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sportsterpaul · #51 3rd July 2022

Well, at least he’s getting some roadtime. Seems like I’m missing a 1/4” or 3/8” manifold to carb space4 block? Thought I’d have the HotRod gassed up and running but no, missing stuff to tie the A/C to the carb.

shanneba · #52 7th July 2022

Here is Chris' last post from FaceBook about 3 hours ago:

Friends and family following on my Hoka Hey ride.

I have made the difficult decision to withdrawl from the Hoka Hey. While I am only a few hours from the third checkpoint leaving me with pleanty of time to make the finish in time for Saturday’s end of the road party, I have a personal rule to stop when I feel “off” especially on difficult rides such as this.
I have felt “off” for several days and have been unable to figure out what the cause was. I tried sleeping more which helped, but not enough. Thise that have done this type of riding inow it takes focus, and after spending 30 minutes at a scenic overlook contemplating my decision I called my wife and spoke with her about my decision.
It has been a fantastic 11 days so far and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. The friendship and comraderie on the road was fantastic. I will be back, perhaps not for 2024, but I will be back.

...

Now I an headed to a comfy hotel in Meridian ID for my first sleep in a bed for 11 days, hopefully a guest laundry, and breakfast in the morning with some friends. After that I will have an easy ride into Hot Springs SD to watch some of my fellow riders finish and attend thr end of the road party
Thanks for following and supporting me!

ChinCactus · #53 7th July 2022

Very smart decision! I am sure he wrestled with it awhile but I believe it’s for the best. Your health is everything and I’m glad he paid attention to it’s warnings.

It has been fun watching!

sportsterpaul · #54 7th July 2022

Sorry to hear Chris but happy that you’re tuned into yourself and more importantly are listening to your body speaking. Many of us get caught up in the competitive aspect and “must”push on and conquer. Been there a few times and a couple I nearly hurt myself. Lesson learned, there will be, or should be another day and another road. Maybe time to schedule a check up with your doctor when you get home?

Crusty · #55 7th July 2022

Chris; You know what you're doing. You're a better "Iron Butt" rider than anybody else that I've met and you've accomplished rides that would have stopped others cold. I followed your progress on the link that Shanneba put up daily and I marveled at how much mileage you put in.

As others have said, listen to your body. Sometimes the rhythms just aren't right and we have to just acknowledge that. I've had rides where I had to stop prematurely because my body just wasn't up to it.

It was fun to follow your progress through the past few days. Enjoy a well earned night's sleep.

decman · #56 7th July 2022

I bet it was a tough but necessary decision.
But you got to know when things are off.

I am half way between Meridian ID and Hot Springs SD.
Wonder if he'll stop by. I miss working on his rear brakes.

sportsterpaul · #57 7th July 2022

Dec, I’m sure he misses you as well, I know several of us that do! Keep it safe!

ParrotHead · #58 4 Weeks Ago

Hi all, got home a few days ago.

Thanks Shanneba for posting the updates in this thread. Will everything going on I neglected to ask someone to do so before I left.

I considered swinging by Dec's but I wanted to get to the finish to cheer on some of my friends still riding. Next time Dec ...

I was physically fine when I pulled the plug and was better rested than I had been for a few days, it was more mental. As you saw my before ride prep took way longer than it should have and I did not have the time to physically and mentally prepare for the ride. On top of that my father was placed in a memory care facility in December and had COVID in January. He is now physically fine but COVID took it's toll on his memory. I've been wrestling with that and lost opportunities to spend time with him in the past which took it's toll on me. Added to that a friend of mine was seriously injured during the ride which was the final straw for me to drop out.

I'll post more as I gather my thoughts and write up my ride report.

Thanks all for your support

sportsterpaul · #59 4 Weeks Ago

Chris, too much sadness, here’s hoping for a few rays of sunshine to settle on you and the lovely Michelle. Glad you’re home safe, first chance you have pop in on “Dad”.
Panniers hold up well on the return?