Quite the trip.... impressive to say the least.
Weather wouldn't cooperate...... cool/cold foggy/misty/rainy temps best were in the 60's and worst were in the 30's.
A mix of folks who hadn't met.
People traveling far, to see this 48 hour hold over. I myself was completely impressed that anyone with a regular aditude about NebraXi/Kansas would travel more than hour..... Hell these guys were glad to be here, wonder what that means...
Stepping back, this looks to be a disaster..... but it flew, and flew well. All shiney with color mixed in..... I myself had a great time.... and I'm picking up from all sources that everyone had a good time.
We had a good showing from the X community. Some who hadn't ever seen anyother X folks before. And the X veterans.
We had some folks that were just interested in coming along....
With all the different personalities/backgrounds one would expect conflict... to some minor degree.... it didn't happen. This group is so laid back and excepting....
The competitors arrival was at the local HD dealer.... I had a good time with some excitement, but it was obvious the HD dealer was doing this for himself, and not for the spectators or particapants. The competitors were having a hard time getting onto the property, and then to find a parking place. It was an out of control mob, the dealership WAS NOT expecting. I heard a couple of the competitors complaining the next day.
Folks involved with the actual Endurance contest are some pretty cool folks. All will talk to you, no matter how many times they were asked the same question over and over. For me an amatuer wrench, this was wonderful. We had a full day of just moseying around town watching the teams works on their bikes.
Quasi word out was that the teams were not your normal everyday joe... that these folks had deep pockets to particapate. I argue that. I saw several teams.... working under make shift tents. Using decades old tools. Bikes all battered.... nothing straight, welded cases, with a beat up ol van for assistance.
Brotherhood, was very strong. Teams would bad mouth each other behind their backs, but you saw lots of evidence of teams assisting each other, even brand X helping brand A. As it was an adventure all were particapating in.
So much knowledge with these people, and all willing to share.... I was overwhelmed by the end of the day..... things I thought I knew at least a little bit about, I didn't know spit.
I didn't see any Vtwin Excelsior hendersons compared to 2012, where there were several. But that was fine, as the 4 cylinders were there in hi numbers, and I really like those.
The Henderson teams in general were doing well compared to the other breeds on break downs. Word was that the Hendersons were using "Marvel Oil" in their fuel. Much speculation amoungst the competitors about ethanol... nothing proved.
The BMWs were to be the predicted strong bikes with this later yeared competition. Very favored before the contest started, but blowing head gaskets turned the prediction around. I heard a couple of teams talking about using a beemer for the race bike, and at the last minute going to HD.
HD were also having head gasket problems.
This is where the ethanol thoughts came in. with all the rain, and ethanol loving moisture, and the henderson teams using Marvel oil in the fuel..... maybe this does make some sense.
The day they blasted off, temps were in the mids 30's, and heavy fog. But we were all in good spirits knowing that the weather was going to be good later.
Found actually a beautiful spot to watch.... 2 big hills to hear them pour the fuel.... some surreal fog, with the sun trying to burn thru. LOL... sites, smells, and sounds.... couldn't help but grin.
With this years limit to 1937, it created a much larger competitive feild, almost double. A lot of these folks hadn't competed before, but there were a few that had been in all 3 endurance runs. For example the Japanese team with their 1915 Indian, and still with the spirit from the first year.
Finally got myself a wolf pack Tshirt..... what more does a guy need? ....
2016 will be a throwback according to racers. 100 annv of 1916 and older, so 1916 will be the new limit. No word on region, too early. Hope its close enough for me ......
Thanx to Lesters efforts, our accomodations were really quite nice and efficient. We were by our selves, and comfortable.
Our buddy from South Dakota was the only true break down.... and really only set the trip back an hour. If you think about it, it was comparitive to the cannonballers... they gotta fix their stuff, and thats part of the fun.
My thoughts.... the more bikes involved the more the odds someone (ANY breed) is going to have a problem.... its just the way it is.
Our Roster:
Roger Hodge Green/Oyster X.... Broken Bow Nebraska
Greg Mall goldwing Palmyra Nebraska (Captain)
Dennis Bennet Deadwood Special X Huron South Dakota
Ken Bretz Faux Jennie X Minniapolis Minn.
Jeff Brown Tribute X Lincoln Nebraska
Bruce Whitefoot Black X Waverly Nebraska
John Strain... Toyota Tundra (unofficial chase vehicle) Lincoln Nebraska
Jerry Campbell Annv. HD Lincoln Nebraska
Tim Dworak Green Oyster X Seward Nebraska
Tom Dworak 2014 HD .... Lincoln Nebraksa
Micheal LockLear Red Oyster Cleveland Ohio
And special kudos to Lester Gossman...
