Today was a special day for me, even though this blog isn’t quite public yet, today was the first step, the first mile, the first signs that this Endless Road Tour will indeed happen, and has now officially begun!
Today is July 6, 2012. Today my youngest son turned eighteen. It was ten years ago when I threatened to return to long distance riding the day my kids were grown up. So, while riding this mornings spirited commute, I realized I needed to start this epic journey, and I needed to start it TODAY.
After all, a million miles takes a while to accumulate, and every week that goes by, I ride about 300 miles that are not being counted!
As with any IBA certified ride, I needed to secure an approved witness. I sent out an SOS for a last minute witness, and three riders graciously offered to meet me. Later at work, I got this idea in my head that as with many great stories, my epic ride, my Endless Road Tour should start by having my witness forms signed by none other than……………….
a Rabbi, a Priest, and a Minister………….
I left work early and went to the Temple first of course…
I banged on the door and rang the bell.
As I turned away, I realized this was a sign, today was not the day to return to Long Distance riding.
Sign….Sign…….Sign……..
The word kept playing in my hear like a skip on a broken flash drive. I stopped and took a picture of the Temple Sign. Was that it? Was that the sign? Was I supposed to just take a picture of the sign?
As I went down the block, I turned a corner and saw it, right there on the lawn, just for me……………..the SIGN!
I tell you, I can not make this stuff up!
I rode to the Pizzaman Shop in Merrimack, NH, where I had agreed to met up with last years third place finisher, and all time high mileage record holder in the Iron Butt Rally. A fantastic rider and excellent friend, Jim Frens had agreed to witness my paperwork, not even knowing what I was attempting to do.
Yes, that is a used clothing drop in the background, but I did not make a withdrawal.
Jim signed my documents and we talked a while. I did end up telling him the paperwork would be proof of the start of the Endless Road Tour, and that I was attempting to document one million miles. I couln’t hold back, and explained why I was doing it and that I have MS, and that I was excited to be able to begin this new chapter in my life, riding motorcycles day after day, after day!
I had purchased a couple of drinks at the Pizza Shop, so I would have a receipt also. I always offer a tip.
Here is the Witness form, the paper trail needed to start this adventure!
Thank You Jim, and all the other New England Riders who offered to meet me on a whim today!
July 6, 2012
Today I started this journey, this epic adventure, this Endless Road Tour.
A man with MS…
A motorcycle….
A million miles…
Go in peace,
-Longhaulpaul
P.S. The ride home in 99 degree heat was punishing, but I made it. Total miles for DAY ONE = 12
Are you for real? No one could ride a thousand miles in one day.