and as soon as I can recover a little more I will pass on the exact details. I can honestly say, I am grateful for my survival and realize it was not time for me to finish my work in this lifetime. Stay tuned.

Let's Ride!

A really big thanks to my friends, family and co-workers. It's your support, guidance and words of wisdom that have made this personal challenge of mine possible and given me the strength to endure. I will do my best and I will do it as safely as possible. I anticipate pain and few luxuries along the way, but then again, we know people in the Armed Forces (disabled or otherwise) who have far more challenges each day. Let us not forget and support them any chance you can. 

I anticipate shorter and fewer blog notes until I meet the support team at the checkpoints, but will keep you posted on my whereabouts, condition and observations with pictures.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I.....I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference".  - Robert Frost

Happy Fathers Day

I am down to the last few hours before "kick stand up". I'm took this last day to soak up the beautiful Florida sunshine and relaxing as best as possible. Trust me when I say it's brutally hot down here. Water is the key to survival driving out of the South on a motorcycle. By tomorrow, Sunday at 4am, challengers will line up in front of the hotel, police will shutdown the triangle of street intersection nearby and all will depart by 6am. Just before, will the first set of route directions be given to the riders and support teams. The sound of motorcycles cranking up each hour around the hotel for one reason or another, reminds me the time is near and everyone is getting anxious to move out. A meeting was held tonight for all to discuss and ask any last minute questions about this event. For me, just give me the route and I am fixed on my mission to the next check point. Where we go, how far we make it and what we decide each day is an individuals choice to show determination, integrity and perseverance to see this to the end. It will not be easy and many will not make to Alaska.

I wanted to also take this time to recognize two more events tomorrow, Sunday. One is my wife's birthday, Karen, who will be ?? years old. Happy Birthday ol girl! The other is Fathers day. I want to thank my true hero, my dad, Robert Byron Marrs Sr. who not only served his country with pride in the Air Force for many years, but also served his family proud as well. He sacrificed many months at a time away in other countries while my mother raised us on base housing in most cases. I think that was part of my yearning for traveling so much as we moved many places and often, when I was younger. My dad is still residing in Hernando, Miss. and I cherish every moment of time I can with him. Happy Fathers Day.

Dedication and Inspiration

This one is for my Uncle Don (1937-1987). A hero with inspiration and whose spirit is with me. Donald Marrs was a man who sought his challenge as well. A military veteran and ultimate warrior who also fought cancer to the end. He was a dedicated postman who had great and humorous stories he use to tell me. It was a young Canadian named Terry Fox (pictured below) however, that attempted a journey on one leg to raise awareness and funds for Cancer that had changed my uncles life forever. Terry had succumbed to his health early in his quest and left a lasting legacy for many. My Uncle Don (other two pictures), who heard about this mans journey, took it upon himself to carry on Terry's name in a 97 day, 2200 mile trek to also raise awareness and funds across the U.S. and achieve what many could not have fathomed while fighting Cancer himself. Both heroes and challengers in their own right.

Induction Time

This morning I stood in line for 2 hours to register for the challenge at the hotel ballroom. It was as if I was part of the induction process for new recruits. I was waiting to see if anyone coming out were shaved by razors but considering the size and stature of some, it would not have been possible. There were all shapes and sizes of bikers each with either an envelope or documents in hand (insurance card, photo ID, registration, etc.). I passed each question and obtained my rank #119 in the group. Then off with documents to the next stage, the physical. Outdoors I brought my steel horse to the vet who looked her over, checked  her teeth (VIN number), odometer reading, etc. and video taped me in front of my steed for legal purposes I suppose. Then it was over in a matter of minutes. I am now officially part of the Hoka Hey Challenge. It's completely up to me now if I achieve 1 mile or all 7,000 miles, dues paid and all. I am a challenger and challenged I will be. I am a long way from Alaska I thought to myself. Am I up to this? Am I really truly ready for such endurance and stamina? Am I capable of meeting my objective and target? Is this what many military service people asked themselves in induction? I am ready, I am a warrior.

