Wyman Plaque in Denison, IA

The George A. Wyman Memorial Project is pleased to announce the City of Denison, IA as hosting authority for the 613.3 Denison RON Wyman waypoint.  The Wyman memorial plaque and Waypoint sign is mounted in the beautifully landscaped area in front of The Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts building at the southwest corner of Broadway and Main Street, Denison IA.

Mayor Beymer, John & Nadine Huval, Tim Masterson

Denison Mayor Jared Beymer hosted the dedication event at 5:30pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019.  Plaque sponsors John and Nadine Huval did the ribbon cutting honors.

ON THE LEVEL - Rediscovering the Original Adventure Rider

Click here for PDF

Interview by John M. Flores, Editor in Chief of OTL Magazine.  OTL is the official magazine of the BMW Riders Association.

OTL - Pages 40 - 44

Appearing in the July/August 2019 issue of OTL is John's article...

Rediscovering the Original Adventure Rider
Speaking with Tim Masterson of the George A. Wyman Memorial Project

WYMAN is in "The Iron Butt Rally"

The 2019 Iron Butt Rally is taking place across America and Canada June 17th through June 28th.  Long-distance motorcyclists from around the world ride in the "World's Toughest Motorcycle Competition" on a motorcycle scavenger hunt.  Over the 11 days of the IBR, riders rack up between 10,000 to 12,000 miles of hard riding.  During the three 'legs' of the IBR riders select from a list of 'bonus' locations and plan their routes accordingly.  This year and during leg one 4 Wyman waypoints have been selected to be IBR bonus locations.

The George A. Wyman Memorial Project thanks the rally organizers Lisa Landry - Rally Master, Jeff Earls - Routing Master and Mike Kneebone, President of the Iron Butt Association for including this 'hat tip' to the first long-distance motorcyclist.

There are five bonus locations in the WYMAN combination.  Riders are awarded points for riding to and claiming each location.   The extra WYMAN combo points are awarded to those riders who successfully 'score' all five of the bonuses in any order:

Click on the highlighted bonus code name to see their location in Google Maps.

LNHWY - HQ of the Lincoln Highway Association in Franklin Grove, IL

OGDEN - Ogden, IA  Wyman stopped here overnight to fix the 'final drive' of his motorcycle at a local blacksmith shop across from the current City Hall.

See: THE WYMAN DISPATCH June 14 - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

Wyman memorial plaque and Waypoint sign outside City Hall were dedicated by Team Strange in memory of Eddie James.

SHRM - Sherman Summit rest area along I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie WY.  Wyman stopped at the top of Sherman summit on June 4th and rested at the base of the flagpole.  He carved the following into it's wooden base:

"G.A. Wyman, June 4, 1903, 11:30a.m. - First motorcyclist to cross the Rockies, going from San Francisco to New York."

See:  THE WYMAN DISPATCH June 4 - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

Wyman memorial plaque and Waypoint sign was dedicated by Cliff Wall.



TECOMA - Near Montello, NV along the Transcontinental Railroad west of the Great Salt Lake.  Wyman travel along the rail bed after his overnight stay in Wells.

See:  THE WYMAN DISPATCH May 26 - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

PALI - Palisade, NV a few miles south of I-80 just west of Carlin.  Wyman stopped here for lunch on May 24, 1903, following the transcontinental railroad.

See:  THE WYMAN DISPATCH May 24 - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

This Day - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

May 16th, is the anniversary of the start of Wyman's historic journey "Across America on a Motor Bicycle."  To celebrate and commemorate Wyman's hard riding adventure, the Project is publishing the daily account of his journey..one day at a time!

We have sliced 50 days, 5 articles and 26,000 words of Wyman's ride report into just a couple of paragraphs covering each day of his epic journey.  Starting May 16, and for everyday until July 6, our 'What's New' section will feature Wyman's description of his ride that day in 1903.  Follow along, as Wyman reports the thrills, spills and challenges of his epic ride, one day at a time.

