Erik and the "Cannonbahl"

[jeanne z]

Is anyone heading up to Chattanooga to watch the Cannonball riders come in today? If anyone is going in a vehicle capable of transporting a bicycle the guys would like to send Eriks bicycle back to Alabama. We can figure out how get it back to Huntsville later. If you can help, the check in point today is the Coker Tire Museum on Chestnut St and the event hotel is around the corner on Broad St. You can PM me for a cell phone contact number.

[Norwood]

More Cannonball pictures and updates for those with Facebook... Search Facebook for the page and join...

[jdubeemer]

Well it was great to be in Chattanooga to greet Erik and his smiling crew. It was amazing to see all those old machines actually running. The old Harleys were as obnoxiously loud as new Harleys but Erik's ride was purring like a Beemer should. The meeting point at the Coker tire museum was a surprise to me as it is full of old cars and bikes and two airplanes hanging from the ceiling. The lady standing next to the unrestored 49 Ford told me she and her husband had one and I told her I had one just like it also and it almost killed me and I took my hat off and showed her the scar on my forehead. On my way home I came through several showers on I-59. I found that the R1200RT fairing will keep me dry almost as well as my K1200LT would but I had to run at 85 to make it effective. Suzi was not able to make the ride over so I had to run the camera unsupervised. Here are a few pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.679948998740238.1073741853.100001754329423&type=1&l=90a22623f9

[Norwood]

Thanks for sharing ... wish I could have been there... I ran support last time for couple legs with a guy... amazing event... proud of Erik and crew!

[Vance]

Thanks Jim, great photos. It was great seeing Erik and the team in Chattanooga. As everyone knows this is a huge undertaking. Erik and the entire team are doing a fantastic job!Great seeing you there too. And Suzi should be just fine with your photography! lol.. I am certianly impressed!

[Vance]

update 2:15 PM Monday.....
Just got a call from John Zibell. It seems Erik has suffered ....of all things...a final drive issue. They have contacted Vech in Sturgis, MS and he has an array of parts that needed to get to Erik at tonight's stop in Clarksville, TN.
Quick thinking John called Paul & Gail...luckily found them at home...and no surprise they are headed to Vech's to pick up parts and deliver them to the team in Clarksville this evening. Thanks to Paul & Gail Thorne for helping keep the dream alive!!

[jdubeemer]

Was he able to limp in to Clarksville or did John have to pick him up on the road?

[Vance]

Update....9:46 AM Tuesday

Yes Jim, Erik made it into Clarksville. According to his website and his post last night, it seems that he had lost the big nut that holds one side of the rear axle bearing. Paul and Gail fetched one from Vetch and rode to Clarksville to deliver it...what awesome teamwork!

so as far as I know this morning he is off and running again this morning. I have not had an update this morning from John but I believe all is good for now. they are headed for Cape Girardeau, MO tonight where they will be hosted by Grass Roots BMW. good luck Erik!

[Norwood]

Blue Loctite is my friend..." I even have on my toast each morning to hold me together"

Good luck Erik and crew... the most amazing part of the story is ... Paul and Gail where actually at home , way to go guys... +2

[jdubeemer]

Last word on his web site was that the bike won't start. Hope they get that ironed out.

[jdubeemer]

Here is the start from Datona on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM_z2HgcDkI

[Vance]

Last word on his web site was that the bike won't start. Hope they get that ironed out.

Thanks Jim. Erik posted that after I looked at it this morning so I thought he was off and running OK. Hopefully they have figured out a solution to this problem along the way today. Hopefully we will have another update soon!

[jeanne z]

Well, thanks to Paul and Gail, the rear drive issue is fixed but.... The not starting issue seems to be a coil, so they are working on making one good one out of the 2 they have. After the non start, they loaded up and trailered to Cape G. avoiding penalty points by taking the designated support route so they wouldnt cross paths with the riders. Really stringent rules. One of the support teams has a mobile machine shop they are willing to share. Talk about teamwork! Hopefully it will be resolved tonight.

[Vance]

thanks for the update Jeanne...I sure hope it is going well in the trailer tonight! Please keep us posted!

[jdubeemer]

Well they must have the bike running. Spot shows him about 2/3 the way to Sedalia.