Modern Vespa

It's a combination of Raquel Welch and Marilyn Monroe. Just saying... Don't take it personally.

Okay so I am digging my grave right now as we speak.🪦

Again?

⚰️ All wrapped up and ready to go!

No.. no.. who is 'them' ^^. I picked up on the Raquel Monroe bit.

Buuuut... when you google Raquel Monroe, a PhD in theater and dance comes up.. so I would not be out of bounds to think you were referring to her.

Oh sorry. Them the hotel reservation people

Question for 2023 participants in particular:

Is it acceptable/encouraged/frowned upon for spectators to be at either the start or finish points?
Asking for a friend, as they say.

Spectators are welcome even at checkpoints or bonus photos as long as they understand that competitive riders aren't going to stop and chat. Some who are doing the cannonball in "tourist" mode will stop, chat and might even appreciate the offer if cold water and/or a snack.

Other than the first day I wouldn't recommend being at the start as people leave whenever they want. Some have been known to leave at 3-4am where the weather is hot while others may not leave until 9 or later. In the morning most people are pretty focused on that days ride and do not want to chat.

At the finish, again some folks at the end of the day are happy to chat and share their experience while others will either have work to do on their scooter or other things to take care of so don't feel sociable. Usually they will be polite but may be cranky when busy. Others will be happy to chat, share a beverage have company for a meal. Your best bet for interaction with riders is probably at the finish but a lot of riders will have maintenance tasks to perform and may be too tired or frustrated to socialize.

If you do want to show up at a checkpoint, bonus photo or finish line be aware that you might get rebuffed, short acknowledgement or ignored by some of the riders. Some, even competitive riders will appreciate the encouragement even if they don't stop or seem to acknowledge the folks at a checkpoint/bonus photo location. Last cannonball was the first time I saw folks at some of the checkpoints. Only at one did I have any interaction and that was when folks I knew personally were there. Took time to drink from the bottle of cold water they handed me then moved on. Even then it was only a couple of minutes. Our support driver spent 15-20 minutes visiting as he knew them as well. Cheering on though really did give me a bit of a boost.

As long as you understand that and do not expect every cannonball rider to be friendly and welcoming as some will be preoccupied, busy or just too exhausted to be social able stopping by is fine but if you will be offended if a rider doesn't want to interact stay home and use followride and the forums to follow along.

Encouraged and hella cool for the participants! Park yourself at a checkpoint or photo bonus, make new friends while-u-wait and enjoy the circus.

I really enjoyed seeing folks at various Bonus, Checkpoints, and finish lines. So please don't hesitate to come on out.

The Day 1 starting line will be crowded, but is a great opportunity to see everyone.

The Daily Finish lines will likely be the best place to interact with riders, but can be a spectacle of maintenance.

It was because of this Forum which allowed GoPam to finish the event. I am not in tourist mode, but not trying to win either. I think I can speak for myself and VespaChef, we would love to see people from this forum throughout any part of the event.

In SCB21 people could track our progress, and see where the pack was that morning, afternoon, I am sure this year will be very similar. My hope is this community can come back out to support us again when we are in your immediate area.

This community is pretty special.

I'm going to try to make it to the start line in San Clemente on June 18th to witness the pageantry.
What time do the racers take off?

6:30 am is the time for the starting line photo.

If you are in California and want to chat with riders your best bet will be:

Saturday, June 17, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Rider Checkin & Inspection)
Lost Winds Brewing Company
924 C Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673

In near Hilton Head the the finish line party will be your best bet.

Sunday, June 25, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tiki Hut @ Beach House Hilton Head - https://tikihuthhi.com
Located @ Finish Line Hotel; Approximately 100 yds. from Finish Line

While the official party won't start until 7:30 riders will likely be arriving starting mid to late afternoon depending on when they leave that morning and what they are riding. Once they scoots are parked, checkin completed and gear off riders are usually in a mood to celebrate if they aren't so exhausted a nap comes first.

Thanks CD, best of luck to you

The spectators along the route in 2021 were awesome. I did not see that coming. They were also very respectful, did not create any safety hazards by blocking pull-off areas, and understood that if you were on the clock, the meet and greet was simply a fist bump and a smile.

For 2023, we've intentionally held back publicly posting the detailed official route and checkpoint locations until closer to the event's start. The reason for withholding is pretty innocent - one less place to syndicate changes/tweaks.

Specific details will be posted on the website in the middle of April. Feel free to email ride@scootercannonball.com if you are considering setting up camp at a location and have any questions about arrival times/other. The overnight hotels are no secret.

As others have shared, San Clemente Friday night, June 16th, thru Sunday morning at the starting line - Lost Winds Brewing will be our headquarters.