Subscribe to 'What's New' to You! Get the Wyman Dispatch direct to your inbox.  Enter your email address in the box at the upper right, click 'Submit'.  

Wyman was inspired to make his 1903 epic ride by an experience he had the previous summer.  Sometime in 1902, after his return from a bicycle tour of Australia, Wyman acquired a motor bicycle from the California Motor Company.  That July he rode it over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Reno to attend the "Fifty Mile Bicycle Race," becoming the first person to cross the formidable Sierra Nevada's by motorized vehicle.  It was on the ride back to San Francisco that Wyman got the idea to attempt the transcontinental motorcycle ride.

"During the previous summer I had made the journey on a California motor bicycle to Reno, Nevada, and knew that crossing the Sierras, even when helped by a motor, was not exactly a path of roses. But it was that tour, nevertheless, that fired me with desire to attempt this longer journey - to become the first motorcyclist to ride from ocean to ocean."  George A. Wyman, June 1903

The Story Behind the Headlines?

California Motor Company offers bicycle racer George Wyman $500 prize money to ride their motor-bicycle from San Francisco to New York City.  The Goodman Company gets exclusive rights to publish the story and helps with the trip expenses.

To get the latest Wyman Dispatch is easy...

• Visit our What's New section:  http://wymanmemorialproject.blogspot.com/
• Subscribe to our 'What's New' to You! service (upper-right corner). Receive the latest edition directly to your email inbox.  (Unsubscribe at any time)

Truckee Wyman Plaque Dedication

The Truckee California Information Center held the dedication ceremony of the Wyman memorial plaque and Waypoint sign at 12:00 noon, Monday, May 20th. (Truckee Visitors Welcome Center, 10065 Donner Pass Rd)

Left to right:  Chaun, Tim, Greg and Ruth

The dedication ceremony was conducted by Greg Zirbel, Vice President,  Chaun L. Owens-Mortier, Secretary, representing the Truckee-Donner Historical Society and Ruth Geresy, Director of Operation, Truckee Chamber of Commerce.  Ruth is also the manager of the California Welcome Center that occupies the historic Truckee RR Depot pictured in the background.  Tim Masterson, President/Project Manager, represented The George A. Wyman Memorial Project.

The Wyman memorial plaque and Waypoint sign will be on display in the historic Truckee RR Depot in the Truckee-Donner Historical Society.



Here is what Wyman wrote about his departure from the Donner Summit Hotel to Truckee the morning of May 20, 1903. 

     "It did not help me get through the dark, damp, dismal tunnel, 1,700 feet long, that afforded the only means of egress from Summit. I walked through that, of course, and emerging, continued to walk, or rather, I tried to walk. Where the road should have been was a wide expanse of snow - deep snow. As there was nothing else to do, I plunged into it and floundered, waded, walked, slipped, and slid to the head of Donner Lake. It took me an hour to cover the short distance. At the Lake the road cleared and to Truckee, 10 miles down the canyon, was in excellent condition for this season of the year."

G.A Wyman, Over the Sierras and Through the Show Sheds, The Motorcycle Magazine, June 1903 Vol 1, No. 1

Donner Lake to Truckee Ride  The festivities began at 11:30am with a group of modern day motorcyclists recreating Wyman's ride from the head of Donner Lake, along Donner Pass road into historic downtown Truckee.  The Wyman riders are:  Rob Leftwich, Truckee Police Chief, Jim Riley, VP of Truckee Dirt Riders, Scott Bonneville, Rob Lynn Stu Wik and Paul Spencer.

Wyman Riders - Donner Lake head to Truckee.

In the background, on the side of the snow capped mountain, you can see the railroad snow sheds that Wyman left to make his way down the side of the mountain to the head of Donner Lake, where he rode his motorcycle along Donner Pass Road into historic downtown Truckee.

