Sorry guys about the two week delay. Had to take care of a pressing problem, i.e., my garage. After two years of cutting, welding, sanding, machining, painting and fiberglassing, my garage took a severe beating. If you can imagine building an entirely new streamliner in a 22'X22' space, when the liner is 21'. Upon my return the garage looked like somebody had thrown a hand grenade or two inside; so a bit of paint, moving machines around, some new shelving, some electrical work, more shop lights, all in an effort to organize and start the 2005 modifications to the Vincent streamliner.

I think I left off at the point of my arrival in the evening at Deer Lodge. Found Bob Bonato's house without a problem. Bob was very gracious in offering his house for not only Mike Shea and myself, but also for John MacDougall and his wife Caroline. We stayed at Bob's house for a few nights. After finding all the stuff to make coffee, we settled in and made ourselves feel at home. Jay Shaffer, whom I'd never met was also staying at Bob's place. We hit it off quite well talking about motorcycles, racing and a bit of politics. Another fellow was also staying with Bob, but his name escapes me at the moment. You would just have to meet this guy. He certainly had his own views about the world's problems and had a format for solving them.

After a good night's sleep and a morning pot of coffee, off to the happenings of the day. We all arrived about the same time at the compound area of the prison where Black Lightning had spent her night. Caroline set up a table where the liner T-shirts were to be sold.

People started making their appearance around 8 a.m. It was good to finally be able to shake hands and thank the many contributors who had made the Bonneville trip possible. Many of them I had corresponded with on jtan or by post, but had never met personally. I found it amazing that no one actually looked like their words sounded. A bit perplexing. Someone ought to do a study on this one. The T-shirts were selling like hotcakes, and the usual show and tell was going on. Had a long talk with Dave Matson, an old friend and a compadre in challenging the salt. He's been at this longer than I have by far, and always has an interesting story to tell.

Talked to Bob and told him to put out the word that I'd be firing the liner up around 11 o'clock. Fifty or so people gathered around to hear the red bitch rock and roll. I plugged the starter in and after a couple of turnovers Black Lightning came to life. I let her warm up for about a minute, checking the heat on all four cylinders. They were all firing. Wick'd the throttle four or five times to make a little noise, then shut her down. The group applauded, grinning ear to ear.