Author Topic: 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball (Read 14897 times)

Markcarovilli · « **Reply #30 on:** September 11, 2018, 12:48:48 PM »

as it was running thru Ohio today....

Joe - saw 118 running well in Peninsula, Ohio , but didn't get a photo

one a cool thing.

Mark

oilhed · « **Reply #31 on:** September 11, 2018, 05:07:19 PM »

I rode up to NH for the lunch stop Sat. Was great fun, lotsa spectators. The bikes were plenty!
Beautiful day, too. Chilly Sunday, Rain Monday and today already in Ohio? Better than most riders.

sdcr · « **Reply #32 on:** September 11, 2018, 06:54:25 PM »

Actually there is a small amount of Guzzi content. This fellow from Italy, brought his 1919 harley to enter the cannonball. Please note his Moto Guzzi jacket:)

stubbie · « **Reply #33 on:** September 11, 2018, 07:28:58 PM »

That's funny. His 1919 Harley with his 2018 GPS mounted to the handlebars.

PeteS · « **Reply #34 on:** September 11, 2018, 07:51:16 PM »

Yesterday I rode an hour to the Harley dealer where they were supposed to stop for lunch only to find out they canceled the leg from Binghamton to Jamestown, NY. Bummer. Rain was moderate in the morning but no rain in the afternoon. Hard to believe they don't run in the rain.
I am curious to learn who made the decision not to ride, the organizers or participants.
The Harley dealer, Arkport Cycles, was all set up to feed them but ended up offering it to those who showed to welcome them.

Pete

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #35 on:** September 12, 2018, 05:28:27 AM »

Facebook posts have been great keep it up Joe!

SmithSwede · « **Reply #36 on:** September 12, 2018, 02:46:01 PM »

Best of luck JoeW.

I had the privilege of attending Richard's Team Norton kick-off party down in Texas before he headed off to Maine, and have been following him (1915 Norton, #77) ever since.

Will now be following #13 as well.

oilhed · « **Reply #37 on:** September 12, 2018, 08:15:34 PM »

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #38 on:** September 13, 2018, 11:51:05 AM »

Dorcia and I just returned from an overnight stop of the Cannonball. Hung out with the Guzzi Doctor and other Guzzi guys.
Film at eleven.

Unkept · « **Reply #39 on:** September 13, 2018, 12:20:41 PM »

Quote from: Chuck in Indiana on September 13, 2018, 11:51:05 AM

Dorcia and I just returned from an overnight stop of the Cannonball. Hung out with the Guzzi Doctor and other Guzzi guys.
Film at eleven.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #40 on:** September 13, 2018, 01:34:27 PM »

As a prelude, a year or so ago I thought since I could find and antique airplane project and have it flying and reliable for $20K, I could do the same with an antique motorcycle and run the Cannonball.
Not.
Collectors are involved, and anything capable of running the Cannonball is prohibitively expensive. Parts to keep them running are in the same league. Well above my pay grade.

So.. I at least wanted to watch.
We drove to Bourbonnais, IL. the fifth overnight stop of 15 to see what it was all about.
Hung out at the Guzzi Doctor's place..

2018-09-13_01-59-39 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Joe

2018-09-13_01-55-19 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
is the wrench for an Indian, number 118.

2018-09-12_05-08-16 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
We spent the afternoon waiting for the bikes to come in, and Joe graciously offered shade, a place to sit, drinks, etc. Told me about the "secrets"

of keeping the old bike going for 3500 miles. Mainly, though, it is great attention to detail, and thoroughly knowing the foibles of the machine.
As it became time for the bikes to start coming in, we went to the finish line, here modeled by my lovely assistant..

2018-09-13_12-57-50 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Found a place in the shade, put our buns in our chairs and enjoyed. Number 118 was first in class, 15 minutes early today.

Typical pix follow in the next post.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #41 on:** September 13, 2018, 01:44:20 PM »

Riders from over the world were here. Talked to a guy from New Zealand, for instance..

2018-09-13_12-59-46 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

2018-09-13_12-58-10 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

2018-09-13_12-58-45 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Two up on a Brough.. (!)

2018-09-13_12-59-16 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
That evening, most were *working* on the machines.. some feverishly..

2018-09-13_01-01-04 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Saw some serious surgery on the Beemer, but forgot to take a picture.
Joe was just kicked back, saying this would be an easy night.

(Attention to detail, knowing the machine, etc.) He could definitely work on my airplane..

Unkept · « **Reply #42 on:** September 13, 2018, 01:57:02 PM »

Great report Chuck!

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #43 on:** September 13, 2018, 02:00:52 PM »

These pix are from this morning:
The riders don't know the route until they are given a strip map before leaving. It is rolled on a gizmo like we used to use on enduros back in another lifetime. Here, Joe meticulously rolls it on, and makes notes for the rider as he does it.

2018-09-13_01-01-27 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
There are three classes, but I am clueless (my normal mode of operation) as how each fits in the class. At any rate, there are 100 bikes

2018-09-13_01-57-58 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
Here, Joe and Dan? are prepared and waiting for the owner/rider to show..

2018-09-13_01-01-55 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
while some are still doing last second things..

2018-09-13_01-02-24 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr
A guy with a big camera came over and interviewed Dorcia and me for whatever reason. I always have told her she's a star..

Bought a couple of T shirts from the good Doctor to no doubt help him a little with expenses, said our good byes, and another adventure is in the books.
If you get a chance to see one of the stages, I recommend it.

nobleswood · « **Reply #44 on:** September 13, 2018, 04:36:03 PM »

Cool !

