He’s done it...motorbike mad Gordon Wilson has successfully completed 48 USA states in 48 days.
And he’s sharing his journey with our army of Chronicle readers.
Gordon set off from Orlando on his 61st birthday on August 1 and has clocked up over 10,000 miles as he recorded his travels on social media.
And at the finish line in Alabama he stopped to record his finale for us to see.
In his video he said: “So here we have it, it’s 48 states and it’s Alabama, It’s been a tremendous experience to be able to ride for the Great North Air Ambulance, what a remarkable charity they are.
“It’s been a truly remarkable experience. Its taken me up the east coast through Florida, then up to the Appalachian Mountains, through the Blue Ridge Highway, the Dragon’s Tail, further up north past Boston, New York, up to Maine, we turned west and went past Niagara Falls, truly unbelievable.
"Through the BadLands, the Dakotas and into Yellowstone National Park where I got chased by a bear. My advice would always be what ever you rent or whatever you ride, you certainly make sure it’s quicker and faster than a bear."
Gordon, from Wideopen, North Tyneside, added: “I went up to the Glacia next to the Canadian Border where it was absolutely freezing. I then headed south to Washington State, then headed down through Oregon and into Nevada, where the temperatures were in excess of 110 degrees.
“Then into Las Vegas, the crazy city and the city that never sleeps, onto Route 66, through to the Grand Canyon, through Monument Valley, to Colorado, New Mexico and worked our way gradually to where we are now on the Gulf Coast.
“We are keeping our eye open at the moment because there is another tropical storm that is starting to develop and looks like it might hit the Florida coast, just as I am about to arrive.
“What a fantastic experience this has been, it is totally rewarding but it is for an amazing cause - the Great North Air Ambulance.
“I’m glad to have your support with me, it’s been really unbelievable. The support I’ve had in the US has also been remarkable. I have spoken to, seen and stayed with some remarkable people.
“For me the 48 states are done. My efforts to support the Great North Air Ambulance will continue. Thanks again for your continued support and thanks again for all your encouragement. I will look forward to seeing you all, my friends and my family when I get home.”
Gordon earlier told how he’d been chased by a bear, came face to face with a wild bison and rode in extreme weather conditions on his Harley Davison.
The retired senior lecturer took on the mammoth challenge to raise £20,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance.
The dad-of-one got the idea when he was riding along the Mexican border three years ago and set himself the challenge.
He persuaded Harley Davidson dealerships in Gateshead and Leeds to be his lead sponsors to pay towards his trip. But he’s also forked out thousands of pounds from his own pocket to get him there.
Gordon added: “I am missing my wife Val, daughter Vic and my two-year-old granddaughter Josie.”
When Gordon got to Kentucky he presented a bit of Newcastle to the motorbike gang there.
He posted on his Facebook page: “It was brilliant to meet the great guys at Mine Shaft Harley-Davidson Kentucky and also a huge privilege to present the ‘Banner’ of The Newcastle Chopper Club.”
He’s has already raised over £6,400 but hopes to get more donations as he continues to support The GNAA.
Gordon, who also is a black belt in judo, is now looking forward to stepping back on Geordie soil after returning his Harley Davison back to rental company EagleRider.
Grandad Gordon added: “I’m doing this to promote motorcycling can be a good thing. It’s good to disengage and to get rid of the stresses and strains of life. It will demonstrate you can ride safely and to promote long distance motorcycling.”
He bought his first motorbike, a Yamaha FS1E for £199, when he was just 17. He’s owned Harley Davidson’s over the years but now rides a Kawasaki Z1000SX.
Gordon, who is an advanced motorcyclist and is a member of Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists, has won sponsors from around 35 other businesses including the LGA Foundation and Spot White American Pool Lounge, but he’s still looking for more donations to help raise his £20,000 target.
He added: “I’m a local lad, doing something for a local charity with the help of local people in the local area.”
Anyone wanting to sponsor or donate can visit Gordon’s Facebook page here or his JustGiving page here.
