Another Cannonball approaches fast!

I should be sleeping, but my mind is still awake and mulling over all that I still have to do to get ready for the 2010 Scooter Cannonball Run. This year, I'm not only riding in it, but I'm coordinating it as well. Most of the prep is done, swag is in production and should all be ready in time, and I'm in the process of going through the time and route sheets with a fine tooth comb. I will make no guarantee that the directions are 100% clear and accurate, but I am doing my best to eliminate any confusion or errors. I will feel more comfortable once the time and route sheets are printed, folded, stapled and wrapped up for transport and the rest of the swag is in my hands, which should be within the next week... but what concerns me the most right now is my bike.

Yes, my trusty Vespa GTS 250, which carried me across the country in 2008 with relatively few hitches, is currently suffering some rather large hitches, at a very inopportune time. My plan is to do an Iron Butt ride up to Vancouver on 9/2 (1000 miles within 24 hours), but I'm a little worried that I may not be able to keep this schedule. For the second time within the last year and a half, one of the exhaust studs has broken. Right now, it's back in Rolf's hands, who is an absolute hero for helping me out... the motor's out, the head is off, but I haven't been able to get a hold of new exhaust studs, or a new exhaust gasket, or a cylinder head gasket. I just tried to order the parts from an online shop, but now their website is down, "Service Unavailable"... FML!

Somehow though, I have a sense that everything will work out well. I just have to figure out how to get it all done this week, somehow. Wish me luck... time is ticking!