September 2010
Conjuring up the spirit of famed motorcycle daredevils and cross-country endurance riders of the previous century like Erwin "Cannonball" Baker and George Wyman, the Motorcycle Cannonball Run is gathering momentum to launch a pack of riders on vintage motorcycles for an historic ride across America in September 2010.
The brainchild of Lonnie Isam, Jr., promoter and owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, and the Motorcycle Cannonball Run of 2010, said the event requires that participants ride classic pre-1916 motorcycles such as Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson’s Silent Grey Fellows.
The 3,320-mile transcontinental ride is currently scheduled to start September 10 on the east coast in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. To the greatest extent possible, the ride will utilize non-Interstate roadways and will conclude on the west coast two weeks later in Santa Monica, CA.
"We expect this to be a grueling coast-to-coast pursuit as riders navigate the back roads and byways of our great nation on bikes that are over 90 years old" said Isam, "and it’s likely that some may not complete the ride. There should be plenty of drama along the way."
Motorcycle Cannonball Course Master John Classen reports that a painstakingly mapped out route was chosen in order to avoid having the riders enter a single interstate whenever possible.
"We’ll have 12 hours of daylight each day," Classen said, "and the goal is to have every rider check in daily at the ending point one hour before sunset to avoid wildlife and other after-dark safety issues."
To date, the Motorcycle Cannonball Run 2010 has drawn entries from around the world and all walks of life, including motorcycle museum owners, authors, bike collectors and restorers. Entrants thus far come from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the United States.
Complete information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, including entry requirements, is available at www.motorcyclecannonball.com.
