By now, most everyone’s heard of the Cross Country Chase that ran last September. But did you know there are several of the Motorcycle Cannonball riders that made the epic run? As the newest of the antique touring rides, the Chase included a good cross-section of vintage riders who hailed from all around the United States.
There’s a series out now based on riders from the Chase, some of whom will be riding on the Cannonball this fall. The first of the series features the CCC winner, Todd Cameron. Check out scooterscribes.news/the-chaser-chronicles/ to learn about the intrepid riders and see what makes them tick. You’ll be surprised at what you might have in common with these adventurists!
Have you been watching the recent updates here regarding the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball? You’ll start to see more riders posting their bios and bike photos as we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Motorcycle Cannonball, so be sure to visit us often and check out all the pages here. It’s going to be a very exciting year for antique motorcycle riding!
This year’s route is proving to be a challenge for our course master, John Classen since, just like all good things, there’s a lot of work that goes into laying out the masterful routes the Motorcycle Cannonball is so famous for. No two courses have ever been the same!
We like to shake things up to stay a bit unpredictable and this year is no different. The most obvious change for the 2020 is that we’ll be going north to south, rather than the traditional east to west rides of the past. From the Canada border to the shores of the Texas coast, more riders than ever will struggle against the elements to keep their machines between the lines while crossing the state lines. We’ll ride through 12 states and visit lots of great places this September as we make new friends all along this taxing route. Most of the stops are pretty exciting and we look forward to seeing you all out there along our way, so check back often and stay informed as you plan your visit to our hosted stops!
The Motorcycle Cannonball will have a stop in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.
Hosted by the City of Arkadelphia, along with Mayor and Motorcycle Cannonball Rider # 25 Scott Byrd, you will be welcomed by warm, friendly people who know Southern hospitality.
A town with two colleges located in the foothills of the Ouachita mountains. The vistas are gorgeous as you move in and out of town you will cross the Ouachita River coming into town and the Caddo on your way out.
Riders will check-in Downtown Arkadelphia. Like an old motorcycle, the downtown fell on hard times when a tornado blew threw in 1997, but the town was rebuilt and is running better than ever.
The City motto is “A great place to call home” and we are excited that it will be our home for the night!
www.cityofarkadelphia.com
*Official times announced closer to the event.
Cannonball fever effects everyone who has ever signed up, done the time wrenching and preparing, and certainly making the miles across America. It’s a memorable experience that offers a lifetime of smiles and is the subject of conversation among riders around the world. One such rider, Pat Simmons, has even put his experience to words and backed it up with soul-stirring tunes.
Pat shared his newest song with Jason and LeeAnn in Las Vegas last month and, needless to say, they were duly impressed. This new tune is about the Motorcycle Cannonball and it ROCKS! And why wouldn’t it? Pat, an original founder, has been with the Doobie Brothers band since the beginning and now, 50-years later, the group is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! Be sure to watch the haps when the ceremony airs live on HBO on May 2nd at 8 p.m. ET
We’re not sure when you can hear Pat’s original riding tune for yourself, but stay tuned…you’re gonna love it!
The Motorcycle Cannonball will have an overnight stop in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, September 13, 2020.
The Rip Rap Roadhouse will be hosting riders as they check in for the day.
Always very bike, family, and bike family friendly!
The Rip Rap Roadhouse was founded on the belief that great food and great service at a reasonable price will get people to keep coming back, and hopefully, they’ll tell their friends.
All of our recipes are unique and we only use the highest quality ingredients we can find. We only hire people that appreciate professionalism and who treat our customers like they want to be treated when they go out. We also believe that building a long-term reputation is more valuable than making money in the short-term. Our prices reflect this belief.
From our barn built in 1853 to our full service restaurant featuring unique food that cannot be found anywhere else, the Rip Rap Roadhouse captures Dayton’s spirit of history and uniqueness. Locals have enjoyed their experience here for a long time.
We are known for Wednesday Night Bike Night that attracts bikers from miles around and live music on the weekends. The Roadhouse is the place to be for great food and even better times.
Official Times will be announced closer to the event.
www.ripraproadhouse.com
The Motorcycle Cannonball will have an overnight stop in Traverse City, MI on Friday, September 11, 2020.
Hagerty Insurance is once again hosting riders as they check in for the day.
Official times and further details will be announced closer to the event.
