Go Big - 2009

Posted June 30, 2009 - 9:23pm by benhill

 

The Go Big Ride
 
America features 5.7 million miles of paved highway but that covers only 64.5% of all the roadways in the United States. The Go Big Ride will ride motorcycles across the country, avoiding paved roads at all costs. Courtesy of www.transamtrail.com, routing for the ride is already taken care of – but the hardest parts lay ahead – actually riding 5000 miles of dirt linking Eastern Tennessee to Oregon and the Pacific Ocean.
 
Join some hard-core off-road enthusiasts from all walks of life as they endeavor to take in the vast, beautiful country from the saddles of five very unique Paris-Dakar rally style motorcycles. Already slated for a feature story in an upcoming issue of Motorcyclist Magazine, the ride will be shot as a documentary and released to promote the beauty of off-road riding in North America.
 
The Mission
Riding off-road across the United States is a dream for many riders – with many more not even knowing it can be done. Through www.transamtrail.com the route has been explored and verified. However the current political climate in Washington DC is actively closing millions of acres of land to recreational off-road use, and the era of such freedom may be ending. Issues such as sound and equal access will also be brought to light. The media goal of the Go Big Ride is to enlighten motorcycle enthusiasts to the possibilities afforded now, and the consequences for not paying attention to local and national politics regarding harmful anti-motorcycle legislation. The Go Big Ride story will also explore issues surrounding noise and perception, not only by interviewing riders, but by taking into consideration the perspectives of the non-riding public. The ride is scheduled to start on July 21st, and will take approximately 3 -4 weeks to complete.
 
The Motorcycles
Four 660 KTM rally bikes and one 690 KTM Paris-Dakar motorcycles, and one screaming KTM 450 MXC camera bike will traverse the country. By keeping all machines the same brand, the chase truck can reduce parts inventory and support equipment making for the most efficient program possible. Each of the P-D machines is covered in custom and competition-specific parts, including automated roll charts, GPS units, and massive fuel cells surrounding a strengthened and optimized KTM frame and powerplant. Such a collection of running and pedigreed Paris-Dakar machines have never before been assembled in North America – their unique style and purposeful build will ensure that they will not be mistaken for ordinary motorcycles.
 
The fleet of Austrian motorcycles will be supported by a purpose built Ford F-350 Dakar Support truck as well as a customized Sprinter Van. Driven by Kenny Hardee of Lexington SC and Ben Hill of Woodstock GA, the same support crew have assisted in numerous previous events and adventures: 06-07 Dakar, 08 Trans Oriental rally prep, many Best in the Desert Races and numerous trail rides around the western states as well as Mexico to name a few. They bring with them years of experience as well as the technical ability to post our progress through a variety of mediums while en-route.
 
The riders
A group of friends linked only through a passion for off-road riding, will travel through ten states on dirt roads, Jeep roads, abandoned rail lines, through back-country trails and the occasional single-track to fulfill their dream of experiencing the camaraderie, and technical challenge of the longest point-to-point off-road ride in the US. Hugely diverse backgrounds ensure that this group of riders will be as entertaining to witness as they outspoken, passionate, patriotic and just damned funny.
 
The Bridge Builder
John Sawazhki is not a subtle person. He is not coy. He will not sugar-coat anything. He will call you an idiot when you do something stupid, and might call you a dumb-ass even if you don’t. Sensitive people with an inclination to be politically correct need not introduce themselves to John out of deference to his withering and unstoppable candor. John considers himself a bridge builder, yet somehow the underlying water is always troubled. John has an opinion, and given oxygen in his lungs, will express it. John IS persistent – and his absolute and complete passion for off-road motorcycling (and relative tolerance of motorcycling people) brought this group together to for a big, big ride – the Go Big Ride.
 
  • Lives in Denver, CO
  • 59 years old – his first bike was a 1965 Triumph (bought in 1966).
  • Retired from the clothing business
  • AMA Life Member
  • American Historic Racing Association involvement since the inception of the club.
  • First AHRMA off-road director, and three term board member.
  • Significant contributor to “Motocross America” museum exhibit.
  • Motorcycle collector with a collection that peaked at 600 motorcycles.
 
Moto Muscle
James Embro breaks ground for a living. And he tears through dirt for fun. Owner of JJE construction out of Norcross, GA, James challenges himself through business, play and his life on a daily business. Not one to stop moving, Embro is often the first to lend a hand when needed and the last to whine when the going gets tough. His passion for Rally racing puts him in the position to supply five full-prepped Paris-Dakar KTM motorcycles for the trip. Knowing preparation is vital, and support is key, his fully-equipped chase truck will run parallel with the riders to help refresh machines and bodies en-route. In this group, there are none who match his combination of work ethic and sense of humor.
 
  • Lives in Atlanta, GA and Las Vegas, NV
  • 44 years old – his first bike was a KTM 125
  • 19 year AMA member
  • Dakar 2 time participant / finisher in 2006.
  • Only American motorcycle entry in the Trans-Oriental Rally / 2008.
  • Best in Desert champion for 2 years
  • Iron Man winner / 24 hours of Perry Mountain, AL.
  • Husaberg motorcycle dealership owner, Norcross, GA
 
The Tool Man
Chris Carter owns the specialty tool company Motion Pro. Known industry-wide as an innovator in the tool and cable business, Motion Pro has been an icon in the motorcycle industry for 25 years. Motion Pro is also a sponsor to many racers and teams and events, giving back so much to the motorcycle world that has been so good for the company. Chris got his start as a off road racer and factory development rider for Yamaha, and competed internationally in the ISDT for several years. Carter is also known as a genuinely nice person – except when he is unduly influenced by Sawazhki. Based in the Bay Area, Carter's passion for riding, and willingness to promote the sport, lend a hand, and offer guidance in business is the stuff of legends – as is his compulsive goggle cleaning at the end of the ride day.
 