The 520.2 Truckee waypoint is sponsored by Dave McQueeney
Dave is a legend in the long-distance riding community.  Member of the Iron Butt Association and Iron Butt Rally finisher number 29.  Dave has logged and certified over 2,000,000 miles in his long-distance riding career.  His name appears in the official Iron Butt Association record books 128 times as of this writing.  He is truly one of...

"The World's Toughest Motorcycle Riders"

Lotta's Fountain Plaque Campaign

FLASH!  The George A. Wyman Memorial Project has gained approval from the City of San Francisco to mount a memorial plaque at the base of Lotta's Fountain.   The plaque measures 32x26 inches and is being cast in bronze by the Franklin Bronze Plaques.  It will be mounted as a historical marker placed flat in the brick pavement just in front of Lotta's Fountain at the intersection of Market, Kearny and Geary Streets.

Campaign Certificate

This marks a significant milestone for the Wyman Project and is due to the hard work of Jim and Marti Wyman Schein.  We are working very hard to have the dedication event take place on the May 16 anniversary of Wyman's historic start from Lotta's Fountain.

We supply the marker and the City of San Francisco will install it at the base of Lotta's Fountain.

The cost of the bronze historical marker, permit fee from the City of San Francisco and general contractor installation will be around $7,500 to $8,000.

Let's Make This Happen!

Join the Lotta's Fountain Plaque Campaign!

We need your help to make this happen.  Our 2019 fund raising campaign is dedicated to the Wyman memorial plaque mounted at the base of Lotta's Fountain.  Our goal is to raise over $7,500 to purchase the plaque and reimburse the City of San Francisco for mounting expenses.

Make tax-deductible donation of $25 or more and receive the Lotta's Fountain Commemorative certificate along with your choice of a Wyman Journey or Waypoint poster.

Contribute $50 or more, receive the certificate and both posters.

Wyman-Lotta's Fountain Commemorative Coin
Antique finish, 1.75 inches, 35g

All 110 Wyman-Lotta's Fountain commemorative coins have been issued!

Click this link DONATE NOW or the yellow " Donate " button at the right to begin the process securely through PayPal or by credit/debit card.  Type "Lotta's Fountain Campaign" if prompted for the sponsorship level.  Be sure to include your US Postal Service mailing address.

Lotta's Fountain Plaque Donors - Thank you!
(Names added according to PayPal donation email date/time stamp)

1. Tim Masterson - Coin

   

   Lotta's Fountain Plaque Campaign
   Sponsor Gifts

2. Cliff Wall - Coin
3. Howard Entman - Coin
4. Duncan Ragsdale - Coin
5. Marti & Jim Schein - Coin
6. Danny Dossman - Coin
7. Paul Meyer - Coin
8. Brent Allen Cornell - Coin
9. Annette Hart - Coin
10. Matt & April Wise - Coin
11. Robert Stransky - Coin
12. Greg Rice - Coin
13. Steve Aikens - Coin
14. Daniel Thaler - Coin
15. Paul Partin - Coin
16. Chris Comly - Coin
17. Glenn Royal - Coin

    

    Tim Masterson at the Wyman Project 'shipping department'
    U.S. Postal Service, Wimberley, TX

