John Bartman, a Chicago native turned Florida local, is honored to be #60 in the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball. His first motorbike was a 69 Honda Mini Trail. John is a lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast and purchased his first 1973 Big Twin FLH in 1980. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting and restoring antique motorcycles.

John spent the majority of his career as a glazier working on commercial storefronts in Chicago. He has since put his construction career behind him and now owns two bars: Skeeter’s Saloon in Carpentersville, IL. and Tavern at the Bridge in Algonquin, IL. Being semi-retired has afforded him the time and opportunity to take part in the Cannonball experience. He is currently restoring a 1923 Harley-Davidson Model J.

John looks forward to meeting his fellow Cannonball competitors and sharing in this journey across our great country.

The West Kootenays we consider the best place in the world and we are proud Canadians

Our entry, #6, is a re engineered 1928 J D built as a 61 inch .motor, 1000 cc. Modern brakes, V L transmission, upgraded electrical; a Harley J D cutaway heavily influenced by John J D Cameron.
The theme is function over form with a view of modifications to improve performance and safety.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. A marriage of old metal and new.

Main builder is Master Harley mechanic Jim Hoye of Hoyes Place, Pinantan Lake. One of the most high end shops just outside Kamloops, British Columbia. From a 7.63 nitro fuelled drag bike to going down the road vintage bikes plus, plus, plus are the accomplishments of a life time motorcycle mechanic.

Shout outs are tough because I am going to miss someone as so many are involved:
Lonnie Isam Jr who started something none of us could have envisioned.

Rob Nussbaum Retrocycle, not enough can be said about Rob and his crew.

Mike Bell Texas, Fellow Cannonballer, long time friend, we both crossed the Florida / Georgia State line in 1980 on our way to Daytona 1980 in a freak snow storm as one example of our shared adventures.

Rich Rau, R R Hawg shop Newport Oregon and our extended Oregon family, best friends a man can have.

Larry and Shelley Boden, Tsawwassen BC, brother and sister from other Mothers

Larry Lapointe and Mike Jensen from Cranbrook, BC machinists whose assistance and influence is so appreciated.

Eldon Brown, Milestone Vintage Motorcycle Restoration Vernon BC, parts source, services and helpful information and a heck of a nice guy.

Al Cleary, Stroker Cycles Grand Forks BC who keeps all of our bike going down the road.

J D Jugs in Australia who is recreating history and whose cylinders I am proud to be using

Fasttruck, Nelson BC, our local riding group who offer financial and spiritual sponsorship

Mary and Grant, Jim and Jen and All the Toad Rockers. Toad Rock Motorcycle Campground Balfour British Columbia where the fun never stops

On and on the list could go. For myself the folks and friendships garnered are so represented in this build and pending ride.

I tell people I have been buying, riding and losing money on motorcycles since 1963. Bought my 1st for $75.00 spent money on it and sold it for $45.00. Not much has changed, just bigger numbers.

Thanks to all I have met as their influence is represented in this build.

James and Jane see you in Portland or en route

.
Robb Priske

Team ” The West Kootenay Boys”