Stay tuned to our website and social media for further announcements as we continue to release the route.
It’s been said that the family that plays together, stays together and that statement proved out during the Mecum Motorcycle Auction in Las Vegas last month. Cannonball alumni, current riders, crew and even a sponsor or two gathered for the annual family photo on Friday evening just as the gavel dropped on the day’s action. With over 1,800 machines crossing the stage, it was a full week of motorcycle speak and riding memories as friends and fans gathered to celebrate all things vintage. And now, riders are getting down to the business of preparing for the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball. Stay tuned, race fans, it’s about to get real! Check back often as riders post their rides, videos and bios and we share details of the cross country ride on pre-1930 machines. It’s going to be epic!
The new 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball poster and artwork has been released!! Check out this great piece of artwork created by Danial James Studio. This is now the third in the series of Motorcycle Cannonball Fine Artwork. This is the Official Poster for the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball which will travel from Sault Ste. Marie, MI to South Padre Island, TX. This years event dates are September 10th thru the 27th. Stay tuned for upcoming releases of Cities and Stops! You can purchase this poster and other great 2020 items at: https://www.cannonballstore.com/collections/official-merchandise-for-the-2020-motorcycle-cannonball
Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Do you have all the mementos and souvenirs from past events that you wanted?
Here’s Your Chance!
We are Blowing out 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball Merchandise before we release the 2020 Items.
http://www.cannonballstore.com
Use Code chase2019 to get 35% off selected Motorcycle Cannonball and Cross Country Chase merchandise.
Valid through November 15 and While Supplies Last!
Code Must be Entered into the Discount Code Section During Check-Out to Receive Percentage Off
For Immediate Release:
Motorcycle Cannonball and Legends Motorcycle Museum present:
The Cross Country Chase
Sturgis, SD-January 21, 2019- On Friday, September 6, 2019, a group of approximately 100-adventerous souls on antique motorcycles will take America’s two-lanes by storm and the world is invited to cheer on the excitement.
The Cross Country Chase, America’s newest antique motorcycle touring challenge, is brought to you by the tried-n-true crew at the Motorcycle Cannonball in partnership with Legends Motorcycle Museum. This down-n-dirty endurance run will prove out the “who’s who” of antique motorcycling. Not only will the winner be crowned a “Legend” and have bragging rights for life after successfully completing the arduous run, but as a bonus, a cash prize will also be awarded. The cross-country challenge is for riders over 18, motorcycles manufactured between 1930-1948, and will be an extreme test of endurance, speed, navigation, and knowledge.
Endurance: Riders and machines will have to travel an average of 250-350 miles per day over an 8-day period while enduring mental and physical exhaustion, extreme cold and heat, various elevation changes, and the unpredictable elements of Mother Nature. Riders will tackle The Cross Country Chase on their own; no support crews of any kind will be allowed during the event. Participants will have to anticipate what is vital for the entire duration: all tools, parts, and luggage must be packed on their motorcycles. It’s just you, your motorcycle, and some of the best 2 lane roads of North America.
Speed: Riders and machines will be challenged to complete stages in a timed fashion, which will require maintaining required speeds, making strategically planned stops while managing time throughout the day in order to check in to the final daily checkpoint at the required time.
Navigation: Riders are required to successfully navigate the 8-day, 2,500+ mile course without going off course or getting lost. The Chase will provide riders with a navigation map daily that provides turn-by-turn instructions based on mileage.
Knowledge: Riders will be take a 100-question test covering aspects of American motorcycling history and will count towards the rider’s final score.
Qualifications:
Motorcycles:
- Manufactured between 1930-1948
- Motorcycle will be handicapped on the following:
- Age: The older the motorcycle, the higher the handicap
- Engine Displacement: Motorcycles with smaller displacement engines will be handicapped higher than motorcycles with higher displacement
- Average Speed: Part of the handicap will be based on your average cruising speed.
- Must have ORIGINAL engine cases
- Must have ORIGINAL transmission cases (No late model transmissions)
- Period correct carburetors (No late model Mikunis, S&S, etc.)
- Paint (must be period correct)
- No modern choppers or bobbers (unless they look period correct)
Riders:
Age: 18 and older
Current motorcycle license, registration and insurance are required. If you think you and your machine are cut out for this intense adventure, submit your application at www.themotorcyclechase.com