Ninety-nine riders took off from the monument in Lebanon at dawn on June 20th, and 91 completed the ride in extremely hot, windy conditions.
Four riders had to abandon the ride due to mechanical issues with their motorcycles. One rider succumbed to symptoms of heatstroke along the route on Saturday, and another was unable to start the ride due to heatstroke on Friday, while he was making his way to Smith County. One rider (on a Kawasaki Ninja 250!) abandoned due to 35–45 MPH wind gusts along much of the route.
Unfortunately, for the first time ever, riders were seriously injured due to a multi-vehicle traffic accident just four miles from Rugby. One suffered a broken ankle and is on the mend, while another rider was gravely injured and had to be taken to a trauma center via air ambulance, where he remains in stable but serious condition.
Despite this year’s event being marred by such trying riding conditions and even more tragic medical emergencies, a number of riders have expressed their desire to undertake the ride again next year.
