Made it here.
Sunday, 14. September 2008, 04:34:15
It is time once again for the annual gathering of the crazies known as the World Human Power Speed Challenge. I am not competing this year, having not had the time or the inclination to train hard enough. Instead, I will be acting as crew for Larry Lem and his partner Tom Amick, fellow Southern Californians who have a tandem machine that they will be running.
Since I didn't have to haul my HPV, tools, and all of the other paraphernalia that goes with mounting a campaign, I decided to ride my motorized two-wheeler (BMW R1150R) to get here. Then, as it is 600+ miles, it made sense to make the trip in two days, Friday Long Beach to Tonopah, NV, then Saturday to Battle Mountain. Lastly, in order to make it more of an adventure, I didn't take the most direct route, and wound up with 415 and 251 mile days. At one point, the road that looked fine on the map turned out to be gravel for over 40 miles coming north from Tonopah. Not a problem other than slowing things down, and having to clean the dust off of everything when I got here.
Stopped at the Manzanar 'relocation' site along Rte 395 on Friday, which is something that I've wanted to do for some time. Did not stay long, but long enough. Certainly not one of the USA's shinier moments.
A few of the bikes and crews are here as I write this Saturday at 9 p.m. Most overyone will get in tomorrow, then the festivities will commence on Monday. There are upwards of 20 competitors expected, many more than any other year, so it should be a blast.
Since I didn't have to haul my HPV, tools, and all of the other paraphernalia that goes with mounting a campaign, I decided to ride my motorized two-wheeler (BMW R1150R) to get here. Then, as it is 600+ miles, it made sense to make the trip in two days, Friday Long Beach to Tonopah, NV, then Saturday to Battle Mountain. Lastly, in order to make it more of an adventure, I didn't take the most direct route, and wound up with 415 and 251 mile days. At one point, the road that looked fine on the map turned out to be gravel for over 40 miles coming north from Tonopah. Not a problem other than slowing things down, and having to clean the dust off of everything when I got here.Stopped at the Manzanar 'relocation' site along Rte 395 on Friday, which is something that I've wanted to do for some time. Did not stay long, but long enough. Certainly not one of the USA's shinier moments.A few of the bikes and crews are here as I write this Saturday at 9 p.m. Most overyone will get in tomorrow, then the festivities will commence on Monday. There are upwards of 20 competitors expected, many more than any other year, so it should be a blast.
WIDGETIZE