2010 Rallies & Events
The Cannonball Run-What it’s all about
Story and Photos by Jack Cofano
The Cannonball Run is named after the legendary Erwin “Cannonball” Baker who set numerous driving records from 1910 through the 1930s. He set the first record on an Indian motorcycle in 1914 making the coast-to-coast ride in 11 days. This year the ride will take 16 days with only one rest day and covers 3300 miles. It is not a race for speed as much as a race of endurance.
Although the run originally started off with 70 entries, by race day the field was narrowed down to 44 participants due to various mechanical difficulties. All bikes have to be pre-1916 and have to adhere to stringent qualifying rules. The race will start off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on September10th and end in Santa Monica, California, on September 26. The final field includes 22 Harley-Davidsons, 7 Indians, 5 Excelsiors, 2 Hendersons, 2 Sears, and 1 each representing BSA, Flying Merkel, J.A.P., Militaire, Premier, and Pope. Entrants come from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Many have gone through rigorous training in order to endure the harsh physical demands the ride will require.
The race will include 16 stages, no more than 250-300 miles per day and will avoid interstate highways along the way. The organizers wanted the race to cover a fairly flat route and provide the participants with a historic and scenic ride through some of the United States’ most famous roadways. The race will only take place during daylight hours to avoid any wildlife dangers along the way.
Most of the racers have been preparing for this journey all year and let me tell you, for many of them this is their Super Bowl, their World Series. I have talked to a few of the riders throughout the year and they just can’t stop talking about the race and their eyes light up just at the mention of the Cannonball Run. I cannot imagine the dedication and the love of antique motorbikes that these motorcycle junkies have for their machines. This is not a walk in the park or a day trip on your bagger, this is hardcore motorcycle riding.
In the second part of this coverage I will show you the riders and their bikes and you will just shake your head wondering why in the world anyone in their right mind would attempt such a ride. I know I was duly impressed.