Motorcycle Cannonball 2012 Update?

[Buzz Kanter]

Lonnie, any official word yet on your plans for a possible Motorcycle Cannonball next year?

Lots of interest, but it will drain away of everyone is left in the dark too long.

[jurassic]

well i'm going to relaunch the website and announce the 2012 event on sept. 9th. all bikes made prior to 1930 can enter. it will be coast to coast starting in new york. taking in the museums in newburg ,milwaukee and anamosa. the western part of the route is still up in the air, but i'd like to end it in san francisco. there's alot of interesting route options out west going towards the coast. most of the northern ones look the best. currently i have 21 riders signed up, only 7 of them are returning cannonballers. 4 riders are from europe. mostly AMCA members {thanks bill wood}. about half of those signed up are on JD's. mark hill's wolf pack up north has been churning out KJ's for almost a year now in anticipation of 2012. he has 6 in the running so far . rumor has it slojo will return on the ghost. i anticipate about 40 riders. it'll probably be alot more riding and alot less promotional stops and fanfare. if anyone is interested, let me know.

[Tom Lovejoy]

Right on Lonnie!, the excitement and anticipation begins.

[Buzz Kanter]

well i'm going to relaunch the website and announce the 2012 event on sept. 9th. all bikes made prior to 1930 can enter. it will be coast to coast starting in new york. taking in the museums in newburg ,milwaukee and anamosa. the western part of the route is still up in the air, but i'd like to end it in san francisco. there's alot of interesting route options out west going towards the coast. most of the northern ones look the best. currently i have 21 riders signed up, only 7 of them are returning cannonballers. 4 riders are from europe. mostly AMCA members {thanks bill wood}. about half of those signed up are on JD's. mark hill's wolf pack up north has been churning out KJ's for almost a year now in anticipation of 2012. he has 6 in the running so far . rumor has it slojo will return on the ghost. i anticipate about 40 riders. it'll probably be alot more riding and alot less promotional stops and fanfare. if anyone is interested, let me know.

Good news. Please keep us up to date as you finalize details.

[4thcoast]

I started a year ago. I came back from the first one stoked. Glad to hear seven of the original C-ballers are coming back. I ran into Buzz at Wheels Though Time a few weeks ago, he was headed to mountain fest to campaign a hot rod JD. I heard Gentleman Jim Petty was there also. Old motorcycles actually being used. This is what you have done Lonnie, fairgrounds in the rearview mirror where they belong. I cannot wait for 2012. Lonnie, I may have an ACE up my sleeve. Best of luck for all.

4th Coast
Mark

[Buzz Kanter]

I started a year ago. I came back from the first one stoked. Glad to hear seven of the original C-ballers are coming back. I ran into Buzz at Wheels Though Time a few weeks ago, he was headed to mountain fest to campaign a hot rod JD. I heard Gentleman Jim Petty was there also. Old motorcycles actually being used. This is what you have done Lonnie, fairgrounds in the rearview mirror where they belong. I cannot wait for 2012. Lonnie, I may have an ACE up my sleeve. Best of luck for all.

4th Coast
Mark

Hi Mark. The plan was to race Selma, my 1915 Harley in one class and the '26 J in a handshift class in the MOuntainfest Vintage Grand Prix. Troubles there with the brakes on the '26 took it out of running, but Selma ran strong and fast and beat the teo 1915 Indians in my class. Lots of fun on these old machines.

[jurassic]

vils and i were talking about running up the anamosa hillclimb for extra points. wonder how the hendersons and jd's would match up.

[Buzz Kanter]

vils and i were talking about running up the anamosa hillclimb for extra points. wonder how the hendersons and jd's would match up.

The JDs might be OK, not sure abotu those long and sexy in line four cylinder Hendersons would fare.

[c.o.]

The JDs might be OK, not sure abotu those long and sexy in line four cylinder Hendersons would fare.


I don't know Buzz.... It appears as though the Hendersons should be able to hold their own. Here's Wells Bennett climbing Mt. Hood in 1924 and he's on snow to boot!!!

http://i541.photobucket.com/albums/gg390/buckboard_2009/WellsBennetHendersonHillclimberMtHood1924.jpg

[Tom Lovejoy]

Right on Cory, I have never seen that photo before - to cool!