The Keys are a wonderful place and I truly recommend this to be one of the top twenty destinations on any ones list (bucket or otherwise) to visit. Any motorcycle enthusiast or car driver for that matter, will appreciate what Florida has to offer driving to the Southernmost point. Do it at least once in your life time. Not only are the people friendly and strange to some, but the food is wonderful. Fresh seafood abounds. My last meals are consisting of raw oysters, the staple of any warriors appetite as the next several weeks will not be as less appetizing (MRE's)or appealing to the palette.

On the road to Margaritaville

You know you are in Florida when you see palm trees and Green Parrots in the tree tops. You also know when you step outside at 8am and feel

80 degree temp and 87% humidity. High of 91 today. Currently in Sarasota driving in the truck towards middle keys today, probably stop in Marathon to overnight. On schedule and making sure I'm in KW tomorrow for 11am bike registration. Good chance I'll take the bike out of the back of the truck and feel that tropical breeze on A1A. Expect traffic to be heavy going in. Hit several rainshowers coming in from Alabama on the interstate which is basically the norm this time of year, especially in the afternoons. I'm confident the ride leaving out of Florida on the bike will be blistering hot with several rainstorms to pelt me along the way. What a great way to identify who is up for the long challenge ahead in the first few days.

My Hero Series

Sitting in Paris waiting on my connection to Atlanta. The excitement is building. Like a NASA Mission, all systems are Go. Just a few days left for pre-flight checks and last minute TTD's. The great adventure is near.

Another way I can interpret this is a soldier who is preparing to ship out for his assignment, or challenge, to a destination unknown. Whether it was the sailor who boards his ship or the airman who walks the tarmac to his aircraft. Destination known, but unknown at the destination! I think about what some of my relatives or ancestors must have thought or any servicemen or women today, as they are sent off to battle or to a foreign assignment. How many of them stopped over in Paris going one way or the other? They were assigned a mission and they were determined, proud and brave. They thought about their families and what lies ahead. I am proud to hold the middle name of my uncle, Millard Marrs, whose plane was shot down over Germany in WWII 1945. I'm fortunate enough to have access to many documents about him, his family, his letters to his wife and even his son's trip to Germany years later, to find the location of the plane crash while talking to locals who remember the day clearly. Uncle Millard, you are a hero. I honor you with this ride and your spirit is with me. I have many more to recognize in the coming weeks as my inspiration, each who have taken amazing journeys themselves. All gave some, some gave all.

Hairy Situation

After I entered this challenge back in November, I started contemplating how to prepare my mind for the role of a warrior, since this is basically the theme of the ride. One way was to physically change my appearance that would remind me everyday what I am going to put myself through. A committment to what I started, if you will. Like an actor prepares for a movie role, I would become what others perceive Harley riders to be. A biker image, a gypsy traveller or a rogue degenerate, outcast from society. I would in a sense, shapeshift into a road warrior. I could expand on my appearance with "facial hair" and give the impression I don't fit in with the norm. It seems to be working by the way.

This was the easiest solution. It would not only remind me when I looked in the mirror each morning, but also give me some protection against the wind and cold air I can expect to go through at higher altitudes in Canada and Alaska. Since I have always had a beard for the last 20 years, it was an easy decision to stop trimming and start growing. And grow it did. And whiter it turned. And sneers and jeers came. Funny how you can look back in history books and find some era's where most men wore beards and top hats. Abe Lincoln looked pretty cool. Santa Clause made white look right. ZZ top have the ultimate beards of all. Captain Jack Sparrow put beads and braids in his.

