inaugural motorcycle transam: A Recap The Atlantic to the Pacific

Can you believe it has already been two weeks since the end of the inaugural Motorcycle TransAm? What a whirlwind it was. I think we are all going through a little withdrawal not being surrounded by friends every day, not fixing bikes every night, and not falling asleep from sheer exhaustion with a smile on our faces. Since it all went by so fast, I wanted to take you back through the adventure, day by day.

The Day Before

We kicked things off with VIN checks and an incredible banquet at the stunning Jennette’s Pier. The view was gorgeous, the weather perfect, and Pigman’s BBQ made sure no one left hungry. Spirits were high, and you could feel the anticipation in the air.

Day 1: Jennette’s Pier to Apex, NC

At last, the adventure began. The oldest fishing pier in North Carolina made a breathtaking starting line. Riders rolled out into a perfect 73-degree morning with water on both sides and bridges that seemed to stretch forever. We ended in Apex, NC where the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Apex welcomed us with that classic Southern hospitality.

Day 2: Apex to Statesville, NC

This was our shortest mileage day, but it gave the bikes a run for their money. Frames cracked, motor mounts failed, and yet every problem was met with determination. Westside Twins opened their doors to us and treated us like family. Janette and Buddy welcomed us with open arms, and new friendships were forged in their shop.

Day 3: Statesville to Wheels Through Time, NC

What we thought would be an easier day turned out to be tougher than expected, with long climbs and steep pulls. But rolling into Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum erased every ounce of fatigue. The crowds were huge, the atmosphere electric, and the sense of history all around us made it unforgettable. We had a home-cooked meal that was unforgettable.

Day 4: Cherokee, NC to Columbia Motor Alley, TN

This was a big day, including the legendary Tail of the Dragon with its 318 curves in 11 miles. Our antique motorcycles conquered it with style and everyone who gave it a go made it! By the time we rolled into Columbia Motor Alley, we were ready to celebrate, and Journey Biker Church topped the night off with a taco bar that will live in TransAm history. The Motor Alley, Mike, and the city of Columbia welcomed us with cheers and wonderful stories.

Day 5: Columbia to Cape Girardeau, MO

The ride flattened out as we wound through river valleys, finally reaching Cape Girardeau. The town gave us the warmest welcome. From shaved ice to bike shows to views of the mighty Mississippi, it was a night to remember. As the riders came into the city they were ready with traffic crews at every stop sign to guide the riders straight through. The food was some of the best fried chicken we’ve ever had, and we got to overlook the Mississippi while eating! What a great stop!

Day 6: Cape Girardeau to Branson, MO

The hills returned as we entered the Ozarks, but the real highlight was seeing Kat arrive on her 1910 Thor single. She made all the miles for the very first time, and the cheers when she came in were priceless!

Day 7: Branson to Twisted Oz Museum, KS

A ride that started hilly but quickly flattened gave way to one of the best evenings of the trip. Twisted Oz Museum hosted us with their incredible collection of motorcycles, steak dinners, ice cream, and hospitality that left everyone smiling. We can’t thank the Twisted Oz crew enough.

Day 8: Twisted Oz to Dodge City, KS

The Kansas sun beat down, and the winds gusted hard, but Dodge City welcomed us with open arms. We had some bikes who didn’t like the heat so much and saw some vapor locking issues, but everyone fought through and finished. This historic town with its racing legacy was the perfect backdrop for another night of stories and laughter.

Day 9: Dodge City to Trinidad, CO

Elevation climbed to 6,000 feet, and wildlife sightings added to the thrill with sights of snakes, pronghorn, and coyotes. Riders were greeted at the finish with authentic Mexican food inside Trinidad’s Space to Create venue, where hospitality shone bright. This city was ready for us and a really bright spot in our ride.

Day 10: Trinidad to Durango, CO

A chilly 40-degree morning start set the tone. The mayor of Trinidad saw us off with a police escort, and then it was on to the mountain passes. Riders tackled the famous Wolf Creek Pass at 10,000 feet, facing ice rain, and cold temperatures. Everyone arrived safely in Durango, where Durango Harley-Davidson was ready to welcome us and had a great crowd!

Day 11: Durango to Moab, UT

This was a day of extremes: cold starts, construction chaos, and the incredible beauty of Monument Valley. Riding through the towering red rock formations was nothing short of magical. We ended in Moab, surrounded by the wonders of Utah’s desert. A great riding day by any stretch of the imagination.

Day 12: Moab to Springville, UT

This was more of a rolling rest day at Legends Motorcycle Museum. Riders had time to work on bikes, enjoy a steak and ice cream dinner, and even ride a Ferris wheel. Samuele from Italy made it extra memorable by getting a TransAm tattoo right there at the complex the museum is in!

Day 13: Brigham City, UT to Twin Falls, ID

The miles rolled by smoothly along rivers and valleys. Riders stopped by the Perrine Memorial Bridge at the Twin Falls Visitor Center and were treated to the thrill of watching base jumpers leap into the Snake River Canyon, the same place Evel Knievel once attempted his famous jump, which we could also see!

Day 14: Twin Falls to Burns, OR

This was our longest day, stretching 360 miles. One section went 105 miles without a gas stop, so riders strapped on extra fuel and made the push. Exhaustion set in, but the determination was inspiring, and the wide open beauty of eastern Oregon kept everyone going. Seeing eastern Oregon reminded us of all the different landscapes we can see in the USA, as it looked otherworldly in the desert there. Burns welcomed us and closed a street adding some food vendors and a drink vendor.

Day 15: Burns to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, OR

Another long day ended with one of the most breathtaking experiences of the entire TransAm. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum opened their doors and let our century-old motorcycles inside. To see them lined up beneath the Spruce Goose, with aviation history all around, was something words can hardly capture. Joe Petrali, the famous Harley racer, was one of the flight engineers on the Goose’s one and only flight. This was a stop I know none of us will ever forget.

Day 16: Evergreen to Heceta Head Lighthouse, OR

The grand finale. Riders braved a foggy stretch of Highway 101 until the mist gave way to the magnificent Oregon coast. Two miles from the finish, everyone gathered to ride in together. At Heceta Head Lighthouse, Atlantic water was poured into the Pacific, marking the end of our journey. We celebrated with a banquet at Driftwood Shores, handing out awards for champions, True Grit, and Spirit of the TransAm.

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Sixteen days, four thousand miles, and more stories and friendships than we could count. Antique motorcycles tested every ounce of grit we had, but the people, the places, and the moments made this run something we will never forget.

Until the next one. ❤️

Photos by: Olivier Touron

Sponsored by: Legends Motorcycles, Sinless Cycles, Competition Distributing, Veritas Vintage, Antique Motorcycle Club of America