[jurassic]

if you were coming from highway 6 in northern pennsylvania you could stay on 6 and drop down into cleveland. or from highway 6 in northern pennsylvania you could take highway 6 north and cut over to highway 20 which runs along the coast from erie to cleveland. i dont know anything about cleveland. is highway 20 any good? where's the bad parts of town? what is highway 6 like leaving the west side of cleveland? how is highway 6 west of cleveland along the coast? what if you were traveling thru on a saturday afternoon? traffic,scenery,road conditions,etc. http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/7479/clev.jpg

[RichO]

Lonnie, I have ridden that same route on a bike. Hwy 6 out of PA. over to Hwy 20 Ohio and through Cleveland. It was fine except Hwy 20 comes in the, how can I say this and not often anyone, the lesser desirable section of Cleveland. like eastern St. Louis or eastern Kansas City. Just sayin'. Enjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too! Right on the lake in the near downtown area. Before Hwy 90 was up and running Hwy 6 and 20 were the highway. Lot's of americana as I remember it.

[jurassic]

rich ,you read my mind . my aim was to be able to see the rock and roll museum. possibly on a lunch stop. i have heard west of cleveland hwy 6 is nice all the way to sandusky ,along the coast. with sandusky being a possible overnight stop before heading towards muskegon on sunday.

[Slojo]

Lonnie

Once in Michigan US 12, Michigan Avenue runs all the way to the west coast.

Joe

[jurassic]

joe, i was considering taking hwy 6 out of sandusky ,west all the way to just south of elkhart where we would head north on hwy 15 which jogs into hwy 40. hwy 40 will take us all the way to holland. do you know anything about 40? i think we would make great time in the morning heading west on hwy 6 {cause there's nothing out there},which is good ,because the last ferry leaves muskegon at 4:45.

[RichO]

Lonnie, Hwy 6 after Cleveland is good. Rode it again after Waseon this year headed to the Kentucky affair. Hwy 40 is great as is Hwy 6 or 20. I have taken Hwy 12 across Michigan and it is good too. Anything off the interstate highways is great. Small towns and nice scenery. Just a side note. Us boys and girls have been long hauling on 20's and 30's hardware out here on the left coast for years and years. Glad to see you are starting to do the same back east. Used to be just 40's and above. I mean LONG HAULING before you start sending the cards mand letters.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Lonnie, does that mean 1930 VLs with low serial numbers will be OK for the 2012 Cannonball?

[Slojo]

Dear Lonnie, does that mean 1930 VLs with low serial numbers will be OK for the 2012 Cannonball?

What about an early 66 shovelhead?

(sorry Steve I could not help myself)

joe

[jurassic]

hi steve, i guess if it could be proven that the bike was built in 1929 i would have to let it in. might be interesting.

[jurassic]

how big of a draw is it to have a competition in a cross country road run? obviously staging a competition within a road run means alot more work for the rider and the organizer. time schedules ,checkpoints, rules,etc. leaving out the competition aspect can save alot of money and translate to lower entry fees. so i'd like to know just how important this is to riders and potential riders.

[Buzz Kanter]

What about an early 66 shovelhead?

(sorry Steve I could not help myself)

joe

Can it have no-lead heads and a replacement cone cases Joe?

[Slojo]

Can it have no-lead heads and a replacement cone cases Joe?

BZZ

I knew the two cams in 2012 cannonball would be the rage the 1915's of 2010 cannonball were. I just did not expect them to be rubber mounted.

If early production VL's of 1929 build dates are welcome that is ok, but in all fairness they should be under the same rule as the KJ's from 29, 30 and 31. Bring them on the more motorcyclist the better !

Joe

[D.A.Bagin]

What about the fact that 1930 VLs had their cases replaced with later model cases after 1930 because of failure issues and few if any have true 1930 cases??

[4thcoast]

BZZ

I knew the two cams in 2012 cannonball would be the rage the 1915's of 2010 cannonball were. I just did not expect them to be rubber mounted.

If early production VL's of 1929 build dates are welcome that is ok, but in all fairness they should be under the same rule as the KJ's from 29, 30 and 31. Bring them on the more motorcyclist the better !

Joe
Most Henderson geeks feel there were about 18 months of KJ production out in mid 29 and done in early 31. With the exception of the headlight,horn and charging system they are all the same. No great technical leaps forward. The Vl is a pretty radical departure from the twin cam HD. I am not well read on VLs do they have recirculating oil systems ? If Cannon ball is weighted the way it was the first time, the late model bikes won't be a factor in the overall win. Just a great ride and maybe a chance for a perfect score. Part of the romance of '29 and down, with the exception of Indians, is that it is kind of the last hurrah of the pocket valve engines. But, with all racing in America historically, there has to be the HD "let something else in" clause, whether it be a displacement advantage due to push rods or a mega displacement advantage in road racing as of recently (Buell pre rotax engines). The motor company always gets an exception. What the hell, Joe, let them in. I'm with you. The more motorcyclists, the merrier.