18. Roger Nisbett - Coin
19. Chuck Lacky - Coin
20. Dana D'Arcy - Coin
21. Kenneth Andrews - Coin
22. Deborah Hierrezuelo - Coin
23. Edwin Jarvis - Coin
24. Mark Griffin - Coin
25. Jim & Donna Fousek - Coin
26. Gene Kicenski - Coin
27. Ira Agins - Coin
28. Robert Mark Wood - Coin
29. Jesse Lucas - Coin
30. Brian Thorn - Coin
31. Brent Dent - Coin
32. John Cooper - Coin
33. Heidi Weldon-Still - Coin
34. Chris Rasmussen - Coin
35. Brent Cornell - Coin
36. Greg Hintz - Coin
37. Robert Durrstein - Coin
38. Dan Crowley - Coin
39. Bill Watt, Canada - Coin
40. Steve Diederich - Coin
41. Lawrence Telling - Coin
42. Harvey Schirrmacher - Coin
43. James Feighny - Coin
44. Bob Rippy - Coin
45. Doug Leath - Coin
46. Ray King - Posters
47. Patrick MacRoy - Coin
48. John Graham - Coin
49. Frederick Germain - Coin
50. Robert Pettyjohn - Coin
51. James Burriss - Coin
52. Joe Green - Coin
53. Danny Lee - Coin
54. Mark Campbell - Coin
55. Bruce Edwards - Coin
56. Bill Cumbie - Coin
57. Jeanie Cumbie - Coin
58. John Koval - Coin
59. John & Nadine Huval - Coin
60. Janus Motorcycles - Coin
61. Sarah Burriss - Coin
62. James Epley - Coin
63. Mike Jenkins - Coin
64. Jack Watkins - Coin
65. Brad McFarland - Coin
66. Richard Kalor - Coin
67. Greg Hintz - Coin
68. Christopher Brown - Coin
69. Dennis Peters - Coin
70. Jerry White - Coin
71. Tom Loftus - Coin
72. Katherine Dossman - Coin
73. Emily Dossman - Coin
74. Nicholas Dossman - Coin
75. M. L. Cover - Coin
76. John McLaughlin - Coin
77. Sarah McLaughlin - Coin
78. Charles W. Goad - Coin
79. Cathy Davies & Larry Johnson - Coin
80. Gregary Galvan - Coin
81. Gerry Arel - Coin
82. Jim Orr - Coin
83. Del Brand - Coin
84. Steve & Lori Wishard - Coin
85. Changing Gears - Coin
86. Brian North - Coin
87. Marc & Deirdre Beaulac - Coin
88. Kerry & Katie Walker - Coin
89. Michael Kneebone - Coin
90. Stuart Ostroff - Coin
91. Roger & Kathy Allen - Coin
92. Peter Gintner - Coin
93. John Cassity - Coin
94. Paul Slaton - Coin
95. Jenny Young - Coin
96. Russell Dickerson - Coin
97. Jason Jenkins - Coin
98. David Url - Coin
99. Gar Arnett - Coin
100. Mark Burns - Coin
101. Dave McQueeney - Coin
102. Spencer Bennett - Posters
103. Greg Fizer - Coin
104. Lionel Ramos - Coin
105. Mona Loftus - Coin
106. Loftus family members - 5 Coins
107. James Handley - Coin
108. Christopher & Mikki Ross - Posters
109. Lester Mills - Posters
110. Mark Starrett - Coin
111. Robert Foster - Coin
112. John "Doug" Vance - Posters
113. Charles Weir - Posters
114. Robert 'Bob' Higdon

"Motorcycle Men" Podcast Interview

The Wyman Project is pleased to share a podcast interview on the Motorcycle Men show, hosted by Ted "Wrongway" Kettler, 

Motorcycle Men - Episode 179 - Interview with Tim Masterson of the George A. Wyman Memorial Project, conducted Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Truckee Waypoint Hosting

We are pleased to announce the Truckee California Information Center in partnership with the Truckee Donner Historical Society, have joined the Project as the hosting authority for the 520.2 Truckee Wyman waypoint.   The California Welcome Center is housed in the historic Truckee Depot.

Truckee California Information & Welcome Center

Ruth Gersey, Director of Operations at the California Welcome Center and Chaun Mortier, Research Historian at the Truckee Donner Historical Society are working together to mount the Wyman memorial plaque, Journey and Waypoint posters inside the Truckee Depot.  Located along the historic Donner Pass road in the center of the Truckee historic district, the Depot is visited by 100,000s of people each year.

