Hi, I’m Mike Jensen of Council Bluffs, IA and am a lineman with OPPD in Omaha.

I’ve been interested in motorcycles all of my life. My first bike was at age 7 when we moved to the country. It brought the feeling of freedom that got me hooked on motorcycles forever.

I sold 4H calves to buy more motorcycles so I could start racing hare scrambles, enduros, flat track and motocross. Real life came after graduation when I got a real job, got married to my support driver of 30+ years and had 3 children. We raced go-karts with the boys and my wife and I rode Ragbrai for 20 years. We started going to Sturgis in 1999 and I’ve also ridden the Hot Bike tour.

In 2015, I began working with Troy Anzalone who was helping Dave Volnek prepare for the 2016 Cannonball. Troy and I talked about the Cannonball a lot. My wife, Carey and I rode to Dodge City, KS to meet up with the Cannonball riders and see what this adventure was all about. We talked most of the way home about the challenges of participating in such an event.

I started looking at antique bikes online and heard rumor that a series 17 Excelsior might be for sale in Georgetown, TX. After lots of conversations, text messages and photos we took off on a weekend road trip to purchase the bike from Steve Klein, Klein Collection. Steve & Joan were gracious hosts and helped make my dream come true. I brought the bike home and the work began. Team Over-Time members – Troy, Dave, Bob Alf and myself, have worked tirelessly putting “Vendita” together.

I’m very excited for the 2018 Cannonball. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone involved and making history.

Who would have dreamed a young teenager and his love of bikes would evolve into a private collection of vintage motorcycles that would rival Harley-Davidson themselves?

Utah Home Builder, Rick Salisbury and his personal love of collecting has amassed well-over 200 vintage motorcycles, mounds of one-of-a-kind memorabilia, a rare trophy collection, and original art by world renowned motorcycle-centric Artists’ such as David Uhl, Scott Jacobs, Tom Fritz, and Bronze sculptor Jeff Decker.

His collection is displayed at Legends Motorcycle’s in Springville, Utah. Legend’s has a full service Parts and Service department, Sidecar Café and Museum. The upper viewing gallery is home to Salisbury’s crown jewel, a completely unrestored 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank. One of only three 1907 Strap Tank’s in existence, Salisbury’s is the only bike that survived with its original paint, engine, frame and tires. Across the Legends Compound you can grab a beer at this StrapTank Brewery named for his rare bike.

Salisbury’s collection includes other rarities such as; a1905 Single (World’s Oldest Harley Davidson) and to the left a rare1909 Single-Police (that served in the La Crosse, Wisconsin Police Department), the oldest unrestored Indian motorcycle-a 1903 Camel Back, his 1916 Excelsior, which Salisbury rode cross-country in the 2016 Cannonball, and a truly incomparable bike, a Feilbach “Limited” the last bike off production, that was built using left-over parts which remained after the bankrupted Feilbach Motor Co. shuttered its manufacturing factory in 1914.

This year’s Cannonball Run will be Rick’s fourth personal Cannonball. He rode previously in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 rides. This year he is riding a 1928 Indian Ace.

Mikey Gontesky #19

DOB 08/23/1942 – San Diego, California
– New York
– San Diego
– Peru
– Kansas
– South Dakota
– England
– South Dakota

Since 08/23/1980 – Hampton, Virginia

2014 Cannonball – 1928 Harley Davidson JD
2016 Cannonball – 1912 Harley Davidson 8A
2018 Cannonball – 1925 Harley Davidson JD

Thanks to Lonnie Isam Jr. for the vision and Jason Sims for taking it to the next level – Jon Neuman @ Sagebrush Cycles, Dave Kafton – Lodi, California, Rob Nusbaum @ RetroCycle, Dave @ Harbor Vintage, Bart Borchert@ Old Dude, Tom Feeser @ Replicant Metals, Mike Milay @ The Linkert Guy, Je Willis @ Willis Garage, Mike Morris @ Vintage Brake, Andy @ Competition Distributing, Jim Lodato, Rowdy Schenck, Doug Wothke, Rich Rau, Ryan Allen, Doug Perry and everyone else who has helped along the way.