Mark

[jurassic]

in the high desert of southeast oregon is steens mountain. a gigantic fault block rising nearly 10,000 feet. there is a hwy 205 that runs thru this area from burns or. to the nevada border. has anyone been down this road? i'm interested to know how usable it is. the scenery is supposed to be amazing. http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8507/steenskiger.jpg

[RichO]

Lonnie, 205 runs to the left of the photo you posted. It's about 100 miles from Hwy 20 to the junction of hwy 140 at the bottom. Gas? Pretty desolute in that corner of Oregon. 20 to 395 then 140 or 205 to 140 will take you to Medford then snake about 35 miles on 238 will get you to Grants Pass and 199 (bitchin road) to the coast and hwy 1. good stuff Maynard.

[jurassic]

rich, whats the condition of the road on 205 ? and from the 140 junction what are the roads like that drop down into alturas?

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear All, if it's pre-31 then all the Hendersons and 1930 VLs should be OK. The early VL recall was completed by end-1929. There are no VLs running with the early small engine cases (yet).

[Buzz Kanter]

Lonnie. All kidding aside. How will the rules regarding year be handled?

For example, can a rider of a 1930 or '31 Indian 101 Scout be allowed as they are quite similar to the '29 101 Scout?

[jurassic]

Lonnie. All kidding aside. How will the rules regarding year be handled?

For example, can a rider of a 1930 or '31 Indian 101 Scout be allowed as they are quite similar to the '29 101 Scout?
i think we should keep it in context with the "roaring twenties", an age that came to an end on october 29th 1929. so if it was built in 1929 its good to go.

[RichO]

Lonnie, Roads are O.K. Low priority for repairs in that rural an area do to lack of useage and funding. Fair to good though. Gas is sparse due to low population and useage also. 395 is good and would you crossover state at 299 or 49 to 20 which is the better route. You'll be right in Rickey Najera's, Dave Kafton's, Pete Young's, and a whole bunch more's backyard. Can't wait.

[jurassic]

i was actually looking at 299. 299 to 3 to 36 to fortuna. then down the avenue of the giants to overnight in redway. then the next day take the coast hiway into the city.

[jurassic]

Most Henderson geeks feel there were about 18 months of KJ production out in mid 29 and done in early 31. With the exception of the headlight,horn and charging system they are all the same. No great technical leaps forward. The Vl is a pretty radical departure from the twin cam HD. I am not well read on VLs do they have recirculating oil systems ? If Cannon ball is weighted the way it was the first time, the late model bikes won't be a factor in the overall win. Just a great ride and maybe a chance for a perfect score. Part of the romance of '29 and down, with the exception of Indians, is that it is kind of the last hurrah of the pocket valve engines. But, with all racing in America historically, there has to be the HD "let something else in" clause, whether it be a displacement advantage due to push rods or a mega displacement advantage in road racing as of recently (Buell pre rotax engines). The motor company always gets an exception. What the hell, Joe, let them in. I'm with you. The more motorcyclists, the merrier.

Mark

mark , i cant wait to see those hendersons on the road. definatly like to see an ace. this new route is going to be much more scenic ,but its also going to be alot more difficult. achieving a perfect score may not be possible.

[RichO]

That route would be an eyeful. Hwy 1 will take you over the Golden gate and right in to the city. Where to you plan on landing?

[jurassic]

rich, thanks for the insight it helps alot. hwy 1 and the golden gate will be an epic finish. currently i dont know where in the city to end the ride ,but as you pointed out ,we have alot of friends in that town ,and i'm sure we can come up with something interesting.

[10E]

lonnie

We travel hwy 299 between Reading and Alturas each year when going to the Modoc Small car and pre 16 3 day run.

Great views, big valleys, plus snow covered Mt Shasta in the background watching over you for a great deal of the time.
The road is good, quite, but traffic you do see tends to haul ass.
I'm bias, this is my favorite place to ride an old motorcycle.

Pete will fill you in on this area all the way to San Francisco.
He is a pro in regards to Northern California motorcycle routes.

Victor

[jurassic]

lonnie

We travel hwy 299 between Reading and Alturas each year when going to the Modoc Small car and pre 16 3 day run.

Great views, big valleys, plus snow covered Mt Shasta in the background watching over you for a great deal of the time.
The road is good, quite, but traffic you do see tends to haul ass.
I'm bias, this is my favorite place to ride an old motorcycle.

Pete will fill you in on this area all the way to San Francisco.
He is a pro in regards to Northern California motorcycle routes.

Victor

thanks victor, and welcome to the site. i knew that all my friends would stear me in the right direction in northern california.

[4thcoast]

mark , i cant wait to see those hendersons on the road. definatly like to see an ace. this new route is going to be much more scenic ,but its also going to be alot more difficult. achieving a perfect score may not be possible.