  • Lives in Portola Valley, CA
  • 58 years old – his first bike was a Honda 305 scrambler in 1965
  • AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Board member
  • International Six Days Trial competitor / bronze in 1975 / gold in 1976
  • AMA Life Member
  • Blue Ribbon supporter
  • Compulsive bike and moto memorabilia collector 
  • Started Motion Pro Tools in 1984
 
“Mucho Bill”
Bill Wheeler is a man with style and substance. Owner of the Black Tie Transportation Company in San Francisco, CA. Mucho Has Been riding his BMW GS1150 Adventure from San Francisco, CA, to Central America And South America for two years, two weeks at a time, working with local Rotary clubs in cities along the way delivering over 4,000 wheelchairs to kids in need. His BMW has just shipped from Brazil to Singapore where he will return after the “Go Big Ride” and continue solo around the world. His other passion for riding has taken him from tip to tip in Baja countless times, with friends and as a participant in the Baja 1000. His audacity is subtle. Deal with that. Or don’t. But never, ever, puke in one of his limos.
 
  • Lives in San Francisco, Bay Area, CA.
  • 48 years old – his first bike was a Honda Z-50.
  • Past Rotary President / Pleasanton North Rotary
  • 15 year AMA member
  • District 36 Enduro Champion / 2000
  • Participant, Numerous Best in the Desert and Score Baja races
New Guy
        
Eric Anderson, motorcycle industry veteran.
  • Founded Scorpion Sports with its collection of innovative, yet mid-priced helmets and ExoWear most recently
  • Worked 18 years as VP Sales for Intersport Fashions West, Hein Gericke importer since the 80s and, founder of FIRSTGEAR in 1991
  • Dealernews magazine columnist of “Confessions of a Customer” ™ for 15 years
  • Elected MIC board member for 8 years; Chairman of MIC’s Helmet Task Force
  • AMA member forever
  • First motorcycle: Taco 22 mini bike followed by a borrowed Yamaha 80.  First real bike Ossa Pioneer.  First race bike Ossa Stiletto.
  • Raced MX in southern California in 70s and 80s (Carlsbad home track, Indian Dunes, Saddleback)
  • National motocross (scrambles) champion of Kenya East Africa 1977-78 on Honda Elsinore
  • Swahili-speaking Peace Corps volunteer from Kenya who rode his (new) Yamaha XT-500 across Africa, Europe, Canada and USA to get home to soCal in 1979
  • Raced Baja (500 and 1000) 12 times with brother, Mark, finishing in top 5 positions in Class 22—not bad for 2 executives from the Motorcycle Industry Council
  • Current motorcycles : 1947 Indian Chief, 2007 KTM 950 SE, 2004 KTM 525 Baja-prepped + a couple mountain bicycles and a triathlon bicycle too
  • Brother Mark (deceased) was the industry’s (MIC) first Land Use Planner in 1977.  Jawbone Station (Mojave) is dedicated to Mark “Moose” Anderson who’s vision was to connect the Atlantic to the Pacific with dirt roads so American dirt riding enthusiasts could get back in touch with the true pioneering spirit of our fore fathers.  Jawbone was to be the first of many stations, all one day’s ride apart.  This TransCon Ride is very close to achieving my brother’s dream. 

 

 

Shooter

Robert Pandya is the young punk of the group. Practiced in the fine art of B.S., he makes a living by convincing senior managers at motorcycle companies that he has some ability in the Press Relations area. A former and rebounding professional photographer, Pandya has worked in many positions in the motorcycle industry from service writer to event manager. A published writer, his mission is to document as much as possible on the Go Big Ride, and try not to get crushed by the Paris-Dakar bikes as he flogs a camera-encrusted KTM 450.
 
  • Lives in Georgetown, TX
  • 42 years old – his first motorcycle was a new and very humble Suzuki GN 250
  • AMA member on and off for over a decade
  • Former road racer in the CMRA, he has been easily defeated USA / Moto Guzzi North America
  • Current clients include Victory Motorcyclesby every Hayden, and Ben Spies.
  • Former PR Manager for Aprilia  and the International Motorcycle Shows.
  • Pretty good at lots of thing, not great at anything.

Pickleman

  • Dave Vlasicak - AKA "Da Pickle" from Lakewood Colorado
  • Married Stacy 23 years ago and still rockin.
     
  • Greatest Race - 2001 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - set fastest time in the time trials and finished 2nd in the race, 500cc pro class.
  • Hobbies range from ice racing, trail riding all over the western US, vintage motorcycle racing, to occaisionally fishing.
  • 24 year member of the AMA and Harry's Roamers MC Club, Denver.
 
The Sponsors
Support for the Go Big Ride comes from many areas in the industry. Brands supporting the ride see the benefit of promoting responsible and reasonable
 
  • Pirelli Tires will supply DOT-Legal rubber for the ride.
  • Leo-Vince supplied custom-made “Db Killers” (sound reducers) to bring the sound of the motorcycle exhausts to a lower level and supplied a quiet X-3 exhaust for the camera bike.
  • Motion-Pro is supplying tools and support for the ride.
  • EBC brakes is supplying brake pads and components for the machines.
  • JJE Construction is supplying a chase trucks and drivers.


The Evidence
Coming soon