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By Michael Dapper
VRA Page Webmaster
The V2V Relay is one of the greatest traditions in Victory history. In fact, it is likely the only activity that has taken place each year Victory has existed.
Consider: While the V2V started the first year Victorys were on the road, the American Victory Rally in Spirit Lake, Iowa, was not held in the early years of the Victory brand. (The “Victory Reunion” held at Spirit Lake in 2002 evolved into the AVR.)
The V2V Relay is the brainchild of Victory Riders Spike and Trish Durkin. They were fascinated to learn that an old trans-continental highway had been called the Victory Highway in honor of the U.S. involvement in winning WW I. The Victory Highway ran between New York City and San Francisco, approximately along the route now covered by I-40.
For 10, years Victory Riders have conducted a coast-to-coast relay run across the country. They alternate directions each year, running eastward one year, westbound the next. The exception was the Meet in the Middle, a get-together held one year in Kansas.
The riders carry, and Leg Captains exchange, a relay baton made from Victory handlebar stock. While riders on all brands of bikes are welcome to ride, relay rules require that the baton be carried by a Victory Rider.
How To Amp It Up?
Some years, and on some legs, rider participation is quite small. Only a handful of Victory Riders are on some legs, which can be disappointing.
Unfortunately, we have never personally taken part in the V2V. So we’re not here to criticize it, we’re here to ask if there are any ideas for increasing participation in the relay.
It takes a commitment, mostly a time commitment, to take part. If you ride even one leg, you’ll have to backtrack to return home. That’s at least two days on the road, and several of the relay’s days coming during the work week.
One main reason we’ve never taken part is because it would be a day’s ride for us to reach the relay route. Then we would ride a day or two and would need a day or more to return home. It can add up to a goof chunk of time away from home and work.
The riding’s not the problem. In fact, the riding, along with the camaraderie, are the appealing aspects of the relay. The time commitment is the challenge.
We have spoken with long-time Leg Captains who have organized legs and ridden faithfully year after year. They have noted that the relay would benefit from more riders and new blood.
The question is: How can that be achieved?
The Route is Historic
One thought is to vary the route used to cross the country. Make it a northern route some year, or a southern route some year. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride has done this and it lets the planners lay out some tremendous routes with varied, super-scenic destinations and legs along the way.
But the V2V Relay was created to celebrate the route that shares a name with our favorite brand of bikes. Is it still the V2V Relay if it’s not run along the Victory Highway?
Not really, at least it’s not true to the origins of the relay.
It would almost be sacrosanct to change the route without the blessing of the relay founders and maybe some of the longest-serving Leg Captains. After all, it’s been their relay – they have kept it going when at times there were few riders stepping forward to plan details such as lodging, meals, gas stops, etc.
Should Victory – the corporate entity – step forward to support the relay? Not really. How does the Victory 18-wheel riding across the country help the relay riders? It really doesn’t.
Ideas?
As we noted, we’re not criticizing the V2V Relay, nor are we sounding its death knell. We’re simply asking “are there ways to get more Victory Riders involved?”
It’s a rider’s event, so let’s hear from you riders. Drop us a line via the Victory Mailbag to let us know what you think.
• If you’ve taken part in the V2V Relay, what would you suggest to get more Victory Riders involved?
• If you’ve never taken part, or have once or twice, what would it take to get you involved on the ride?
The answer to the second question might be as simple as “If I had more time, I’d do it every year.”
Time is likely what’s in short supply. There’s sure no shortage of dedicated Victory Riders. They are exactly what has kept the V2V Relay going for a decade, and they’re what will fuel it into the future.
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