Dale Grayson # 28 1923 Indian Chief
Robb Priske # 61 1928 Harley J D

Support crew:
Martinus Slootweg
Betty Armstrong
Donna Grayson

This is my third attempt to cross this fantastic country on the Cannonball Run. We are truly blessed by God! I am in heavy debt to Lonnie, Jason, and all of the support staff for this life changing opportunity! I also appreciate the intense friendships that are a result of this event! In 2014, my first attempt was on a 1929 BMW R63, “Black Beauty.” This was BMW’s first 735 CC overhead valve motorcycle (earlier bikes were 500cc). This motorcycle had survived service during World War 2. During involuntary war conscription engine damage occurred which was subtle but detrimental to my journey. I made it about 1/3 of the way, before it took me out of the tour in the middle of the United States. It was disappointing but is the reality of the Cannonball. In 2016 bikes were restricted to 100 years old or older. I rode “Lucille” a 1915 Harley Davidson 11F which I named after my grandmother. This bike was ridden in the inaugural Cannonball of 2010 by Rick McMaken of Roy Washington and I was fortunate enough to purchase it afterwards. He won class 3 with the number 40 plate which William Buckingham sported in 2014 and was carried by the entire Cannonball field in 2016 after his unexpected passing just a few weeks before he would be riding in the 2016 Cannonball. In 2016 Lucille carried me over the entire route with a perfect score. I think 16 of the 90 bikes achieved this. It was not a cake walk. On the second day I was under Lucille with gas and oil pouring on me, in a ditch with what I thought might be a broken leg taking me out of the run. Victor Boocock (#56 “The Godfather”) and Mark Lowen (#69) helped get Lucille up and running on the side of the road allowing me to complete the days run. The leg bothered me for the next three days but was not broken! Twenty miles later at our evening stop, Triple S Harley Davidson in Morgantown VV opened their shop and with Dave Kafton’s help I was able to repair the damage and get on the road the next morning. In 2018 I am running a refreshed Lucille during 2017 she went through the 5000 mile rebuild. This meant every nut, bolt and ball bearing was disassembled and cleaned. This is no guarantee to success, this is a 103-year-old motorcycle with lots of wear and tear and fatigue. Riding bikes this old is a true shake of the dice, you never know what is going to happen. I am looking forward to exploring the northern part of this country and meeting all of the great people who appreciate this early American engineering and rolling circus!

PS. It is amazing how 100+ year old technology can actually get you across the United States. It seems like such a great distance and you are probably averaging about 35 to 45 mph.
Everything is so worn out and fatigued.
It’s a true miracle anyone actually makes it!

So the bigger question is why not strap a high dollar motorcycle to a trailer hitch carrier.
Especially when the motorcycle is worth quite a bit more than the truck.
That’s how we roll in Alabama!
Ride On!!!

My name is Dave Currier #64 from Fargo, North Dakota. My passion for motorcycles started at the young age of 7 when my dad let me ride a 250 NSU all by myself. I was hooked! My dad Dick was a flat track motorcycle and car racer from the 40s-50s. His inspiration has been a driving factor following the Cannonball race since it started in 2010.

I’m proud to participate in the 2018 race riding a 1915 Harley-Davidson Twin” a 103 year old machine. I’m very competitive and the challenge of this cross country race was a must do!

Watch out Cannonball, #64 is ready to race!

Team Dakota”
Kay Currier – Fargo, ND
Rick Weed – Soldotna, AK
Lillian Weed – Soldotna, AK
Rod Clouse – Fargo ND

I grew up riding on the back of my dads 1949 Harley panhead at a very young age. This was typically not just a rider and passenger like you would see nowadays, Rather, my dad would take us all to the store with 3 or 4 kids piled on the motorcycle. One kid would be in front of my dad on the seat and another behind him. I would usually sit on the front fender with another one on the luggage rack. We would certainly get the looks from passersby seeing 5 people on a motorcycle. I think the goal of those rides was at least partially to get a rise out of the neighbors.

My first motorcycle was a 1965 Yamaha 125, which I bought with my older brother Steve since working as a paper carrier didn’t provide me with enough money to buy my own. My Yamaha was clearly a street bike although it was my trail bike. I’ve been hooked and crazy about motorcycles ever since.

I worked at a local motorcycle shop for a few years during high school doing simple mechanical jobs and maintenance. I met a lot of great people and learned some invaluable mechanical skills.

My main focus in life for many years was racing motocross. I worked after school as a dishwasher and would spend all of my money on my motocross bike and going to races. I also would ride an occasional enduro, hare scrambles, or flat track. During the winters we would compete in ice racing events on an oval track one day, and then change wheels and tires and be ready for indoor flat track on a concrete floor at the Minneapolis armory, the next.

I slowed down on racing somewhat during the years I was busy in college studying mechanical engineering and subsequently medical school, although I had all three of my kids riding PW 50’s by age 3 or 4. Since owning my first bike, I’ve always been passionate about introducing friends and acquaintances to the joys of riding. I am constantly teaching and loaning out bikes for others to learn on. Its very rewarding for me to see others experience and enjoy the freedom of motorcycling as much as I do.

Now, with a little more time on my hands, I am obsessed once again now owning 50 some motorcycles of many varied ages, types and brands. I had to build another garage on my property to keep my wife happy after storing my Honda mini trail in the dining room for an entire winter.

