Hubby & I have signed up to do the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America.

We did it last year and had such a great time. This year, it's ending here in Savannah, so we coundn't pass it up.

We are going to ride up to Michigan the week before. (Last year, due to time and location constraints, we had to ship our bikes to the origination point in Bar Harbor, ME)

I don't know that that is the exact route, but the noted stops are the overnights. They might be deviating slightly to get in required publicity stops.

Is anyone else on this board going to do this ride?

Yes, you're paying your own way. But, there is a full mechanical staff following for breakdowns, flats, etc. (and Victory is one of the sponsors), full medical staff, you luggage is carried in a support truck, and waiting for you in your hotel room when you get there, all nights are spent in 5 star hotels, all food and gas is included. It even includes you bike being shipped to the beginning from Charlotte, NC, if you are so inclined (we did that last year because of a schedule conflict, but this year we are able to ride up to the start) The only thing you pay for the whole 9 days is alcohol and souvenirs. But, at the end of the year, after all corporate donations are figured in for gas, etc., you get a statement of how much of your money ended up being a donation to the camp. Ours ended up being around 50% last year. But, it is the best ride, the best group. I would much rather do this than a cruise...

So, no one else on this board is doing it? Last year, I was the only ST1300.

(I'm on the left in the pink, hubby is the Wing second bike back on the right.) They had 15 Visions on it as part of the pre-release publicity. I'll be curious to see how many others got Visions for this trip. (I fell in love with the Vision on that trip.... and realized that me and the ST weren't suited for long distance rides together.....)

If anyone tries to jump in, they will be escorted out by the Motor Marshall's or local LEO. Each bike is tagged and marked. This is a very safety oriented ride. Every rider must successfully pass a safety course in order to be able to participate.

I am looking forward to riding MI/WI. I've never been up there before. As a matter of fact, hubby & I were laying out our ride up there tonight. We are going to explore a little of OH & IN on our way up.

I'm not mad about paying money for a worthy cause. They keep people from intruding in on the ride for safety reasons. 200+ bikes. You get some yahoo jumping in because s/he wants to say s/he rode in it or see how s/he can can mess with the ride, and you put a lot of people's wellness in jeopardy. They have very strict safety guidelines in place for a reason. All participants are required to pass a safety course before hand. There was ahusnband wife team last year that was asked to leave the ride about halfway through because they weren't riding safely and almost casued several accidents (I best they were pissed! Pay over $15,000 for both to get asked to leave. But, it is themselves that they should be pissed at...)

Sure, public road, yes you can ride on it. There's generally more than one lane. The Ride takes up only one lane. We ride in a 2 second stagger formation, at highway speeds. It would take a real dumbass to want to drop in on that. (Not that a lot of cagers don't understand that when I've been out in groups of bikes before...) As far as the charity ride is concerned, we are directed to drop back and let people in, if they are trying to merge over, like to pass someone or whatever, or even trying to jump on board. We are not to try to muscle them out ourselves or make anything dangerous. There are enough CB's through out that it will be brought to LEO attention if they don't get back out in a timely manner. All that is needed is for someone to get in, trying to ride above their skill level, and be responsible for taking out 5-10 bikes or more because they wanted to prove how cool they are.

Get your group signed up for the Dream Team Challenge, do some decent fund raising. They have special allowances and recognition set up for this. I am Treasurer of the Red Knights GA Chapter 15. Our group is doing several fundraisers for this to be able to escort the ride into Savannah. (Yes, we all have to pass a safety course and be pre-registered...)

golfer - 2008-05-23 10:17 AM GAgirlTrixie - 2008-05-22 10:35 PM You get some yahoo jumping in because s/he wants to say s/he rode in it or see how s/he can can mess with the ride, and you put a lot of people's wellness in jeopardy. It would take a real dumbass to want to drop in on that. All that is needed is for someone to get in, trying to ride above their skill level, and be responsible for taking out 5-10 bikes or more because they wanted to prove how cool they are. Ahhhh.....Never mind....

Now golfer. I read the original post before you deleted it, but none the less I don't blame you for removing it. However, I can appreciate the ride to be exclusive toward those who can afford to ride, though it shouldn't mean that anyone else is less capable because of affluence or the lack thereof. I appreciate the effort Kyle and gang make and thankful for folks who can afford to contribute as part of the ride. As I mentioned, I would like to make the ride myself, but personally, I don't know if I ever will because I like to ride alone or with a few, though I am going on a more affordable charity ride this weekend. $20.00 get's you eats and a T-shirt. Of course, I'll make a contribution above that as well.