Sturgis, S.D., Aug. 22—Lonnie Isam, Jr., owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, and founder of the Motorcycle Cannonball Run (MCR) announced today that the historic transcontinental event scheduled for 17 days in September has its roster full and the route is set. Though held on U.S. soil, the 2016 iteration is for all intents and purposes, a worldwide event.
According to Jason Sims, Director of Operations for this historic run, the endurance ride for century old, pre-1916 antique motorcycles will get underway in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, September 10 and will include riders from across the globe. With 95 entries from 25 states, nine countries and four continents, this extraordinary event will indeed be watched by the world as motorcycles of all marques tackle an arduous coast-to-coast route across America. The entire route will include less that 100-miles of interstate roadways. A week into travel, riders will have a day of rest, repairs, and some festivities in the well-known Western era cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas on September 18. After a total of some 3,304 miles, the ride is slated to conclude on Sunday, September 25 in Carlsbad, California.
During the MCR event, participants will ride vintage pre-1916 motorcycles such as Henderson, Indian, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, JAP, Excelsior, BSA, Thor and others. According to Isam, the event is a timed test of both the rider’s endurance and the road-worthiness of their respective machines as they navigate America’s back roads through some of the most scenic areas of the country.
“This route is going to be a challenge, and the bikes from this generation really don’t get ridden that much so there will still be some rebuilding going on along the run,” Isam shared. We’ll cover some of the best riding areas in the country. It’s going to be a difficult trip. We’ll have long days and tough terrain, I suspect that even the most seasoned rider will find this run challenging.”
Isam said that, while organizers and MCR Course Master John Classen are still working out the final details, it’s clear that the second week of the event will be grueling as riders make their way along the Western states to Carlsbad. Throughout the run, according to Classen, the spectacular scenery will awe participants as they pilot their ancient machines along several picturesque national parks, monuments, memorials and museums. The Wabash Cannonball Bridge is certain to inspire entrants and Wolf Creek Pass and the Grand Canyon are sure to take rider’s breath away. The route through the Four Corners and the Joshua Tree National Park will capture the imagination while weather and desert temperatures are the concern.
The 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball Run’s roster includes past winner Hans Cortese from South Africa and world traveling rider personality Doug Wothke. Both will be joining the Cannonball again as will bike builder Shinya Kimura, Bill Rodencal, Victor Boocock and several others. Each has their own amazing story to tell and is anxious to tackle this year’s route through 15 states to arrive at the Grand Finish in Carlsbad, CA. Join us as we set out with a cry of “California or Bust!”
Complete information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, including route details and some rider profiles, is available at www.motorcyclecannonball.com.