I read about the Cannonball a few years ago while searching the internet and instantly knew that that was what I wanted to do next. My wife Linda believes that I have lost my marbles since the only thing I do other than work is obsess over cannonball stuff. I only more recently have obtained a few older machines from the 1920’s. I have 1929 Indian 101 scout and am slowly piecing together a 1929 Harley JD as well as a 1928 Harley BA. My current cannonball build is a 1927 Harley JD. My riding number is #65 for the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball. I’m both very excited and a little apprehensive for this September with not knowing exactly what to expect.

My support crew will be my wonderfully tolerant wife Linda, my Harley panhead-riding brother Steve and his lovely and very social wife Mary

I was born in 1944.My father was a motorcyclist so I was a pillion passenger from age 6.We went all over the country no traffic ,no helmet,no protective clothing except for a rain mac as such things were very rare in Europe at that time.Bought my first bike at 17 had a succession of English bikes Ariel,Norton ,Triumphs.Married ,kids,came back to motorcycling at end of the 1980,s.I have a small selection of classic bikes ride regularly in Ireland,have done two Cannonballs and am looking forward to next year on my 1923 Harley

Hi, my name is Jon Turney, and the bike I have chosen to ride in the 2018 Cannonball Rally is a 1927 Indian Scout Motorcycle.

I live in Cambridge, New Zealand, with my wife Jan. She can’t imagine why I would want to do this run, it will be hot, or very cold, physically challenging and I times I’m sure we will wonder what possessed us to take this on.

Ever since reading about the 2014 Cannonball, I have dreamed of being invited to join this epic event and share the friendship and camaraderie that all previous riders have enjoyed. Riding across the US continent will be the highlight of all my years riding bikes.

The Indian has a vee twin 600 mL side valve engine, total loss boiling system and a 3 speed gearbox. With basic leaf spring forks, she ain’t comfortable, but to me, the whole point of the Cannonball is the physical, mental and spiritual challenge.

Restoration has been progressing well, all cycle parts have been restored, bearings replaced, forks rebuilt, rims and hubs laced up, new tires fitted in the magneto rewound.

Although now running, there have been countless hours on sorting out the dozens of little problems that arise in any rebuild, from dialing in the oil dripper to getting the rear wheel brake to nearly work. Nearly is enough isn’t it?

I have a willing crew of my son and his uncle, both are mechanically minded and experts in improvisation and good humour, critical in keeping both man and machine going.

We plan to keep the backup support fairly basic, a spare magneto, some cycle parts, puncture repair kit, attend full of spare nuts and bolts and basic toolbox.

And a ton of faith in vintage iron.

See you all in Portland in September.
I can hardly wait.

After seeing my father, Mark Loewen, take part in the 2014 and 2016 races my love for vintage cars and trucks has expanded to the world of motorcycles. I am very excited to be able to become part of a race where not only vintage and antique motorcycles are being restored to running condition, they are being ridden and even pushed past what they were initially designed for. As someone who drives a 1966 Ford pickup as their daily driver I love seeing these vehicles used, and not just out on display. I look forward to the race and being a part of this community. Thank so much for this oportunity.

Hello Cannonball Nation!

My name is Mark Loewen. This will be my third crossing of america on the Cannonball. I will be attempting this epic challenge once again on my 1912 Excelsior, twin, belt drive.
She’s a strong runner, but her flaws showed up last time to keep me from that alluring perfect score. I believe we have learned enough from the last go round to have a better
chance of success this time, but hard to say, If you learn anything from past Cannonballs is that anything can and will happen, especially if you think everything is going so good. HA HA.

This Cannonball is sure to be special for me since my son Jeremy will be joining our team, and riding along on his,( someday) 1925 HD JD, and will reach official adult hood during the trip.
No No not because of the ride, because he will be turning 21. But the ride will definetly make him feel all grown up. This will be a life changing experience, as any past rider will attest to.

I’m a contractor running a family business that is going on it’s 40th year of operation this year. I’m also an AMCA chapter president. The Fort Sutter Chapter, Sacramento,CA.
My fellow club members are the only reason I’ve made it this far in the antique motorcycle world and Cannonball world. True friends that I’m thankful to have, and my Cannonball family.

Stay tuned to see how this adventure plays out.

See you all on the road.

Mark Loewen #69

Team – Iron Dinosuar / Pump it up Racing
# 69 Mark Loewen
# 68 Jeremy Loewen
# 36 Mark Wiebens
#56 Victor Boocock aka. The Godfather
The Truck – Matt Myer