July 4, 2021

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than a gathering of antique motorcycles in the nation’s heartland? On July 3, approximately 35 Chase riders who arrived early accompanied Cross Country Chase Director of Operations Jason Sims on his visit to veterans at the Cape Girardeau Veterans Home, where residents there enjoyed the unique experience of interacting with the riders on their vintage machines.

Today, July 4, the parking lot of the Auburn Place Hotel & Suites in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was abuzz with a series of pre-event activities. The day’s itinerary included rider registration, tech inspection, and an optional 17-mile practice run intended to familiarize first-timers with the map roll listing turn-by-turn directions.

By late afternoon today, out of the nearly 80 riders pre-registered for this year’s Chase, most had checked in and undergone tech inspection. There was very little travel drama, with two riders’ transport vehicle breakdowns causing only temporary delays in their arrivals. Every machine started, and all passed inspection.

Once registration and tech inspection closed for the day, medical staffer Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo hosted a party in the central courtyard of the hotel. Over the past few weeks, Vicki had been conducting a raffle to win the “flag bike,” a 2000 Harley-Davidson Low Rider customized with a removable framework to support 50 U.S. flags. This bike has led several parades and been featured in numerous publications.

Riders were treated to finger foods and beverages, while raffle ticket sales were finalized. A livestream of Source Media’s “Shop Talk” show was broadcast, with Jason Sims and Vicki as guests. A very excited Stephanie Hext-Wohlleben of Whitewater, Wisconsin, was on the receiving end of a phone call with Vicki once her name was announced as the winner.

During the morning of July 5, registration and tech inspection will continue, followed by the official start of the event.