The Transcontinental Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run
Sturgis, S.D., Dec. 4—Jason Sims, owner of the Motorcycle Cannonball in Sturgis, South Dakota, has announced that the historic transcontinental event scheduled for 16 days in September has its roster full and the route is set. Though held on U.S. soil, the international line-up of riders from five continents makes the 2018 run a global event.
According to Sims, this remarkable endurance ride for pre-1929 antique motorcycles will get underway in Portland, Maine, on Saturday, September 8, and will include riders from across the globe. With 100 entries from 32 states and 10 countries, this extraordinary event will indeed be watched by the world as motorcycles of all marques tackle an arduous coast-to-coast route across America. From the lighthouses of Portland, Maine, to the snow-capped mountains Portland, Oregon, the entire route will include less than 10 miles of interstate roadways. A week into travel, riders will have a day of rest, repairs, and some festivities in the motorcycling mecca of Sturgis, South Dakota, on September 17. After a total of some 3,649 miles, the ride is slated to conclude on Sunday, September 23, in Portland, Oregon.
During the MCR event, participants will ride vintage pre-1929 motorcycles such as Henderson, Indian, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Norton, Excelsior, BSA, Thor and others. Among the more remarkable marques will be a Brough Superior, an Ace and an American Single. A 1926 Rudge is also expected to line up in Maine, as will a Reading Standard and an Ariel. As in the Cannonball runs of the past, the event is a timed test of both the riders’ endurance and the roadworthiness of their respective vintage 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; we’ve never taken such a northerly route. The terrain combined with the range in ages of the bikes is going to make for an interesting run,” Sims shared. “We’ll cover some of the best riding areas in the country. It’s going to be a difficult trip and we’ll have a lot of long days and hard riding.”
Sims said that while he 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 Rockies and into the Pacific Northwest region. Throughout the run, according to Classen, the spectacular scenery will awe participants as they pilot their time machines along several picturesque national parks, monuments and museums.
The 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball Run’s roster includes new riders from South Africa, New Zealand and England as well as returning rider Ciro Nisi from Italy, Harry Verkuil from Scotland and Juergen Ullerich from Germany. World traveling rider personality Doug Wothke is returning as will bike builder Shinya Kimura, Cris and Pat Simmons, Victor Boocock and several other United States riders. Each has their own amazing story to tell and is anxious to tackle this year’s route through 13 states to arrive at the Grand Finish in Portland, Oregon.
Complete information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, including route details and some rider profiles, is available at www.motorcyclecannonball.com.
—Press release
I would love to see them ON the actual route. I live in northeastern Ohio and not all that far from the lake. This would be from stage 3 to stage 4. Would it be possible to let me know the route/roads they’ll be taking from #3 to #?
For the safety of the riders, the route is never published. As a matter of fact, riders aren’t even given their route instructions until 45 minutes before start time each morning. People trying to join the group on the road creates unsafe conditions. Safety is always the first concern for organizers so people are encouraged to join riders at the hosted stops where they can meet the riders and view the bikes up close. Please go to the website to check the schedule. http://www.motorcyclecannonbal.com
I would love to get involved with this. A bucket list thing, you know. I see the rules and bike requirements. What’s the entry fee?
Thank you so much for your interest in the Motorcycle Cannonball! The vintage of the bikes, the destination and all details are posted on the website before each run. Right now, we’re all recuperating from the great ride last month but as soon as we catch our breath, we’ll begin the work of organizing the 2020 run. Please check the website often for complete information: http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com