The Scooter Cannonball Run is a coast to coast endurance event for scooters. It is a time/distance/regularity rally where points are awarded based on miles completed and the ability to maintain the standard pace. This year it will begin in Savannah, GA and end eight days later in San Diego, CA covering 2633 miles. There are over 50 entrants riding all types of scooters. From a 1946 Salibury to a modern 3 wheel Piaggo MP3. I have decided join the fun this year. We will leave Savannah on April 22 and head west. I will be riding to raise money for KIDS and LEMUR'S charities. Please help us by purchasing some miles for one of these charities. Don't worry, I will be covering close to 6,000 miles out to California and back to Florida, so there are plenty of miles to go around. ALL monies go directly to the charity.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

GETTING READY PART 1 (me)

I have done several trips across America on the scooters so I know I can do it.  The problem is, they were casual trips and this is a timed event. No stopping to visit a farmer in the field, no eating at a local diner for lunch, no just sitting on the side of the road enjoying the view (that is for the return trip).  It is a haul ass and get there event.  OK for a day or two, but eight days straight will be a challenge. 


So, the first step is to prepare the weakest link......me.  Off to the gym six days a week. If I don't die in a crash, this Scooter Cannonball has done more for my health than anything I have done in years.  Surprisingly, I am enjoying every minute of it.


Next is getting fixed what ain't a working.  Right now that is just my thumb.  Dr. Hamilton decided to start with the old standby, cortizone shots.  OUCH !!!!!






Normally, if I encounter rain, sleet or hail, I would lay up until conditions got better.  That is not an option in the Scooter Cannonball.  You must press on.  One of the most important items is your comfort on the trip.  If you are cold, wet and tired, the higher the chance of making a mistake. To this end, I have bought all new riding gear. It has what is called "armor" protection for various parts of my body in case you go sliding down the highway on your butt. It is waterproof to keep me dry in case of rain. Nothing worse than being cold and wet roaring down the highway at 70 mph. It has zip-in liners to keep me warm when we cross the 8,000 ft. mountains in New Mexico and Arizona and temperatures can easily be below freezing. I got so cold on one trip my body was shaking and it took thirty minutes in a warm shower to get back to a comfortable body temperature.

does this outfit make my butt look big?







ESCUELA BILINGUE LOS ALGARROBOS GETS READY ALSO

At Escuela Bilingue los Algarrobos we start the day by providing a good breakfast
There was an outbreak of hepatitis in Canoa. The government had no money, so we took precious money from our operating fund to inoculate all the students and teachers.  Here Christine comforts Victor the principal.
The JDB foundation, mainly Christine, arranges for Doctors and Dentists to come yearly to treat the students.


LEMUR CONSERVATION TOO.


A little gas to help sleep.
What you doing Doc?