Lonnie,

Mr. Schwinn will offer 8 machines for the 12 cannonball that ride from the 4thcoast. It will be a true wolf pac. All of the casting dates on these machines are 29 and down #s wont be a problem at all. We will give your route our best effort. Thanks again for doing this Lonnie.
Mark

[Slojo]

Lonnie,

Mr. Schwinn will offer 8 machines for the 12 cannonball that ride from the 4thcoast. It will be a true wolf pac. All of the casting dates on these machines are 29 and down #s wont be a problem at all. We will give your route our best effort. Thanks again for doing this Lonnie.
Mark

1929's casting dates , what about serial numbers on these Packers.

Joe

[4thcoast]

Yeah Joe I have the #'s to match the dates. How about your VL guy. How is he going to work that magic ? Did I miss something or did the HD offer new 29 VL. Or is it carte blanche for VLs ? Hey old man you are going to have a ringer if you take the ghost, thought I was going to be dealing with Slojo twin cam....
Best,
Mark

[Slojo]

Yeah Joe I have the #'s to match the dates. How about your VL guy. How is he going to work that magic ? Did I miss something or did the HD offer new 29 VL. Or is it carte blanche for VLs ? Hey old man you are going to have a ringer if you take the ghost, thought I was going to be dealing with Slojo twin cam....
Best,
Mark

Actually Mark the VL thing is disturbing to me also I was being a bit facetious. I like the idea of many bikes and riders , although it is not in the interest of the event to bring in late models. Read again my previous post about two cams to get the pun. The idea of early bike rules is to get early bikes in the event not late model.

No special bike build for 2012 the Ghost has all the modifications required with tires, rims and brakes it will do good again I am sure.
Joe

[4thcoast]

I know where your head is at Joe, the VL thing bugs me also. I have no doubt the ghost will make the run. The early bikes are the show. I look forward to ghost hunting. I picked up the humming bird (Frank's Cannonball Henderson) from Frank's shop yesterday, she has a couple big rides post Cannonball and some fair grounds run around time on her. I am going to take the bike to the University, let her hang on display a week, then look inside and see just what made that little 4 cylinder tick. Anxious to look at pistons and babbitt wear. I suffered no valve train recession, so I know I'm good there. We'll try to post some pics on the Cannonball firing order 1342 thread.
Best,
Mark



Actually Mark the VL thing is disturbing to me also I was being a bit facetious. I like the idea of many bikes and riders , although it is not in the interest of the event to bring in late models. Read again my previous post about two cams to get the pun. The idea of early bike rules is to get early bikes in the event not late model.

No special bike build for 2012 the Ghost has all the modifications required with tires, rims and brakes it will do good again I am sure.
Joe

[LouieMCman]

I have a '35 VL can I go? It's just like a early 30 (29?), please let me go....
Seriously, are there early VL cases marked 29? If not, they don't meet the rules, right?

[Slojo]

I know where your head is at Joe, the VL thing bugs me also. I have no doubt the ghost will make the run. The early bikes are the show. I look forward to ghost hunting. I picked up the humming bird (Frank's Cannonball Henderson) from Frank's shop yesterday, she has a couple big rides post Cannonball and some fair grounds run around time on her. I am going to take the bike to the University, let her hang on display a week, then look inside and see just what made that little 4 cylinder tick. Anxious to look at pistons and babbitt wear. I suffered no valve train recession, so I know I'm good there. We'll try to post some pics on the Cannonball firing order 1342 thread.
Best,
Mark

"ghost hunting, ghost hunting" ? Hmm???, Is the Humming Bird coming along in 2012 ?

I have been busy on another project actually three projects.

The Ghost has 6500 miles on it now and has sat for the last month or more while working on the other projects.
Valve guides and springs will be required to prepare the Ghost for round two 2012, by then a new rear tire also, the third.

Joe

[pete reeves]

I am planning to take part in the cannonball and hope to ride a 1929 JD. The discussion on eligibility for this event makes interesting reading.
Lonnie, the organiser of this event has stated in this thread that “bikes made before 1930 can enter”. “Bikes proven to be built in 1929 can enter” “If it was built in 1929 it’s good to go”
Slojo also said in one of his posts that “early production Vls of 1929 build dates welcome”
Harley-Davidson produced about 10000 V models for the 1930 model year.
As was normal at that time and still current practise today Harley built up a stock of new models and released them at the end of summer. In 1929 it was August. I don’t know how many V models they actually built in 1929 but I suspect it could have been as many as 5000 making a bike with a motor number in this region eligible.

Pete Reeves. 860

[jurassic]

currently their are 14 JD's in the line up,so i'm not too worried about a bunch of VL's crashing the party. by comparison there is only 1 indian . a french team has confirmed it will "send 3 riders across the ocean for winning the event". all aboard JD's.

[Slojo]

currently their are 14 JD's in the line up,so i'm not too worried about a bunch of VL's crashing the party. by comparison there is only 1 indian . a french team has confirmed it will "send 3 riders across the ocean for winning the event". all aboard JD's.