So it was only after a few months of light beard trimming and smaller strokes of shaving habits that morphing took over one day and I stopped picking up the razor. I had finally taken on the role of letting my personal appearance go against the most basic hygiene rituals. My mind was in the place I needed to be. I was becoming..... a "Lone Wolf Warrior". There was no turning back now. It soon became obvious everywhere I went, I was not fitting in. I don't mind though. Growing a beard out does have it's advantages. It's a protective barrier from wind and sunburn on the face. I can store certain types of food and nuts through the harsh winters in it. If I spill some soup from my mouth, it doesn't get on my shirt, but instead my beard catches it. No more Mr. Dottie! Even better. If I can't find a napkin nearby, I just lift my beard up to gently wipe my mouth and still look like I'm using the best etiquette technique.

Now, along with this change in apperance to prepare myself, comes the name game, or "guess who you look like"? So, for all my friends and coworkers, I have compiled a list of "look-alikes" that may help you decide the next time you see me, so you don't struggle with the lapses in memory that are on the tip of tongues or the incorrect verbage to describe what I am. To help you find the name that comes closest, I even put some pictures up that I have been told best describes my hairy situation. My bearded friends.

Thanks to all my friends and family for your support.

Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did. So throw off your bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

I have had several people ask me if I am really ready for this trip. I know in my mind I am ready and within the first 48hrs. of the journey, my body will respond in kind. But commitment will be my prescription and perseverance my medicine. All I have to focus on is keeping that smile off my face to reduce the bugs flying in my teeth. But hey, a little snack along the way will ease the hunger pains. By being in Central Africa for the last 3 weeks before starting my trip will give me some advantages. For example, I have been awake everyday for at least 16-18hrs. so my body clock is already set to start early which is evident with jet lag when returning to the states and no chance of falling asleep on two wheels. My food intake has been light and healthy so no chance of wanting junk food during my gas stops or rest periods. However, I will be ready for one big chunk of beef and several cold brews at the end celebration in Homer Alaska. But that's getting ahead of myself now.

My Harley Davidson Road King Classic is a fine machine with just over 11,000 miles on it. It is not my first motorcycle but my 3rd Harley. I've also had a Yamaha and Honda in my younger years before I found the true bike for me. I really owe my love for motorcycles to my dad. When I was very young, he bought me a Honda CT-70 minibike that became the best hobby for me. As for my black and chrome Harley, I have full confidence in her performance and "she" and I are one of the same when together. Sorry, but men have always referred to their sailing ships, planes, cars, equipment, etc. as female for some reason. Possibly love or because they take men into the unknown abyss, at times risking their lives to achieve the unachievable, providing comfort in stormy weather, claiming them as their glory in battle...........or possibly because they are just high maintenance! One may never really know.

So let's do the math. My bike has a 6 gallon tank. To make 7000 miles in two weeks I would have to travel at least 500 miles on average per day. But I'm going to cover some high ground that will slow me down on the number of miles per day, and will have to make it up on following days. My bike gets an avg. of 53mpg (hwy) and 34mpg (city). The majority of my ride is not interstate, but secondary roads. So, steady and not full of traffic lights I hope. Lets say I get 50mpg on a 6 gallon tank. That's about 300 miles per tank of high octane fuel injected giddy up and gone. If I move at least 12hrs per day (early dawn to dusk), I'm going to cover at least 600 miles on probably 2-1/2 to 3 refills depending on the terrain, heat, wind and the fact that the bike weighs 775lbs with liquids (plus body/cargo wt), I'm shooting for 3 refills per day or more. Keeping in mind, all the bikes must be air cooled. This is going to be a major factor (heat from the engine vs. water cooled) until I get mid-west into higher altitudes where the temperature is not so brutal. So at 18-24 gallons fuel per day with variable fuel prices averaging $2.75p/g for high octane, I could possibly pump out about $55-60 bucks per day in fuel, give or take. For 14 days I estimate about $800-$1000. I'll caclulate at the end and let you know. Did I mention I have a support truck meeting me at the checkpoints along the way? Ouch! I don't mind, because my support team (Karen & Trish) will be worth their wait in gold cheering me on, providing moral support while holding their hand over their nose and mouth trying to hose down the skunk smell off me.

