Bob's Ride updates

8/8/03   Despite torrential rains in all of the New England States, heavy traffic on 495,  major delays in Conn, NJ, and Washington, DC, he is on schedule and taking a sleep break in Fayetteville, NC.  Total mileage so far - 1100. The ride is going well and the bike is doing fine.  He also states, "thank goodness for GoreTex and BMW waterproof riding boots."  

8/9/03 First, a few missed items from yesterday:

1. Bob wanted to thank George Hickman of the New Sweden Club for his valuable recommendation regarding a route change in NJ/PA. This saved him a lot of time.

2. One scary brush on 95 in MA. A woman in the center lane, driving an SUV, was chatting on the cell phone, smoking a cigarette and had the radio blasting so loud that Bob could hear it. She started to veer right into Bob's lane. He laid on the horn and she finally "came to". Bob watched in his rear view mirror as a three car fender bender took place far behind him. Fortunately, it didn't look too bad. I guess he was lucky to dodge that one.

Now on to today:

Well, intense heat has replaced the rain. Passing through Alabama, he spied 104 on a bank clock. The last 100 miles or so are in the rain, again. He's on schedule, and will spend a sleep stop in Mississippi. All in all an uneventful, but warm day. Total miles so far 2150+. Aside from a minor sore neck, he feels great and is enjoying the ride. 20 states down, 29 to go.

8/10/03 Sharon spoke to Bob about 7:00 pm on Sunday night. He has gone a total of approximately 3000 miles. The rain and heat continue. He was planning to alter his plans a bit and push through to Illinois so that he wouldn't have to deal with Chicago rush hour traffic on Monday morning. He will take a sleep break there and continue on. So far, still on schedule.

Bob Sightings 
Just letting you know that my friend and i were gassing up in Hamond LA. and bumped in to your iron butt buddy bob, who was doing just fine, except he looked hot as hell sweating in our southern climate. We were on our way back to ms on my Concourse and my friends new k1200lt that he had just purchased in Baton Rouge. Anyway he looked well, we signed his register book and sent him on his way. What a guy!  David Wagner /Concourse/ Florence MS.

Bob Sightings
My name is Mickey Carney, Saturday I had just left the BMW dealer in Baton Rouge LA. where I had just trading in my trusty 1994 BMW K1100LT on a brand new K1200LT when I stopped for gas. There I met a person by the name of Bob Collins on his Iron Butt run. He looked very hot and tired but ok, this was in Hammond LA., I am from Monticello Ms. 60 miles south of Jackson, Bob was headed for Jackson.  He said to drop you a line a let you know he was fine.

8/11/03 Sharon spoke  to Bob at about 7pm and he was in Brookings, SD, State # 31. He plans to drive for another hour, which will make a 1200 mile day, or approximately 4100 miles total.  He couldn't find a motel last night in Illinois, so he pulled under a bridge and slept there for three hours. The weather is finally hot and sunny and the ride is going well.

8/12/03 6:45 pm. Bob just called Sharon from Eades, Colorado, and is planning to continue on to Dalhart, Texas. He has passed the halfway mark. Today will be a "short" day - probably only 800 or so miles. So far, so good.

8/13/03 Sharon spoke to Bob this evening he was in Needles - temperature 114 degrees.  He is heading towards Las Vegas, and perhaps Provo, Ut.  So far he is averaging 1000 mile days and seems to be doing fine.  ---- After the boring flat states, he was happy to see rolling hills and rocky ledges in Colorado and Oklahoma.  He states that on Route 40 the speed limit is 75 miles.  However, if you're doing 75, you're holding up traffic.  Glad to see he still has his sense of humor.

8/14/03 Bob has reached Idaho and plans to push on to Montana and perhaps Washington this evening.  He states that the heat has been insufferable and the bike (and him) are overheating.  He has decided to change his plans slightly and do most of the driving at night when it is cooler.  Despite the tremendous heat, he is on schedule.

8/16/03 Bob called Sharon at1:30 am, our time, and was in Prince George, BC., about 450 miles from Hyder, AK.  He has successfully completed the lower 48 and is now seeking the "+"

He says the road through Canada is spectacular, full of twists and turns.  A nice change from all the flat country he has driven through.  His rolling speed is averaging 68.5 mph.

Yesterday was full of aches and pains, but a couple of Excedrin and he was all set to go.  Otherwise the ride is going well.                Today should be the day.

Bulletin: Congratulations!!!!!!! Bob is in Hyder, Alaska..  It took him 8 days 22 hours , and 8710 miles.  His average rolling speed was 68.7 mph.

He is planning to spend two days in Hyder for a well deserved rest.

I'm sure he will have wonderful stories to share when he returns to Maine.