“Four wheels move the body – Two wheels move the soul”
– Anonymous

What motorcyclist could resist the prospect of riding across America on back roads at 45mph on an antique motorcycle? Definitely, not this one! I was born on a motorcycle (maybe) and have had a helmet in one hand and wrench in the other ever since. My principle interest was vintage bikes and vintage road racing. Earlier antique machines had held no particular appeal for me. But curiosity about the Motorcycle Cannonball led me to take closer look and I quickly came to appreciate how very fascinating these machines are. Mechanical technology and innovation were advancing so quickly during the period – not unlike microprocessor technology is today – that working with these machines makes it seem like one is witnessing early 20th century mechanical evolution before your very eyes. It’s a great lesson in history. Fun too.

This will be our third Motorcycle Cannonball and we will again display number 20. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and no doubt making new ones. My wonderful wife/crew chief/director of logistic and parole officer Beau and our dog Marty were a wonderful support crew in the 2014 and 2016 events – Marty is a master of public relations – and we are excited to do it again just one more time. (Hmmm. I vaguely remember saying that before).

Our bike is a 1916 Harley Davidson Model F and, interestingly, is the only Harley Davidson I’ve ever ridden or worked on. It served me well in 2016, was a hoot to ride and has indeed earned my respect. Please stop by to say hello if you see us in the pits.. um, err… I mean hotel parking lots.

Denis, Beau & Marty
New Milford, CT

“THE LIFESTYLE RUNS THROUGH MY BLOOD. I WAS BORN INTO IT AND I NEVER LOOKED BACK.”

That very statement exemplifies Tom Banks, “it’s in my blood.” My father, P.R. (Dick) Banks, was the owner of an Indian Motorcycle dealership, and avid flat track racer, in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area during the 1950’s and 60’s. My brothers and I gained a passion for classic American made motorcycles from hanging around with our father and close family friend, Bob Hart. Mr. Hart has been a mentor to me my entire life, but played an even bigger role in my life after my father passed away at a very young age. Mr. Hart, (who is now in his 80’s) and I still ride together. In the summer of 2017, along with some close friends, we made a 600-mile trip through the Appalachian Mountains.

My success as an entrepreneur has allowed me the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, and other regions of the globe, to collect and showcase some impressive American Made Classics. My collection is proudly displayed and can be viewed in person or in a virtual museum that can be found by visiting my website at www.banksbrothersmotorcycles.com.

During the 2018 Cannonball, I will be riding a 1921 Harley JD, with a 74 CI. twin engine. I am very grateful to have been chosen to participate in the Cannonball and have the chance to ride across the Country with fellow club members that share the same passion for bikes that I do. Of course, my goal is to complete the entire trek, but that may be easier said than done!

“With my drive, passion and support from family and friends, I will chase the sun across this great country of ours from coast to coast, while enjoying every moment of the entire experience. I am thankful for everyone and every experience that I have encountered in my life, good or bad, they have made me who I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

I Left motorcycles behind, sold my 1967 XLCH to start a aviation company. I was the owner , pilot, mechanic, accountant, sales person, you name it. Flew corporate jets all over for several corporations. Even flew Chuck Yeager as a passenger one time. My younger partner is taking over now so I can peruse my next career.

“worthless antique motorcycle junkie”

Eleven Harleys & two Cushmans later, I think it is a good start. A 1925 JD with sidecar(Rebel), 1928 JDH (Blue J), 1934 & 1935 VL’s (Krazy Krusty & Vickey), 1948 WL (Midnight), 1958 & 1965 Panheads(Green Beast & Old Blue), 1973 shovelhead (Some Assembly Required), 1958 & 1963 Cushman’s(Silver Fox & Little Red). Red really belongs to my wife Susan. Several more are just parts scattered around the barn & shop, a frame here, another sidecar body there, shelfs with engines, etc.etc.
Trucks & cars also.

The Queen of the fleet, a 1957 ford Skyliner(Queenie), is Susan’s. 1945 ford 1 ½ ton grain bed truck. 1983 Ranger pick up (Susan’s) 2002 Thunderbird & other late model stuff.