Thank you, Dave McQueeney for sponsoring the Wyman memorial plaque at the 520.2 Truckee waypoint.

Here, in Wyman's own words is the account of his journey from the hotel at the Donner Pass summit to Truckee on Wednesday, May 20, 1903.

"The next day, May 20, promised more pleasure, or, rather, I fancied that it did so, l knew that I could go no higher and with dark, damp, dismal snow sheds and the miles of wearying walking behind me, and a long downgrade before me, my fancy had painted a pleasant picture of, if not smooth, then easy sailing. When I sought my motor bicycle in the morning the picture received its first blur. My can of lubricating oil was missing. The magnificent view that the tip top the mountains afforded lost its charms. I had eyes not even for Donner Lake, the "gem of the Sierras," nestling like a great, lost diamond in its setting of fleecy snow and tall, gaunt pines.

Oil such as I required was not to be had on the snowbound summit nor in the untamed country ahead, and oil I must have - or walk, and walk far. I knew that my supply was in its place just after emerging from the snow sheds the night before, and I reckoned therefore that the now prized can had dropped off in the snow, and I was determined to hunt for it. I trudged back a mile and a half. Not an inch of ground or snow escaped search; and when at last a dark object met my gaze I fairly bounded toward it. It was my oil! I think I now know at least a thrill of the joy experienced by the traveler on the desert who discovers an unsuspected pool.

Donner Snow Shed, c.1890

The oil, however was not of immediate aid. It did not help me get through the dark, damp, dismal tunnel, 1,700 feet long, that afforded the only means of egress from Summit. I walked through that, of course, and emerging, continued to walk, or rather, I tried to walk. Where the road should have been was a wide expanse of snow - deep snow. As there was nothing else to do, I plunged into it and floundered, waded, walked, slipped, and slid to the head of Donner Lake. It took me an hour to cover the short distance. At the Lake the road cleared and to Truckee, 10 miles down the canyon, was in excellent condition for this season of the year. The grade drops 2,400 feet in the 10 miles, and but for the intelligent Truckee citizens I would have bidden good-bye to the Golden State long before I finally did so.

Truckee to Boca RR crossing
USGS, c. 1905

The best and shortest road to Reno? The intelligent citizens, several of them agreed on the route, and I followed their directions. The result: Nearly two hours later and after riding 21 miles, I reached Bovo(sic), six miles by rail from Truckee. After that experience I asked no further information, but sought the crossties, and although they shook me up not a little, I made fair time to Verdi, 14 miles. 

Verdi is the first town in Nevada and about 40 miles from the summit of the Sierras. Looking backward the snow-covered peaks are plainly visible, but one is not many miles across the State line before he realizes that California and Nevada, though they adjoin, are as unlike as regards soil, topography, climate, and all else as two countries between which an ocean rolls. Nevada is truly the "Sage Brush State." The scrubby plant marks its approach, and in front, behind, to the right, to the left, on the plains, the hills, everywhere, there is sage brush. It is almost the only evidence of vegetation, and as I left the crossties and traveled the main road, the dull green of the plant had grown monotonous long before I reached Reno, once the throbbing pivot of the gold-seeking hordes attracted by the wealth of the Comstock lodes, located in the mountains in the distance. That most of Reno's glory has departed did not affect my rest that night."

Across America on a Motor Bicycle - "Over the Sierra's and Through the Snow Sheds" by George A. Wyman, The Motorcycle Magazine, June 1903, Vol 1 No 1
San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
May 16 to May 20, 1903

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'What's New' to You!" 

Wyman Tribute on the Salt Flats

Wyman rode a 1902 'California' motor bicycle across America in 1903.  Today, the sport of motor bicycling is alive thanks to small groups of enthusiasts.  One such group is the Motor-Assisted Bicycle Forum.  Despite the technological advances of two wheeled vehicles over the years, these enthusiasts focus on modifying the basic bicycle with small displacement motors.  Motorized bicycling is a two-wheeled sport with roots going back the birth of the motorcycle at the turn of the last century.