Lets hear it for the ambitious French confidence is good !


Joe

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Lonnie and Pete, as Harley started VL production in 1929 with engine number 1000, then VLs with engine numbers below about 6000 should have been built before 31 Dec 1929. I'll start looking for cases now!

[rwm]

Dear Lonnie and Pete, as Harley started VL production in 1929 with engine number 1000, then VLs with engine numbers below about 6000 should have been built before 31 Dec 1929. I'll start looking for cases now!

i'm not the one who sets the rules for this race. more bikes the better right. but steve come on. your case will have 30 stamped in the. i have a 1969 camaro. with a sept. 1968 build date it was the 13th made. it's still titled as a 1969. the body style is 1969. production #'s motor, tranny, and rear all 1968 build dates. the motor size was changed latter in the run of cars . if i pulled that car into any show and said but with the 1968's most of the people would pee them selves with laughter.

with that said do everyone the honor of watching you ride your kerry across the states. it would be nice to see a 1902 ride from ny to ca.

[Steve Slocombe]

Thanks Rob and the debate about calendar year versus model year could go on forever. I'll go with whatever the rules say. And that 1902 Kerry could do the trip one day, but not with me riding. It's made for someone with l-o-n-g legs and is too tall for me even with the saddle right down.

[Slojo]

Thanks Rob and the debate about calendar year versus model year could go on forever. I'll go with whatever the rules say. And that 1902 Kerry could do the trip one day, but not with me riding. It's made for someone with l-o-n-g legs and is too tall for me even with the saddle right down.

Steve, just yesterday I have learned of a 1926 JD for sale. Interested? Anyone else?
Joe

[Slojo]

Steve, just yesterday I have learned of a 1926 JD for sale. Interested? Anyone else?
Joe

The 26 JD is a house pet of a friend of mine, been in his living room for ever. Some assembly required just like Christmas.

Joe

[rwm]

2010 winner brad wilmarth taunts runner up joe gardela and frank westfal. claiming to ride circles around them again

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo162/robronky/davenport%202012/IMG_4011.jpg
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo162/robronky/davenport%202012/IMG_4014.jpg
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo162/robronky/davenport%202012/IMG_4013.jpg

[Slojo]

We could not convince Brad to fire up his champion X and go for a ride around the fair grounds. To much foot traffic for the X's clutch system.
Joe

[rustyspoke]

how big of a draw is it to have a competition in a cross country road run? obviously staging a competition within a road run means alot more work for the rider and the organizer. time schedules ,checkpoints, rules,etc. leaving out the competition aspect can save alot of money and translate to lower entry fees. so i'd like to know just how important this is to riders and potential riders.

As a potential rider (just need to finish my 14 Indian) the competition aspect is pretty meaningless. I would just love to ride my cycle across the country with a lot of fun loving like minded people. I'm all for keeping the costs down.

[Buzz Kanter]

As a potential rider (just need to finish my 14 Indian) the competition aspect is pretty meaningless. I would just love to ride my cycle across the country with a lot of fun loving like minded people. I'm all for keeping the costs down.

Rusty - for the most part you will find the Cannonballers were like one big family with no winners or losers, but a bunch of enthusiasts all with a common goal. Not really much for the competition - except to joke around with others.

[jurassic]

its a go. www.motorcyclecannonball.com the new route is also up.

[jurassic]

50 riders confirmed ,13 returning cannonballers, 6 riders from europe, about 25 JD's, 10 hendersons and about 10 foreign makes. should have room for a few more ,once the hotels are locked in. thanks everybody

[VL Girl]

Hey Lonnie,
I have a nice van if anyone needs one. Still got the Cannonball stickers on it. Don't have a bike ready for the ride.... I would miss my little Effie too much. Good luck.... maybe Pat and I can join up somewhere or help someone else. We got it down.

Cris #89 2010 Cannonball

[IRONWOOD]

I wonder wonder if we can find and build a bike before then....oh ya and get into shape for that grueling ride....it will have to be an Indian for some friendly competition against all those Harleys...hmmmm

[jurassic]

Hey Lonnie,
I have a nice van if anyone needs one. Still got the Cannonball stickers on it. Don't have a bike ready for the ride.... I would miss my little Effie too much. Good luck.... maybe Pat and I can join up somewhere or help someone else. We got it down.

Cris #89 2010 Cannonball

hey cris, you and effie are always welcome. as well as your magnificent pit crew. you do got it down.

[VL Girl]

I don't think my little stock 1915 HD Effie can keep up on this one. Wish we still had that JD. Oh well... Good luck everyone!

