Later on that day there were quite a few rally members who were disappointed that they were off doing other things and didn't get the word when the Vincent liner would be fired. So again the word was put out that the liner would be fired around 2:30 that afternoon. I had forgotten to turn the fuel off after the first start up and in the excitement and pressure I was under, i.e., (What if this thing doesn't start?) Surely this isn't hard for one to understand, who claims his pride and joy is a one kicker, and to prove his point he kicks, kicks, kicks. and after complete exhaustion, swearing at his love, pushes her to the nearest hill as a last resort. This drill has happened since the invention of the internal combustion engine. Then there are those who truly have easy starting Vincent twins. Tom Nelson, while at the rally showed off his easy starter to me by firing her up by hand. That's right, folks. You heard right, by hand. It certainly impressed me and I've owned thirteen riders over the years, and none of them could be started by hand. Probably about half became one kickers (most of the time) after lots of work. The others? Forget it. 2:30 rolled around, the starter was plugged in, the engines rolled over spitting about a cup of fuel out both pipes. Anyway the fuel was wiped up off the ground and a check was made to see if somebody was standing by with a fire bottle. That taken care of the engines were fired. The second fire up wasn't as impressive as the first, as number two cylinder wet her plugs and she never cleared. The second fire up was running only on three cylinders. Only those who heard it the first time picked up on the fact that it didn't sound as healthy as before.

The rest of the day was spent selling "T" shirts and answering questions about the liner.

The next day was pretty much the same thing, showing and telling. One thing worthy of note was when Marty Dickerson, after riding Bob's Amanda, figured he was ready to give anything that moved over land or sea a go, so he climbed into the cockpit of the liner for a fitting. Many of the spectators of this event looked on to the spectacle with envy, wishing that their physical stature was compatible with the cockpit area. You know what I'm talking about, 230 pounds, tall, broad at the shoulders and narrow at the hips type. Myself and John Caraway were among the envious on lookers.

Marty's legs were too short to reach the pedals. To remedy this several suggestions were made. The most promising was to put Marty on a medieval stretching rack. I think all agreed that this was the easiest way to correct the problem--except maybe Marty.

The next day was spent relaxing and scouring the prison courtyard looking for Jay Shaffer's keys to his bike. We never did find them, but Jay got it sorted out somehow.

There were three bikes that were at Deer Lodge which were built exclusively for L.S.R. records. Dave Matson's record breaking nitro burner, the Vincent streamliner, and a B.S.A. M20 500cc flathead with a nitrous bottle hanging on her side. The liner and the B.S.A. flaty were commonly referred to during the rally as the ying and yang of salt racing. The B.S.A. had six records to her credit never exceeding 100 mph. The nitrous bottle was to be tested for the first time in 2004. When the loud button was pushed, the m20 exceeded the 100mph goal by an astonishing eight mph. Three more records fell to the mighty m20 during Speed Week. My hat's off to this effort.

That afternoon the liner was loaded by rally participants, all the gear was loaded, well almost, somehow the fans were left in the prison yard. This was not discovered until we arrived on the salt. We were scheduled to leave at 0800 the next morning.

The evening proved to be a fun time by all. Bob had the rally banquet well organized. Good food, on time, I might add. Live music, and all the normal things that go on like handing out trophies to well deserved participants, and rounds of applause for those involved who had worked so hard to make the 2004 Deer Lodge North American Rally a sterling success. Thanks Bob, for your personal hospitality to me and undaunting perseverance in making the N.A. Rally a moment in one's life to remember.

The banquet's last event was dedicated to raising a few sheckles for Black Lightning's never ending thirst for dollars. Bob suggested that I bring a few rejected or no longer used bits associated with the five previous streamliners. A quick look around the ranch didn't produce very much stuff, as most all had been hauled off to the dump after each remake. Any way, I brought what I had, thinking "this is a waste of time, the whole lot won't bring a hundred bucks". Boy! Was I surprised! The canopy lid brought near $300 if I recall. The handlebar assembly brought over $200 I think, and with the Chamber of Commerce of Deer Lodge donating $360, the action produced nearly $1,300.00. There are no words that can be written that would adequately show my appreciation to those supporting Black Lightning, both well wishers and financial supporters, so I will just say "thanks".

The next morning a caravan of four vehicles pointed their noses south from Deer Lodge. Mike and I took the lead with the liner in tow. John MacDougall and his wife Caroline were next. Barry Howell was next. By the way Barry rode a Vincent around the world. Tom Murray and his friend Bernie Vanson took up the rear. By the way Tom and Bernie rode their Triumphs around the world. I wonder who chalked up the most breakdowns?

For those who wish I would shut up and get on with what happened at Bonneville, well o.k. We're almost there.