The Long Way Around

First thing's first, I want to give some shout outs:

• Patrick:  I said it on MV and I'll say it again - you've always had my endless respect.  I've known you for probably only 2.5 years or so, maybe 3 at most, but I've always respected your technical abilities along with your riding skills.  You're always helpful, always insightful, and always want people to learn.  But for the Cannonball, my respect has grown exponentially (if that's even possible).  You worked to create a route that demanded the world of us as riders, and you ran a fantastic rally.  I was amazed by your dedication and the amount of responsibility you took in over your own needs.  I saw you fret over the safety of others, their mental health, their stamina, and their ability to navigate home, all before the things you needed to do  in order to accomplish those very same things for yourself.  I consider myself lucky to have gotten to know you that much better, and you continue to provide inspiration to me as both a rider and as a person.
• Jester:  I could not ask for a better club mate.  Seriously.  You're in many ways a brother to me - someone I can argue with but a few hours later share a beer with and be OK.  You pushed me hard this whole way - knowing full well that it would goad me into being further committed to this task and push me into giving it my all.  You always offered your help, and I'm always, always appreciative.  Your win was well deserved.  You make us all of us Quitters proud.
• Rich:  Seriously, you showed me dedication.  You really truly could have turned it in at any moment, but you didn't.  I know you weren't thrilled with the situation you had in front of you but you made it into your own, and at that you excelled.  A good rider not only does well on a well behaved bike, but can take on a tempermental vehicle and still ride it well, and you sir, did it.  I'm glad I got a chance to get to know you better, and I'm constantly impressed by your tenancity.
• Rolf:  All I can say is that I have the utmost respect for your knowledge and approach to life.  I have so much to learn from you, and I appreciate every word you can pass on to me.  Thank you for helping me when I needed you, it will not be forgotten.
• Joel:  Dude, you rode like I couldn't believe.  You have such a strong spirit, and such determination.  You also happen to be a pretty frickin' cool person.  I'm glad I had an opportunity to get to know you better, and I hope to continue to do so.  Congratulations on so many things :)

I uploaded all of the images I took from my iPhone on my Facebook profile, and I'll be adding them here soon.  Any of my Facebook friends can see the galleries as Cannonball / Cannonball part 2.  There are images that are not included here.

Also, Jess noticed that, while loading my bike up on the trailer, there's something up with my rear hub.  Says there's a lot of play in it.  I won't get a chance to look at it for a while (not until it gets back that is), but it sounds pretty damned bad.  Hopefully it's just a shot hub and it's something reasonably easy to correct.  Sigh.

I'll be uploading some videos soon, along with the remainder of my pictures from DC and Yosemite soon and posting a link.

Looks like I'm fifth, by official standings...