P.S. For those asking.... My Cannonball Diary about my 2010 ride will be out before Christmas. It's looking good! Hardcover, high quality, 192 pages, lots of Lichter photos. Same publisher as my 'American Motorcycle Girls, 1900-1950" book. I'll post more info about it soon.

[Slojo]

Cris

It is not a race it is an endurance Effie will do just fine, the Ghost is running in the 2012 along with the winning bike of Brad Wilmarth. Come along for the fun!

Joe

[VL Girl]

Hey Joe,
I know she can't do 55 unless we are on a long down hill. I don't think I want to push her so much. She worked hard and is enjoying her spot in the limelight in the HD museum until Feb., and then the Eiteljorg Museum after. I DID ride her in Daytona last year and she's still a sweet little rider.

I did notice that rear pushrod looked a little bent after only about 100 miles. That was my main problem on the Cannonball. Not sure what's up with that. I had Steve Huntzinger make me a new set, so I'll try those when I get her back.

Pat and I will try and meet up with the 2012 Cannonball group somewhere along the way. I'm sure you and Brad will have a great time! The Ghost is one great motorcycle.
I think Jim Petty might be riding again too.

[Buzz Kanter]

Hey Joe,
I know she can't do 55 unless we are on a long down hill. I don't think I want to push her so much. She worked hard and is enjoying her spot in the limelight in the HD museum until Feb., and then the Eiteljorg Museum after. I DID ride her in Daytona last year and she's still a sweet little rider.

I did notice that rear pushrod looked a little bent after only about 100 miles. That was my main problem on the Cannonball. Not sure what's up with that. I had Steve Huntzinger make me a new set, so I'll try those when I get her back.

Pat and I will try and meet up with the 2012 Cannonball group somewhere along the way. I'm sure you and Brad will have a great time! The Ghost is one great motorcycle.
I think Jim Petty might be riding again too.

Cris, If I do it again, want to ride on the back of mine :-)

[Slojo]

Hey Joe,
Pat and I will try and meet up with the 2012 Cannonball group somewhere along the way..

I look forward to seeing both of you again, please save a M/C Cannonball book for me, signed.

joe

[VL Girl]

I will Joe.... thanks.

Hey, Buzz I was going to ask you if you wanted to ride cupcake with me. "Cupcake"... A Motor Maid term to describe a guy who "rides on the back of a woman's bike". :p
Love ya buddy! Hope we can ride our old bikes together again sometime. Maybe in CA?

[aka HAWG]

lonnie

are you doing shirts and posters again for 2012?? I would be interested in purchasing if yes.

any firm info on your ohio stop it is a few hours from me and I plan on being there for the festivities - possible follow ride through michigan

aka HAWG

[Slojo]

Buzz I was going to ask you if you wanted to ride cupcake with me. "Cupcake"

Cupcake,,, CUPCAKE Way to funny ! Buzz would look good perched up high as a cupcake! Go for it Buzz.

Joe

[rwm]

kind of funny how things can stick with you for a life time. Cupcake Kanter.

[Slojo]

Stop it Rob your killing me, Cup cake Kanter way to funny ! Sorry Buzzy.

Joe

[aka HAWG]

come on guys lets not pick on buzz TILL he has frosting on his cheeks

aka HAWG

[38 el]

Lonnie,
I see you never got an answer on your question about M40 from Elkhart to Holland, Actually you would pick it up from US12, in Mottville Mi and go north from there. Alternativley, If you head north out of Ohio along by Wauseon, you can pick up the Old Territorial road, a nice 2 lane or a little further north to US 12, the Old Chicago Trail, which is a designated national historic route. Lots of cool old historic houses and such. US 12 and M40 are both excellent 2 lane choices.
If I can be of any assistance with route planning or any other arrangements in the area please contact me. I know pretty much every crack in the road within a 300 mile radius of southwestern Michigan.
Jim

[38 el]

I see you are planning on the ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee.

The Ferry from Ludington to Manitowac is WAY cooler, a little slower, by 2 hours, but way cooler.
Manitowac is a nice, medium size town, not very busy.
Milwaukee ferry drops you off right downtown and would be in a lot of traffic and on 4 lane highways.

The Ludington to Manitowac ferry,The "SS Badger" is as old as the Motorcycles you are on, and the only operating STEAM powered ferry in the USA.

http://www.ssbadger.com/content.aspx?Page=Schedule&field=123

Jim

[jurassic]

hi jim, i'd like to take the badger out of ludington. unfortunatly it is too far to go. getting from sandusky to ferrysburg is tough enough at 290 miles. this day is going to be the only day when we absolutly have to be on time, to catch the last ferry. this will be on a sunday. currently the route takes us on hwy 6 from sandusky to hwy 20,which takes us all the way across to 13. 13 takes us up to hwy 131. now from here we can either jump over to hwy 40, or take hwy 131 straight north thru kalamazoo. i don't know what hwy 131 is like in this area, but if time is an issue ,taking the 4 lane might help. another big worry about this day is obviously weather. if the conditions on the lake aren't calm, then we might have a problem. i'm currently contemplating a plan B, just in case.

