Once again, vintage motorcycle fans from around the world are traveling to the US this year to participate in the coast-to-coast Motorcycle Cannonball, which kicks off next month.
The Cannonball is a race like no other. It’s run on machines 100 years old (“No motorcycle built after 1916 can run for the prize“). Those bikes must run the original carburetors and engines, although organizers strongly encourage brake upgrades. And this year, they’re traveling all the way from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Carlsbad, California. Think of it as the ultimate vintage endurance race.
The Cannonball starts officially on Sept. 10 this year (same time as Fundy Adventure Rally, so you know CMG won’t be able to attend). However, there is some Can-Con at this year’s Cannonball, with Byrne Bramwell and Scott Blaylock returning (on a 1913 Henderson and 1910 Indian Single respectively). Bramwell and Blaylock both ran the 2014 event. Another Canadian, Perry Ruiter, has entered a 1912 Excelsior this year as well. We’ll try to pay attention to their progress and see how well they do.
Find more details on the event and the riders at the official website here. Classic rock fans might be interested to see Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers has entered again this year, and adventure riding enthusiasts should note that Doug Wothke — a.k.a. “rtwdoug” on ADVRider — is back this year, this time on a 1916 Indian. Doug’s done a couple trans-continental trips on vintage choppers, so a simple ride across his home country should be a piece of cake …
Actually, the picture is of a dirigible engine being tested in a motorcycle which made a world record 136mph in 1907 – Glenn H. Curtiss built both. It’s a wonderful picture but I’d like to see you use a picture of Cannonball Baker himself. They’re not hard to find…