Speeding across the Bonneville Salt Flats

'Sabrina 2'  Motorized Bicycle, #T1903

Members of the Motor-Assisted Bicycle Forum have entered Sabrina 2 in the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association - 130 MPH Club. This racing class is specifically for vehicles with a top speed less than 130 MPH.  The One Mile rookie track is a 'time only' event.  Sabrina 2's 3.25hp single-speed belt-drive is reminiscent of early motorcycles up to around 1920, and the crew expects to post competitive speeds in this class.   Speed/Time trials of the Sabrina 2 begin daily,  9am to 6pm Friday, September 14th and run through Sunday, September 16th.  If in the area, you are welcome to stop by and watch the Sabrina 2 go through her time trials.  Wyman Waypoint patches available from the Sabrina 2 pit crew.

• Rider Jimmy Brackett 
• Owner/builder Augie Deabler 
• Co-conspirator Pete Rasmussen 

You Are Invited!

Post racing celebrations will start at 11 am Tuesday, September 18th at Ogden's Union Grill, site of LH Becraft bicycle shop where Wyman stopped on May 28, 1903.  Restaurateur Laura D'Hulst is rumored to have some special Wyman themed dishes for all who attend.  Wyman Waypoint patches available from the Sabrina 2 pit crew.

Wyman Waypoint - 528.2 LH Becraft Bicycle Shop
Sponsored by Motor-Assisted Bicycle members

Waypoint Patch

Sabrina 2 Sponsors 

The George A. Wyman Memorial Project, Honorary Sponsor  
http://wymanmemorialproject.blogspot.com

Jim "TheWheelmaster" Burkman
https://www.thewheelmaster.com

Union Grill Ogden Utah
http://www.uniongrillogden.com

Golden Eagle Bike Engines
https://www.bikeengines.com

Across America on a Janus Motorcycle

A virtual interview with Richard Worsham, co-founder of Janus Motorcycles, conducted by Tim Masterson, project manager for the G.A. Wyman Memorial Project.

Tim:  We are pleased to have Janus Motorcycles join the 2018 - Wyman Memorial Challenge, 'Rendezvous'.   

Janus Motorcycles, Goshen, IN

Richard Worsham, co-founder of company will be riding the Janus Halcyon 250 from San Francisco to New York City.  The Halcyon, a single cylinder, 229cc, 14 horsepower, 5-speed motorcycle is built at the Janus facilities in Goshen, Indiana.   Janus Motorcycles is the hosting authority for the Wyman waypoint in Goshen.

Richard has been busy planning his ride and running the company!  Please welcome to this brave rider to the long-distance motorcycling community.  

Tim:  Richard, what were you thinking when you signed up on Ride Master for the 2018 'Rendezvous'?

Richard:  I am an avid daily rider, but the mileage we will be putting down each day equals my longest ever day in the saddle. There is definitely some well-found nervousness on my part with the mileage, but I believe that has more to do with my own condition than that of the bike! That said, I and the rest of the Janus team are delighted to participate in an event celebrating George Wyman, an undoubted connoisseur of small-displacement motorcycles and a pioneer of long distance riding. We are very excited to continue his story.

Tim:  Being the co-founder of Janus, you are obviously passionate about riding.  How did you start out in the sport?

Richard:  My introduction to two-wheels started with a fascination with vintage pedal-type mopeds. I appreciated the aesthetics and design of these scaled-down motorcycles, the do-it-yourself mentality, and the humor of the small, unreliable, two strokes. Most importantly, I loved the feeling of openness and lightness of these small bikes. 

Tim:  How did Janus Motorcycles come to be one of just a handful of American motorcycle manufacturers?

Richard:  While in school, I started visiting and working over the summer in my friend's vintage moped repair shop. After several years exploring what we could do with mopeds, we had the idea to create our own bike, the way we wanted it, from scratch. That first one-off moped turned into the idea for a production motorcycle and we founded Janus Motorcycles.

