I'm entering the 2012 Cannonball

[montmil]

Darryl,

The work you are currently doing, that of solid preparation, can quiet down those monster butterflies banging around in your belly.

I've been following your blog. It's impressive how many friends and contacts you have in the BMW fatherland. Sounds as if they'll be riding with you, in spirit, as will all of us who are pulling for you here in the R65 asylum.

Remain calm and carry on.  [smiley=beer.gif]

[darrylri]

As everyone here knows, when you have a noncurrent bike, you have to start building a network of people who can supply the parts and do the work you need for the bike.  It seems like that network changes almost completely for each different generation of BMWs.  

While I was in Berlin, I met Torsten Tausch.  He is focused on the Stecktank (hanging tank) Rohrrahmen (tube frame) bikes, like my R52.  He had about 8 of these bikes in various stages of assembly in his workshop.  He had split case motors lying around like cord wood.  I wish I had access to all his parts!  

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Darryl,

If you need an example of Period Correct gear for your ride then here is picture of my wife's grandparents from Germany about 1931 on their 200cc single two up: Ritta and Leopold Linz.

[darrylri]

Cool photo!  Is that a Wanderer?  And the license, were they from Thuringia?  They definitely look set up for travelling!

Unfortunately for authenticity's sake, I will be wearing my modern riding gear, which doesn't make for the nicest photo ops.

[Melena]

Darryl,

I've been off the forum for awhile and just saw your post here.   That will be an amazing trip for sure.  

And here it is the middle of August now, so it's coming up soon.   Don't forget to breathe!    That will definitely help.  But once you get on the road the nervousness will disappear really fast, I'm sure.  

I'll be watching your blog on this now.

[darrylri]

Well, it's getting down to it.  I've ordered all the magnetic signs with peoples' and companies' names; they should be in two days before I set sail for NY.  I'm still waiting for some parts to trickle in from der Vaterland.  I'm pretty sure at least a couple will have to be sent to meet me somewhere along the route, like a carb float.  Mostly I have to get my tools and loose parts together and organize them in the van.

BTW, none of this is getting rid of the butterflies.

[darrylri]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeUx4H0PQn8[/media]

[2dogs1cat]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeUx4H0PQn8[/media]

Very cool video clip..........makes me think that an amateur videographer will follow you across the country, a mini documentary so-to-speak.
Keep us on the edge of our seats with a count down  
Cheers
:^)

[darrylri]

Final prep of the Sprinter van today, blast off for the east coast tomorrow!

[nhmaf]

I think that some of us have butterflies right along with you Darryl!     Good luck! We'll be following you on the internet!

[Melena]

I think that some of us have butterflies right along with you Darryl!     Good luck! We'll be following you on the internet!

I couldn't have said it better.  Happy Trails Darryl!   8-)

[Bengt_Phorqs]

 [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=beerchug.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=lurker.gif] pix pix pix pix pix
Just placed an order for a large fat man tee shirt and some cool stickers.
Now off you go and good luck!

[donbmw]

Keeping this up. Here is the link to the Cannonball rally. http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/
Darryl is in 3rd place.
Don

[montmil]

You can post encouraging word's on Darryl's blog. I know he appreciates the support. http://vintagebmw.org/v7/cannonball_blog

Yesterday was a very wet and long ride for Darryl and Team Boxer Rebellion -finishing late due to a couple cagers wadding up their cars on the wet roads and stalling traffic.

Support from the Team 52 crew are taking care of the usual and, thankfully, small issues on the bike.

Ride safe, Darryl.

[SCJJR65]

Saw the writeup on Darryl in the latest issue of BMW ON.  You go, Boy!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]