1913 Harley Davidson 9B

#119 BERT MISKELL Frederick, MD 1913 Harley-Davidson 9B Bert Miskell will be riding his 1913 Harley Davidson in his fourth Motorcycle Cannonball. As a novice antique motorcycle owner and rider in the 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball, he became an obsessed, enthusiast well before the finish line in Carlsbad. When preparing for and riding in 2016, he discovered a community of antique bike enthusiasts across the country from riders and collectors, to vendors and “wrenches”. The adventure, comradery and sheer enjoyment of seeing America up close and personal made running in 2018 and 2021 an irresistible temptation that continues for the 2023 run. Bert owns several modern Harleys and an Indian Chief. He had no intention of buying an antique bike until he read an article in American Iron magazine about the Motorcycle Cannonball. Determined to ride in 2016, he found Trista, had her rebuilt and made race ready by Matt Walksler in less than 10 months. Bert started the run with only a few weeks riding experience on the 1915. After a few mistakes, extreme heat, torrential rain and a ride on the “bus of shame”, #119 made an acceptable showing. Hoping to have the 1913 ready for 2018, Bert scoured the country for necessary parts across the country. Unforeseen events prevented completion of the ’13 so he turned to Trista. With minimal preparation, Bert and Trista finished the race missing only 65 miles due to a flat tire. The motor Matt Walksler built for 2016 went coast to coast twice without a hiccup! In preparation for the 2021 Cannonball, initially set for 2020, Bert continued his search to secure the last few elusive parts. Jake Reed, crew chief and mechanic on the 2016 Cannonball, worked feverishly to get the bike ready. Once more the 1913 wasn’t road ready, the pandemic disrupted the availability of parts and even the ability to get parts fabricated. Once again Trista was pulled out of the garage and with minimal preparation at Retrocycle started her third run across the country. And boy did she run – despite a grueling route, record rains and metal shavings in the oil she made every mile. Bert and Trista won Class 2 with the help of mechanic James Hamersly, fellow riders and their teams, and good folks along the way. More dedicated to the spirit of the Motorcycle Cannonball than ever, Bert and his support team look forward to renewing friendships and facing the challenges of another epic trip. By the way, the 1913 is going to be ready for 2023!