Our design brief was simple: create a lightweight, small-displacement motorcycle that didn't look like all the other plastic covered bikes on the road. We wanted something that looked both to the past and the future, with classic styling, handmade quality, and at the same time modern technology and components. Six years later, with three models under our belt and a growing customer base, we continue to find satisfaction in our lightweight, small displacement motorcycles. We have seven full-time employees and currently produce around 4 road-legal, EPA compliant motorcycles a week. 

Tim:  That's interesting.  Do you see a connection between Wyman's journey and Janus Motorcycles? 

Richard:  It was 115 years ago when George rode his 200cc California motorcycle through our hometown of Goshen, Indiana, within a block of where Janus Motorcycles are currently built. Though his bike was different in design and performance from our production models, it was essentially the same thing that we create today: a small engine strapped between two wheels.

Tim:  To me, the Halcyon seems to be the Janus most suited to a long distance ride.  Are you doing any special modifications to get ready for the trip? 

Richard's Halcyon, JM-068

Richard:  Yes, the Halcyon is certainly the best Janus
model for long distance riding. The Janus team and I have been going over the Halcyon I will be riding and making sure it will perform as designed. This will be my first long distance ride and the first attempt at crossing the country on a Janus. We are keeping the bike as close to stock as possible in order to be able to use these miles to prove our production models. Our model line is designed for urban commuting, short excursions, and weekend trips, not necessarily long highway miles! 

In order to equip the Halcyon for this cross country trip we are making some minor changes that relate to the sustained cruising speeds that will be required on a long distance trip such as this, increased fuel range, and rider comfort. To help with the sustained highway speeds, we are re-gearing the bike for lower rpms and higher speed in 5th gear which should also help with fuel range. The fuel range of the Halcyon is a little over 120 miles which for most portions of the route will be more than enough. After learning that Wyman carried an auxiliary fuel tank from San Francisco to Omaha, we decided to fabricate a custom mount for a Rotopax fuel canister that will sit above the rear fender just like on Wyman’s California bike. We have also fitted the bike with a set of aluminum panniers on a custom rear rack that will carry my daily gear and equipment for the ride.

Tim:  How about riding gear and other equipment?  Will you be using a GPS?

Richard:  I will be using my regular riding gear and a full face dual-sport helmet. I have purchased a separate rain suit to use over my riding gear. My helmet will be outfitted with a Sena bluetooth headset paired to my iPhone. I have mounted the iPhone in a waterproof Ram case on the handlebars and will be using it for navigation to the Wyman waypoints. The GPX file you provided for the Grand Tour loaded perfectly. 

I have also signed up for a SpotWalla account so all our Janus customers, friends, and neighbors can follow along in real time as I ride across country. I followed your advice and reached out to Mario Winkelman of LDComfort. What a great character! He's setting me up with a full set of his gear including shirt, tights, helmet liner, and off the bike gear. Thanks very much for the recommendation and introduction. I am really feeling like I have the best leg up to make this ride a success. I had no idea the LD community was so well developed and the more I get into this 'Long-Distance' riding, the more I like it!

Tim:  Well, I feel confident that the entire long-distance riding and motorcycle touring communities will be following your epic journey 'Across America on a Janus Motorcycle,' with great interest.  

Tim:  Richard, I want to thank you for joining the 2018 - Wyman Memorial Challenge, 'Rendezvous' event.  We are excited Janus has selected the 'Rendezvous' to showcase the Halcyon 250.  

Richard:  I'm getting every excited for the trip!  And, looking forward to getting to know the other riders, as we 'Rendezvous' along the way.  

You are invited to follow along with all the Wyman 'Rendezvous' riders on our webpage:  

'Across America on Motorcycles' - 2018 Wyman Memorial Grand Tour
May 26 - June 2

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