Cannonball Run Love Story: From College Dreams to Desert Wedding

The Cannonball Dream

• 💡 Jake Dwinell, born in the late '90s, was captivated by the Cannonball Run after discovering videos about outrunning algorithms.
• 🎯 At 20, despite financial constraints with a car worth less than his loan, he aspired to complete the run.
• 💖 He met his now-wife in high school, who, unlike many partners, grew up around cars with a father who was a master body man.

Preparing for the Run

• 🚗 Inspired by Arie's "Black Turd," Jake purchased a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, a more comfortable alternative to ex-police cars, with 90,000 miles and a unique fiberglass landau top.
• 🛠️ He modified the car to resemble a police vehicle, removing badges, blacking out chrome, and adding a fuel cell, radar detectors, and a police scanner.
• 💍 With wedding planning underway, the high cost of the ceremony led Jake and his fiancée to re-evaluate their priorities, opting for a more modest wedding and a vacation.

The Cannonball Journey

• 🗺️ Jake and two friends embarked on the Cannonball Run from the Red Ball to the Portofino, starting April 13th, with minimal planning and no practice runs.
• ⛽ A notable fuel stop in New Jersey involved an attendant pumping gas into a trunk-mounted fuel tank without issue.
• ⚠️ Challenges included a near-miss with a gas leak in Oklahoma due to a clogged evap system and altitude sickness affecting Jake in New Mexico.
• 🤝 The community aspect was highlighted, with strangers offering support, and Jake's co-drivers demonstrating strong teamwork.

Arrival and Celebration

• 🏁 The team completed the run in 34 hours and 41 minutes, beating their goal of 36 hours.
• 🏖️ Post-run, Jake enjoyed Rondo Beach, visiting local spots and Chemical Guys HQ.
• 💍 The ultimate celebration was a surprise elopement in the desert with his wife, fulfilling a personal bucket list item alongside the Cannonball achievement.
• ❤️ Jake emphasizes the importance of finding a partner who shares passions and experiences.