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This is how it all started:
Tim & JillMarie began riding motorcycles when they were kids and they
have never out grown it. When they first met they realized
their life long love of motorcycles was an instant connection. They
have gone from mini bikes to Sportster's & Fat Boy's and the
annual road trip is their way of getting away and doing what
they love together.....but of course on separate bikes!
Tim was named the "Ironman" when he was a professional jet ski racer
on tour from 1989-1992. He would race all day and then say "Hey
guys, you want to go out and just ride for fun?" He never wanted to stop.
His energy level was always on, he was known for his muscular arms
and legs and he took being an athlete seriously, competing to challenge
himself. He got called the "Ironman" and the name stuck. He finished
the 1992 tour by making the World Finals and then retired his jet ski's
for a Harley Davidson Fat Boy. The same passion he felt for competing was
traded for the open road. Planning a yearly road trip became the new
way to "go on tour" and to experience the bikes.
JillMarie was named "Sugarlips" by Tim. End of story. He calls her
"Sug" and gave her the custom plates of "SGR LPS" for
her Sportster. When Tim & JillMarie were married in 1992 Tim asked her
what kind of wedding ring she would like. After an experience of loosing
a diamond ring while jet skiing, she told him she didn't want a ring. "If
you feel you need to give me a symbol of your love, give me something I can
use and enjoy." JillMarie accepted a customized 1991 Harley Davidson 1200
Sportster in the place of jewelry and knew she had found the right guy. She
loves to say "I have cc's instead of carats and my wedding ring is out in
the garage"
 The annual road trips began when weekend outings weren't enough and the road
maps kept saying, "Go further!" The first trip in 1998 to Sturgis,
S.D. covered 2,500 miles and lasted 9 days. Tim & JillMarie were hooked
on long distance rides. To recap the experience Tim & JillMarie sent out a
road trip card with a photo for friends and family. Over the course of 5
years the card has become an annual tradition and the mailing
list has grown to over 300 people who enjoy hearing about their yearly motorcycle
adventures.
With the success of the first road trip, and with the bikes back in the garage
for the Winter, Tim began looking at what it would take to ride cross country.
In 1999 "Ironman &
Sugarlips" rode to the Statue of Liberty and back. The 7,000
mile trip crossed 18 state lines and lasted 3 weeks. Looking at the map
Tim mentioned he would really like to set the goal of riding through all 50
states. Counting what states had been ridden through on previous trips,
he realized the goal was half way done. Tim began investigating how to
approach the goal by talking with other motorcycle enthusiasts about their
road trips and investigating maps, miles and travel times on the
Internet. In 2000 a master plan was set with 6
phases built into the journey, with the goal of riding all of
the United States to be completed by 2006. Although the initial blueprint
has changed several times, the end result is right on schedule. Just like the
open road, the unexpected happens and the best laid plans will test you to see
how flexible you can be. Advice? Pack rain gear, and remember how to laugh. At
the end of the day it's all good if your doing what you love.
Ironman and Sugarlips would love to hear about your favorite ride or any
navigational advice on the upcoming destinations of the 2003-2007 road
trips. Click here to send an email message.
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