I guess the point I'm making is what I quoted from Mark Twain. I would be disappointed in the years to come, if I didn't take this challenge. Too often we reflect back on decisions that make us wonder "What if, or I wished I had done that fun, crazy, stupid or exciting thing" when I had the chance. Even if I don't make it all the way to the end for one reason or another, I gave it my all and I have no regrets. So in a very short time, I will throw off my bow lines (raise my kickstand), sail away from safe harbor (twist the throttle in Key West) and catch the trade winds in my sails. I will Explore, I have already Dreamed and now I will Discover. Thanks Mark.

See if you can spot me in the sea of bikes in this picture. It's from Sturgis 2009.

Wide Open Spaces

The days are closing in on the calendar. It's like a grandfather clock ticking loud in a quiet room until it suddenly stops and you can hear a pin drop waiting for the chime. Then I will hear the sound of my heart pumping blood, feeling the vibration of my engine through my hands on the throttle and seeing myself lined up behind hundreds of bikes. The crowd of spectators, gawkers, naysayers and children holding their hands over their ears to cover the noise of roaring Harley pipes. There is no other sound like it. My Destination.......Wide Open Spaces.

I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to ride and visit many places in this great country, but where I go now, I will awaken to something greater than ever before in my life. I am patient. I am steady. I am a Warrior. I envision some of the most harsh and difficult terrain and weather, but also some of the most breathtaking. Each day will have it's own beauty. I will not look ahead in time, but cherish what is presented to me, as is, in awe.

I love camping outdoors and doing so on a motorcycle is for me, as good as it gets. It's as rugged as a pioneer would have done, only you make better time moving about. I expect to share some great photos here and my observations as often as I can along the way during rest periods.

As my oldest brother says, I was destined to make this ride and take this challenge. He is "Sees Coyote", and we are decendents of Lompoc Chumash Native Americans, also known as "Dolphin People". These are my ancestors from my mothers side, who were proud and brave and will be discussed along the way of my travels as well.

Wide open spaces, great places, many faces and tales to come.

Leaders of the Pack

T minus - 17 Days

Not long now, and I will fly back home to essentially overnight and depart next day from Mobile, Al. enroute to Key West. I will basically get off the plane and load the steel horse in the back of my pick up truck as Karen, Haley and Heather (my Wolf Pack) will travel with me to see me off at the starting point. No time to rest. I have all my gear layed out in the garage. As packs go, they travel, hunt and remain together whenever they move into new territory.


Did you know?

Individual wolves in a pack play different roles in relation to the others in the group. The parent wolves are the leader of the pack - the Alpha male and Alpha female. Alpha is the first letter in the greek alphabet. The Alpha male and female are the oldest members of the pack and the ones with the most experience in hunting, defending territory, and other important activities. Some of the younger wolves of the pack may leave to find vacant territory or a mate.

Sound familiar?

My 2 daughters left the pack last year and found vacant territory (about a mile away) in an apartment. Hopefully they will postpone looking for a mate until college is finished. As for the Alpha male, he currently travels overseas each month (away from the den) while the Alpha female is either hunting (shopping) or defending the territory (farming).

We also have two other family members who make up our wolf pack. Dixie (pictured above in snow) and Sam. No photo of Sam (weiner wolf and acting Alpha male when I am away) as he hibernates mostly.

I look forward to travelling with the pack as one towards the starting point. They will give me strength and support to ensure a safe journey. We will also celebrate Karens birthday and Fathers day on the morning the Challenge starts (June 20th) where the sound of nearly 1000 steel horses will thunder and ride out with Warriors shouting the Hoka Hey cry. Having Fathers day fall on the same day that my epic journey begins, was not a coinicidence I believe, and this will be one of many "signs" to come that I will see along the way that will be for a reason. On that day, I will also honor my own father, Robert Byron Marrs, who is not only my hero but a true Warrior that also served his country well. May 31st is Memorial day. Let us not forget those who sacrificed for our freedom. For me, everyday is Memorial day and I show it with the flag on my front porch.