[fabercycle]

Lonnie,

Speaking from experience and having taken the Ferry twice this year on a modern bike, You don't want to take the last ferry of the day, trust me. I'm an hour from Muskegon, and going to Madison (1.5 hrs from Milwaukee) took me the whole day.

If the lake is rough the trips take longer. You have to be there early to board, and it takes time to disembark as well. You'll have 6 hours into crossing, with almost 4 hours on the water, and then you are put out onto the Expressway through downtown Milwaukee which is stressful.

If you want the run to actually be fun for people, cross the lake in the morning. And maybe consider going across at Ludington. The lake is always rougher late in the day, and the great lakes have choppy rollers that make people seasick more readily than the ocean.

Tom

[Slojo]

another big worry about this day is obviously weather. if the conditions on the lake aren't calm, then we might have a problem. i'm currently contemplating a plan B, just in case.

Lonnie

The lake express is a cool, fast ride a pleasure. For our three hour tour I might tell you if the weather starts getting rough the tiny ship will toss and if not for Dramamine anything in your stomach will be loosed . The Ghost and I have run the trip twice, once in rough waters, not good and once in glass smooth water comforting. They haven't named it the vomit commit for no reason at all.

joe

[38 el]

Its not fast, thats for sure, Like Tom said, waiting to load etc.....but it beats the hell out of going thru Chicago.
There's always the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge and US2.
Jim

[aka HAWG]

still would love to see this as a truely international event - come through canada. Buffalo NY through Canada to Port Huron MI. approx a 4 hour drive

only issue would be a pass port for the american riders the european's will already have

just my 1 1/2 cents ( money exchange )

keep the dream alive lonnie its a great one

aka HAWG

[rwm]

i'm not trying to rain on your parade hawg. but an international event would be a night mare. us homeland security is made up of childish assholes! the whole thing could take hours if not a day at us border. support crews would want to stay in the us.or risk loss of all undeclared stuff(tools and parts).people think volusia county is bad.Bring an untitled bike back in past homeland security. The funny part is with about a dozen crossings in the last 2 years.i have not needed my pass port. i had it with me every time. i took a truck load of antique french furniture in to Canada with no problem we had a broker on the Canadian side.when i came back homeland security had problems with my tool box and empty truck.they turned me back to canada.

[aka HAWG]

rwm

I know of ALL the problems you listed and more

its just I live on the border at port huron ( canadian side ) and to have all these great bike come through MY home town would be a once in a life time experiance for it. now I have to drive a few hours to ohio to see them. dont get me wrong I would travel to see them - I went to kitty hawk NC for the start of the 2010 event and followed them for two days

aka HAWG

[Buzz Kanter]

I'd be a cupcake for Cris any day, anywhere.

[Slojo]

I'd be a cupcake for Cris any day, anywhere.

That a boy Buzz, spoken like a true gentleman.
joe

[Buzz Kanter]

That a boy Buzz, spoken like a true gentleman.
joe

Joe, I know you would make a nice cupcake for Cris too. :-)

[johnnyfire]

Hi,I'm wondering if a 1930 early number VL would be acceptable?It would of been built in 1929! Johnny

[jurassic]

Hi,I'm wondering if a 1930 early number VL would be acceptable?It would of been built in 1929! Johnny

hi johnny, we discussed this before and decided not to allow the early VL's in. this is going to be more of a match race between the henderson's and the harley JD'S

[jurassic]

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/149/jd1twoc.jpg

[Chuck#1848]

Can some one point me in the location of the route for the 2012 cannonball I am about 45 miles from Pa in the westen part of New York, Thanks in advance

[aka HAWG]

link is on bottom of all jurrasic's posts
once at site click on route

aka HAWG

[jurassic]

hi chuck ,the route page on the website only has a general route. we wont post the exact roads ,but we are working on the route now ,and will be updating the route page soon. as far as pennsylvania , we will be getting on hwy 6 just north of scranton, and pretty much staying on hwy 6 all the way to lake erie.

[Slojo]

this is going to be more of a match race between the henderson's and the harley JD'S

Hey Hey what about the Ghost and the newly improved wolf packers!

Joe

[Chuck#1848]

hi chuck ,the route page on the website only has a general route. we wont post the exact roads ,but we are working on the route now ,and will be updating the route page soon. as far as pennsylvania , we will be getting on hwy 6 just north of scranton, and pretty much staying on hwy 6 all the way to lake erie.

Thanks Lonnie,route 6 is a good choice also real scenic I am not far from it in New York and do plan to see you guys and gals come through.

