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.

Shout out to 2 fellow Challengers - Paul / Harry

Back on Feb. 20th of this year, I had the opportunity to be invited by the Hoka Hey organizers to meet up with a few other challengers and to speak live on the Open Road Radio Show at the Cleveland International Bike Show. It was a great time not only at the bike show and visiting downtown Cleveland in brutal 15 degree weather, but to spend about 15 minutes talking with Gina Woods (radio host) and others on live radio about why we are participating and how important the charities are. This is where I met up with two other challengers, Paul & Harry, who also came to the show and talked with us. It was great to meet them and talk about our interest in the challenge and I have nothing but respect for them and their courage. I felt a bond with these guys as we agreed we were involved with something big about to have an impact in our lives. Looking forward to meeting them at the start in Key West and at the finish line in Alaska.

Check out the Chicago based radio show OPENROADRADIO.COM and read/hear informative cycle news.

Hoka Hey Challenge Video with Music

How this whole thing got started

Last year my brother Bob who is a trucker, sent me a message about a poster he saw in the Dakota's about the Hoka Hey Challenge and suggested it would be a great ride if I was interested. I checked it out and read through the details. My first thought was it's for a good cause and the second thought was, what an incredible logistics challenge. 7000 miles in two weeks starting from Key West Florida and ending in Homer Alaska. I knew where Key West was but never heard of Homer and never been to Alaska either.

I contemplated the whole idea and thought wouldn't it be a nice ride. It was only a matter of a few weeks while at work that I kept thinking how difficult it would be to travel that far on a motorcycle by yourself and in such a short amount of time. To qualify as a Warrior, you have to arrive in Homer, AK no later than July 4th which is two weeks from the start in Key West on June 20th. The thought of the prize ($500k) never factored into my decision. It was all about the challenge and whether I had the "guts" to even complete such a journey. As I look at my scale, I know I have the guts, but it's now more about the Mental Fortitude. (fortitude-Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage)

Since I submitted my application and became accepted as a challenger in Nov. 09, I have now committed myself to see this life changing (or life ending) event through. I have played out many scenarios of the logistics challenge in my mind which includes weather, camping (rules say you have to sleep outside each night), fuel stops, mechanical issues, physical stamina (butt and back aches), food and water needs. Oh yea, and the occasional mad or careless car driver and critter crossings large and small. I can deal with bugs in the teeth, but deer and moose meat at 55 mph is tough to chew. I have also contemplated the route expected based on what I have read through the websites information. As the rules go, you will not know the exact routes and do's and dont's until they are handed to you at the start on June 20th. This also makes it challenging and keeps people honest. There will be several checkpoints along the route but you don't know which states you will be driving in next until you reach these checkpoints where the organizers will validate your movements and that you are who you are. Any sign of cheating or speeding and a rider is disqualified. Safety is the number one priority for this event. I intend to use some safety tips that I also learned at work and be as proactive as possible to avoid injury.

It's at these checkpoints, that my Support Team Karen (worried wife) and Trish (co-worried friend) will meet and greet me (if they don't get lost) and basically offer moral support and subsistence for my brief stops. I plan to use this checkpoint "pitstop" to replace dirty clothes or exchange light for heavy gear depending on the climate, replenish my MRE's, hose down the bike and body, spend 10 minutes with a chiropractor and move on to the next checkpoint. It's anticipated we will travel through 62 Mountain Ranges, 33 Indian Reservations, 26 National Forests, 8 Deserts, 6 National Parks and 4 Swamps. Having to cross into Canada on my way to Alaska could be another challenge as well, aye?

I've pretty much checked and rechecked, made my lists of things to consider and most probably will not be able to cover everything to prepare for such a journey. I will travel as light as possible as weight equals drag and drag means more fuel stops. Time is valuable but so is enjoying the trip and making the most out of any situation. I intend to document each days travel and send photos to this blog to share for others who want a good laugh and to see if I really have the hide and hair to complete such a trip. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I intend to reflect in this trip on those who have served, "All gave some, some gave all", and offer my thoughts to the true warriors and their families that have faced greater challenges that this freedom ride I am going to embark on.

The real Lone Wolf Sioux

I have a great respect for Native Americans, their history and words of wisdom. They too have sacrificed their lives or the lives of someone they love for country, family and honor.

See more great pictures and stories of Native Americans at http://www.firstpeople.us/

First People is a child friendly site about Native Americans and members of the First Nations. 1400+ legends, 400+ agreements and treaties, 10,000+ pictures, free clipart, Pueblo pottery, American Indian jewelry, Native American Flutes and more.

I purchased a flute not long ago and have been practicing. The haunting sound tends to send my dogs away to hide. I plan to carry it with me on my 7000 mile ride and play it at night or early in the morning as inspiration.

One Month Away

It's countdown time. One month away from embarking on a challenge that is being advertised as the "Iditarod of Harley-Davidson's" in a one time event where only 1,000 riders from around the globe have entered to be counted as a Warrior. You can read more details in the website www.hokaheychallenge.com.

I, Jimmy (aka Lone Wolf), of unsound mind and aging body, have elected to attempt this challenge on the basis of a few observations:

#1 Observation- The M-W definition of Challenge reads: "to confront or defy boldly", "to call out to duel or combat", "to invite into competition", "to demand as due or deserved", "to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties", "to order to halt and prove identity".

It's understood, Life is one great challenge in itself but there are times (example A) when a human is put into individual challenging situations with or without warning and then there are those (example B) who search for challenges to test themselves time and time again. Success or failure is not the desired objective, but merely the essence of the above definitions. Example A types could be those who proudly serve in the Military and without warning, are called to a foreign country to defend freedom and thus are put into extraordinary challenging situations. These challengers are also heroes and will be the essence of my individual challenge.

Example B types are those who shoot themselves from a cannon at a carnival in front of a crowd of hundreds "to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties". Although success (hitting the soft target) is the desired objective, the human cannonball will continue to test themselves if failure occurs and the healing process is achieved without disorders. Other example B type challengers are boxers who meet opponents in the ring and "demand as due or deserved" their title of winner. Another is the cad who insults a gentleman or his lady, and a dual of guns is required at 50 paces. This "call out to dual or combat" challenge often leads to one of them saying "Oh crap" in the end. Another group of challengers are the car dealerships who post the names of their salemen like a golf leader board, "to invite into competition". And finally there are the 50 year olds who read about a 7000 mile motorcycle ride, two week time limit challenge "to order to halt and prove identity", which basically means Hey wait a minute, I'm still young and can do this!

#2 Observation - Everything about this event and my entry fee is dedicated to the numerous charities and the theme of Warriors going into battle that has attracted me to it. The proceeds will go towards Paralyzed Veterans of America, Warrior Weekend, Disabled Veterans, American Gold Star Mothers Inc., Vietnam Veterans of America, American Indian College Fund, The Red Cloud Humanitarian Fund and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

#3 Observation - I like riding my motorcycle and what better way to see this great country (Canada included) than to ride hard and free on the open roads. Even though the challenge has a $500,000 prize to the first one who arrives legally to the destination, it's not about the money for me. It's about testing my will to endure both physically and mentally. As riding long distances often does, your mind allows time to reflect. I intend to reflect along my journey how difficult it must have been for those who served or are still serving in the military including my family and relatives. I dedicate this journey to all of them. Without them, my freedom to ride across one border to another would not be possible.