We are no expert about this motorcycle run, nor have we
participating in any of the past three runs (2010-2012-2014), however it was been
an experience to learn a bit about it all.
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| Only team that has ridden the same machine (1915 Indian Twin) in ALL 3 Cannonball Runs. | |
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It will be a difficult ride, as these machines are old and
most are very rare – only the best should be considered for the run. All machines built before 1936 or earlier;
powered by an original engine, as any reproduction chassis or parts should be
as they were originally, however understand
modern upgrades can be used for
safety sake only – aka brake system or tires.
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| Article provided by Deborah Speicher - read full article @ http://thunderroadsflorida.com |
The coast-to-coast run left from Daytona Beach, FL to finish
in Tacoma, WA ~ approximately 4000 miles in 17 short days. Remember this is an endurance run; riders
prep for all sort of climate changes as they are push daily to achieve the
daily route, which is round 300 miles on these old iron machines. Many maneuver these iron machines across the
United States with limited sleep, as they spend evenings preparing their machine
for the next day’s run.
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| We enjoyed greeting and meeting the crew in Golden, CO - half way point located @ point J |
There is a daily grading system for each mile ridden minus any
breakdowns. Riders are required to be self-proficient with their machine;
requiring parts or tools to be carried in such cases were something should go
wrong. Should the rider not be able to
get their machine back on the road within an allotted amount of time, the rider
and their machine will be picked up by the “bus of shame” and out of the run
the remainder of the day.
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| Rider & Their Machines; Bonneville Salt Falts, Utah by Michael Lichter |
For this 2014 Cannonball Run; 115 riders registered to
compete at a whopping $2500 entry fee, 101 were at the starting line, and 96
rode or pushed their iron machine across the finish line in Tacoma, WA. After
great accomplishment and fond memories 3 Texas riders and 1 Mississippi rider
got a shock of their life when their truck and trailer with 4 vintage
motorcycles were stolen from the hotel parking lot. Word went out on social media, area
motorcycle shops, and local news – it spread like a wild-fire; within 24-hours
the truck was found, but no trailer or bikes.
Couple days later: “Breaking News” post appeared on Facebook…Trailer and
4 vintage motorcycles found in a shipping parking lot by an employee who had
seen the post on FB. All great news;
however there are still lots of pricy missing items, so please keep your eye
and ears open.
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| Created an Old Nevada Scenery by Paul d'Orleans |
There has not been any official word on the 2016 Motorcycle
Cannonball Run yet, but rumor has it the machine will need to be at least
100 year old – 1916 and earlier.
For more history and details stay tune
here.
Jerry got bitten by the bug in Golden, CO, however you will
not see him in the line-up for the 2016 run, as it is way out of our retirement
budget! :)
Just maybe our routes will line-up, so
we can admire the riders and machines again.
I would love to provide so many more photos, however I also want to have internet for the rest of the month too. :) Want to enjoy more photos of these old iron machines, riders, and some of the fun and hardships check out Motorcycle Cannonball on Facebook or go here (also a FB page) or here.
Will we be seeing you on the next run in 2016? ~D
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