[jurassic]

for the last several weeks i have been dealing with website issues. i have finally been able to find a capable webmaster and now we are back up and running. more updates are coming, as well as revamping the forum. www.motorcyclecannonball.com

[jurassic]

i got a cannonball rider who wants to ride an indian 101 scout in the run. only problem is, he doesn't have a 101 scout. anybody know of one for sale? pre 1930.

[Scott Parker]

here is a '28 on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1928-INDIAN-101-SCOUT-PROJECT-MOTORCYCLE-/220874757203?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item336d295453

[Jerry Wieland]

I am surprised that there are not more Indians - especially the 101 Scouts, on the Cannonball Run. For years I have heard of the invincibility of the famed Indian 101. I would think that when they had a chance to back it up that 101 owners would jump on it.

Jerry

[jurassic]

the 101 scouts are piling up slowly. maybe 5 or 6 of them so far. we'll see just how many when i get all the entry forms back. thanks for the heads up on the ebay indian scott.

[Chris Haynes]

here is a '28 on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1928-INDIAN-101-SCOUT-PROJECT-MOTORCYCLE-/220874757203?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item336d295453

Only 10G's for a partial basket case?

[exeric]

I've never ridden a 101 so I have never understood the hub-bub. I have ridden a 741 Indian and if a 101 is anything like that, you can have 'em.

[c.o.]

I know a fella that has a wide range of Indians. He told me that he gets the most riding comfort out of his 101. I can't personally comment as I haven't ridden one... yet..:D

[c.o.]

Some JD inspiration.........:D

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[exeric]

Cory, I guess I just don't understand the concept of what a superb motorcycle is. For me, I adapt to whatever motorcycle I'm riding and try to enjoy it for what it is. I don't like to compare motorcycles, nesessarily, because I think it's all about the realtionship between man and machine. However, I know a dog when I'm on one.

[c.o.]

Eric, I'm an adaptor myself. I rode a rigid frame chopper with a solid mount seat for over a decade. It is by far the roughest beast I've ever thrown a leg over. I would really like to try a 101 one day just to see what all the fuss is about.

[c.o.]

Jurassic, do you have any of these signed up??

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[c.o.]

Or Cleveland Tornados???

[Tom Lovejoy]

A big Cannonbal fan, but talking to folks hoping to participate. Their planning on 20,000 grand plus expenses for the whole deal. They already have the machine, lot's of folks - my self included. Just don't have that kind of cash surplus. Not to mention the fact,if I were to blow my Henderson up, it would be out of action a long time.It took me years to git it up running, 3,000 miles is a couple years of fun for me on Sunday mornings :-) So I will be a big fan from the side lines again, wishing all that enter all the best of luck.

[exeric]

My comment about 101's was out of line. I know people love them, so more power to them. If everyone loved the same stuff, it would be a pretty boring hobby. You know; like knuckleheads.

[Buzz Kanter]

I've never ridden a 101 so I have never understood the hub-bub. I have ridden a 741 Indian and if a 101 is anything like that, you can have 'em.

Eric, I have been fortunate enough to own and ride a lot of different motorcycles, including a 101 Scout and a 741. Both look pretty cool but I sold the 741 the same year I bought it and still have my 101 many years and miles after buying it.

[Tom Lovejoy]

Eric, I have never ridden a 101 either - but I think their like the Whizzer brotherhood - once you ride one, you will buy one :-) Yesterday I was at Indian Day West and today out on the coast on my 25 scout. Both yesterday and today, Cannonbal was in the air - lots of talking going on. At an antique gathering is one thing, but it surprised me today. Just out riding and have people asking about it. I was asked no less than three times if I knew someone with a 101 for sale, as they wanted to ride one in the Cannonbal - a crack up.

[Tom Lovejoy]

I miss spoke in the earlier post, estimated cost for the Cannonbal by some accounts approaching 17,000 bucks. I was just taken aback buy the amount, did'nt consider all envolved. Pit crews, lodging, not to mention gas for all the none two wheel vehicles, a big undertaking!

[jurassic]

hi tom, i think some of those figures may be a bit tall. one rider ,with one other person in a support truck should expect to spend between 8 and 10 grand on the road. that includes entry fee, hotels, gas, food, and the return trip home. alot of riders are teaming up and sharing hotels ,and support trucks,which cuts costs considerably. of course motorcycle rebuild and prep is not included in this estimate.

[Slojo]

Lonnies estimate is accurate based on my past costs.

Joe

[Tom Lovejoy]

Thanks Lonnie and Joe, I will pass the word. Those numbers sound better to me and for a once in a life time event, much more do able. Now, I can save and dream about the next pre 16 Cannonbal :-) I plan on ridding out and catching the end of this one too, as I did the first one.