SmithSwede · « **Reply #45 on:** September 13, 2018, 04:43:53 PM »

Thanks for the update and photos. This is pretty cool stuff . . .

twodogs · « **Reply #46 on:** September 13, 2018, 05:01:07 PM »

Good stuff there

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #47 on:** September 13, 2018, 05:16:16 PM »

Well, it *is* a good time, if you are a gearhead.. most Guzzi Guys are.. and like antique machinery. See statement two.

If you are anywhere near the route, it's worth a day.

RinkRat II · « **Reply #48 on:** September 13, 2018, 06:27:37 PM »

Thank You for the update Chuck,
Your absolutely right on the good time comment, A couple years ago they came through the Four Corners area on their way to San Diego and we got to hang out for a couple hours at their overnite stop. As you say there were 12 or so teams doin' the big thrash to keep them in the race, 8 or9 just doin' maintenance and 1 or 2 sittin' back sipping Vino while their trusty assistants were polishing and cleaning. Better prepared I'd say. Great bunch of enthusiasts for sure.

Paul B

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #49 on:** September 13, 2018, 07:46:58 PM »

The CB lunch stop was at Workman HD in Rock Falls, Illinois about 70 miles from my house. I rode down with a few buddies. It was worth the trip! Very cool. They have a LONG way to go!

oilhed · « **Reply #50 on:** September 14, 2018, 07:45:53 AM »

This is great. I really dig it! Went up to Rochester, NH last Sat. for the first lunch stop.

But has me thinking wouldn't something similar with pre-WWII european bikes be the boss

Denis · « **Reply #51 on:** September 14, 2018, 08:48:36 AM »

There have been a couple of overnight engine rebuilds already. Those guys who rebuild complete engines at night in parking lots are pretty amazing. You HAVE to know what you're doing.

One guy's Indian blew an engine plug and a friend repaired it with a beer can and another bolt.

Another guy's bike broke all the sprocket bolts and they used 100ft of para cord to hold it on until they made the night's stop. It made it.

Rhodan · « **Reply #52 on:** September 14, 2018, 09:20:42 AM »

Thanks for the pics, updates, and stories. I'm thinking of trying to see them when they hit the Dalles.

guzzimatic · « **Reply #53 on:** September 14, 2018, 10:29:54 AM »

We saw them at Rock Falls! It was 125 miles getting there so 250 or so round trip. That is what they average each day on these ancient machines,for two weeks! Amazing! I am not sure how you would train for that long of an event. I always say it takes a few trips each year to get hardened up for the road but what these guys and gals do is epic!!!

hidn45 · « **Reply #54 on:** September 14, 2018, 11:36:08 AM »

Got to see them after their "skip day" from Binghamton to Jamestown, NY:

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Yes, a brace of Brough Superiors!

If you're on Facebook, I've got a few more pic's there, & a short vid of our Guzzi Doctor starting up ol' Lucky #13...

https://www.facebook.com/randy.nelson.58367/media_set?set=a.2385944571431973&type=3&fb_dtsg_ag=AdwJoaUfRQPMAIUuob82Zokg_pp7hPRAUGvG008OkYesPQ%3AAdwK1xwa6KgBOdjlVx7fz15hdngcB9AslQ7wDpfb8ZVTSQ

By the way, one of the best parts was when the meet-n-greet was winding down & everyone was starting up to head back to the hotel - WHAT a SOUND!!

If you're anywhere near - GO!

oilhed · « **Reply #55 on:** September 15, 2018, 08:19:19 PM »

Quote from: Chuck in Indiana on September 13, 2018, 01:34:27 PM

As a prelude, a year or so ago I thought since I could find and antique airplane project and have it flying and reliable for $20K, I could do the same with an antique motorcycle and run the Cannonball.
Not.
Collectors are involved, and anything capable of running the Cannonball is prohibitively expensive. Parts to keep them running are in the same league. Well above my pay grade. So.. I at least wanted to watch.

You can always do the Scooter Cannonball Run
https://www.scootercannonballrun.com/

oldbike54 · « **Reply #56 on:** September 15, 2018, 08:55:11 PM »

Quote from: PeteS on September 11, 2018, 07:51:16 PM

Yesterday I rode an hour to the Harley dealer where they were supposed to stop for lunch only to find out they canceled the leg from Binghamton to Jamestown, NY. Bummer. Rain was moderate in the morning but no rain in the afternoon. Hard to believe they don't run in the rain.
I am curious to learn who made the decision not to ride, the organizers or participants.
The Harley dealer, Arkport Cycles, was all set up to feed them but ended up offering it to those who showed to welcome them.

Pete

Leather drive belts don't work well when the get wet , then you have exposed valves and carburetors sans air filters adding to the problems .

Dusty

Aaron D. · « **Reply #57 on:** September 16, 2018, 07:27:53 PM »

Someone say Scooter Cannonball? Harder than the MC version.
Here's a taste...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUSYKHHAuLE&t=2s

JoeW · « **Reply #58 on:** October 03, 2018, 03:49:15 PM »

Thanks to all that stopped by on the trip across country, you know who you are! Just an update, for those that don't know. Our 1913 Indian made all the miles under it's own power with no major component failure. That gave us a first in our class (class 2, multi cylinder single speed and multi speed single cylinder bikes) And we took second overall, first place went to Dean Bordigioni team number 13 on a 1914 Harley single cylinder belt drive. We made history by being the first Hedstrom powered Indian to make all the miles in the Cannonball.

Roebling3 · « **Reply #59 on:** October 03, 2018, 04:19:52 PM »

Congratulations Joe and your small mob. Great planning, wonderful results. If it weren't for the unknown it would be a ride in the park. Continued Good fortune, R3~

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Author Topic: 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball (Read 14897 times)

oldbike54