There’s nothing worse than forum rumor. When a Son of Starbucks posts up an issue with a product, we take it seriously; very seriously. Often times, their claims can’t be substantiated with our usual methods. Then we call in the B-Squad.
Everybody needs one in the rolodex (people still have those right?), they’re the group of individuals you can turn to that will treat a product with no reverence, no remorse, and put it through punishment instead of light drizzle on the way to the latest gathering of graybeards. You don’t just find the B-Squad, they find you.
Our B-Squad consists of six of the finest miscreants around – Poll, Casey, Nate, KC, Josh, and Sunray. Not only are they lifelong motorcyclists/fabricators/ne’r do wells, but Poll is the brains behind the Dirtbag Challenge. Google it. If you don’t know about it, then you’re missing out on the finest knuckle dragging fun in all of motorcycling.
The plan was simple – five glorified pit bikes would cross Trans America Trail while Josh would drive a support truck to rendezvous with the team at certain points.
Sporting an estimated 11hp, the Honda CT90s would keep them on the road for some time, so there was a solid month of rain, snow, sleet, dirt, and other nastiness to throw at our Patrol gear. After recently completing a healthy development cycle of our own, we sent the gear back out for additional punishment.
Normally, a trip such as this would be quickly swept aside by the GS crowd, but that’s why you need a dash of crazy in your LinkedIn friends list. Not only were they literally going against the grain (the TAT has only been crossed East to West), but they were doing so with bikes never meant for the Long Way Round set.
Proving that the spirit of adventure is in foolhardiness, not farkles, the B Squad set out with a plan – ish.
These plans quickly went south. Apparently, 1 ton 1972 Dodge panel van proved to be less than reliable and soon dropped off from the trip. So, not even a couple days in, they were left with only they’re own wherewithal to make the journey.
The trial was not kind to the CT90s. Saddled with extra weight and well off the beaten path, broken parts, engines, and suspensions were the name of the game. For every 100 miles journeyed, multiple rebuilds were called for. Luckily, this wasn’t a job and everybody knows that five grown males quickly become juveniles when camping. Who wouldn’t want to spend a solid month goofing around on the road? Camp, eat, ride, goof off, repeat was the recipe for the day.
Not to mention the perpetual kindness of the ADV community. Those that don’t spend all their time keyboard jockeying were happy to supply parts, room, garages, and tools along the journey. Just goes to show that the kinship of motorcycling is alive and well off the forums.
Soon though, the road would catch up to them. One rider jetted out for his pregnant wife. Soon after that, another rider went down while racing the pack on Cinnamon Pass in CO. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue but his Patrol pants were strapped to his motorcycle, not on his body, so a trip to the hospital was in order. A third rider spun a bearing and had to retire, but was the only large mechanical failure of the trip. Finally, another rider had a get off and injured his collarbone.
Then there were was one.
KC Miller, the man with the plan – 450 miles out of TN – managed to trudge his way through and make the final destination. The Highlander had made it to be the first person allegedly to cross the TAT West to East out of the five that started. With the bike sold, he was on his way home.
Five weeks of camaraderie, epic riding, breathtaking views, and camping had come to a close. Through all of the miles of mud, snow, tarmac, and sludge, not one gear malfunction was reported. However, we have a few ideas for next time. We’re sure the B-Squad will be ready.
via ICON
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