Last CAOD test ride...

The Sidi ADV 2 boots are awesome, comfortable right out of the box.  First time I've purchased a boot that was ready to ride.  The Sidi ADV 2 will serve me well over the 5,000 trek.

Still playing around with motovids.

Last Weekend Home...update

After celebrating my oldest son's 18th birthday yesterday, it is back to final preparations for the Crossing America On Dirt ride.  After a test ride this morning to shakedown the new boots, I will pack my box of gear to shipped to the Morehead City hotel, and two drop boxes along the way (Fayettville, AR and Denver, CO) with fresh clothes, food and maps.

The reality is starting to set in with the family and me, that I won't see them for the next 3 weeks, until I ride into Utah.  Being away from my family will be the most difficult part of this adventure.

The wounded hero interviews are still in the works, the latest schedule is Fayettville, NC and Colorado Springs.  I hope these interviews materialize.  It will be an honor to meet these Veterans.

Also, Tuesday morning I will be interviewed on Park City Television.  This will be a great opportunity to raise awareness and donations.  It is exciting to see the donations at 58% of target before the ride starts.

Thank you to everyone for the support.   This is not a one-man show, a lot of people have extended their knowledge, experience, skills and products to help me get this far.   Please support the sponsors who have helped me make this adventure a reality.

Father's Day Ride 2017

This is my first attempt at editing video.  I'm not giving up my day job!!!  This was our 3rd annual Father's Day ride.

Exciting Milestone for Donations...

Wednesday afternoon donations reached 51% of the $50,000 goal!  This is awesome.  It is easy to get so involved in the ride, but this isn't about the ride...it's all about raising awareness and donations for Wounded Warrior Project.

                                                        
Thank you to all of the people that have donated so far.  If you have not made a donation please do.  Your donation is tax deductible and 100% goes to Wounded Warrior Project.

Countdown and changes....

This time next week I will be on a plane, flying to NC to retrieve the Steed. Yesterday my new Sidi riding boots and Giant Loop gear arrived.

New packing gear arrived. The Tillamook bag is perfect, versatile. The Gas bag is genius...the perfect way to carry 1 Gallon of fuel and the Possibles pouches will enable me to make a few items easier to access. #giantloop rocks! The gear works together and integrates into a complete system. Giant Loop has been a great supporter of the Crossing America trek. Thank you Giant Loop.

Swapped the Sidi Crossfire2 for the Sidi ADV 2. Need to break'em in. Way too shiny! Trading a little protection for more comfort and Gore Tex waterproof.  Thank you for the support Motonation.

Last but not least, my family surprised me with a little Father's Day gift that will be useful during the adventure....

Everything is coming together.  The reality of leaving my family for a few weeks is settling in...  My plan is to visit my mom and dad in Colorado and then my wife and kids in UT.  Leaving my family is the toughest part of the trip.  The flight to NC will be lonely.  Leaving loved ones is tough, but it is for a short time. Our active military on deployment leave their families for 9 months or more each deployment.  Wow!  What a sacrifice to serve our country and fight for the freedoms we all enjoy.  

Wounded Warrior Project Spotlight - Invisible Wounds

Wounded Warrior Project has services and programs that support and take care of not only our wounded heroes that suffer post-traumatic stress, but family members and caregivers as well. PTSD affects everyone - not just the warriors. It takes real strength for those returning home to reach out for help, especially when their wounds are invisible. You can help support their ongoing assistance by DONATING now. 100% of donations go directly to WWP.

T-Minus 9 days

Nine days before I depart via plane to NC, where the Steed is waiting.  While the Steed and gear have been waiting for me in NC, I've been obsessing over every little detail, basically rethinking my gear, route, etc.  It will be good to get the wheels rolling and have fun.

At the warehouse prior to shipping 

If all goes well, I recover the Steed the afternoon of the 29th in Jacksonville, NC, then ride to Morehead, NC where I will work on the bike on Friday.  While re-thinking most of my gear and supplies, I've changed out a few items.

First is the actual tail bags, the two orange bags will be replaced with the Giant Loop Tillmook dry bag.  The fuel canisters will be replaced with one Giant Loop Fuel Bladder, doubling my emergency fuel to 1 gallon.  I'm also adding 2 Possibles Pouches to the non-fuel side of the Giant Loop Coyote bag for additional carrying capacity, taking a few items out of the Coyote and making them easier to access.  Thank you Giant Loop for helping me organize my gear and bags.

Next change is footwear.  The Sidi Crossfire 2, which are a great dirt riding boot, are being changed out to Sidi Adventure 2 Gore Tex boot.  The Sidi Adv 2 is waterproof and more comfortable to walk in, while giving me the support needed during dirt riding. Trying to find the right mix of comfort and protection for 4-5 weeks of riding.  Thank you Motonation for the assistance and support.

Last, I'm adding the Perun heal guards and rear brake protector.

Please check out Facebook and Instagram for addition updates.  The satellite tracking icon has been added to the right side of the blog.  This is where you can track me live during the ride.