By Spitfire
The grind of the Cannonball is apparent as the riders lined up to head out for yet another day. Only 4 days left and today they look forward to a 2-1/2 hour break at the Grand Canyon for lunch and sight seeing. After several 260+ days, the prospect of a 195 mile day is welcome. Whispers of rain and high winds dampened the mood as 67 riders, including all class 1 riders, took off at their scheduled times. The long climb out of Page Arizona created a roadside litter as bikes pulled over to cool, riders pedaled and pushed their machines to the top.
The first gas stop at 46 miles was a flurry of activity and fun. #97, Kevin Naser had parked next to me at the start this morning. He had an “In Memory of Kelly Naser” on his bike. I asked about Kelly and he said his son has died in a crash at 28 years old. We shared a moment as I told him my 37 year old daughter passed in June and her last trip with her friends had been to the Grand Canyon in November 2015. Today would be meaningful. I found Kevin at the gas station teaching a little boy & his Grandpa how to play a little flute that it appeared Kevin had picked up for them. A camper full of girls from LA pulled in and they were delighted to meet the riders, especially Yoshi, #80. Finally everyone headed out across a flat long desert road toward the Grand Canyon. I passed #3, Buck Carson who had been working for days to get his BSA going and get back out on the course. Whoo Hoo!!!!
As we neared the park we could see the rain coming. The dense fog hung over the canyon making it impossible to see the huge crater. Disappointed riders motored on through the park hoping to get some lunch while others continued on to the hotels in Williams, AZ. In order to stay behind and support the group I hung out at the Visitor Center Area and Mather Point. To my delight the sun came out and the Grand Canyon revealed itself! I came across two Cannonball Crew members but the riders had all moved on. At 2:30 I headed out hoping to catch up with a few people on my trek to Williams, which was only 60 miles away. The first rider I pulled up to check on was 109-Alex Trepanier on his single speed 1912 Indian. He had lost 10 spokes on his rear tire and felt it was no longer safe to keep going. He grabbed a white towel and flagged a couple of the other riders in to discuss with them.
I continued on a passed a few more riders. There was no more rain but the air had cooled substantially and the wind was ferocious. The riders were struggling to keep their bikes going straight. I came upon #77, Richard Asprey from Texas riding his 1915 Norton. The front sprocket had stripped and he was desperately trying to get just 7 more miles to the finish. He has had a perfect score and the chase truck was close behind. A friend in a sidecar pulled up and tried to help him to no avail. He sadly, accepted the tow. He dropped from 7th place to 21st place. We rolled in to Williams along Route 66. The parking lot was busy again as the riders prepare for the last 3 days of the Cannonball. Disappointment over the weather and exhaustion have set in. The brewery next door was busy serving food and beer but morning comes early as first riders leave at 7:15 am. For more information and rider standings go to www.motorcyclecannonball.com
