Rider 108 is Joe Chance of Westphalia, Iowa.

He is an auto body repairman & works at Creative Concepts Collision Center in Harlan, Iowa.

The motorcycle is a 1928 Harley Davidson JD, affectionately named “Shirley”.

The other members of “Team Not a Chance” are Shirley’s mechanics, Ron Ronfeldt (who owns the bike), Emmert Andersen, & Mike Wuhlhutter, all of Harlan, Iowa.

I’m Jim Miner from Springville Utah.
Growing up at a farm tractor dealership , (where I still work) I was always interested in anything with an engine. I loved motorcycles but Dad didn’t. He said when I was 16 I could have one ,so I had to beg or borrow someone else’s bike to ride till then. I brought home a Kawasaki 250 on my 16th birthday and quickly learned how to repair a motorcycle. After a few years racing motocross, and getting married I switched to an enduro. A bike little more practical with a family. Then one for everyone in the family. I bought my first Harley in 1993. A Sportster , then a Heritage in 98

After restoring tractors for years and riding motorcycles I started restoring bikes. I Started with a Bridgestone 175, then a Hodaka ace 90. Now I have dozens of restored and original bikes from several European countries, 5 brands from Japan and a dozen Harleys.

Several years ago I bought a WL45. This was my first vintage/antique bike. Then I came home with an EJ Cole 1928 Harley B. Both have been great experience in learning about old American motorcycles.

After tagging along with the Cannonballers on the 45 in 2014 and 2016 for a couple stages, I had to try to find a bike I could afford and hope to somehow get to participate for real.

Just before the cannonball last Sept I bought a 1918 Harley J in hopes of landing a spot in the next cannonball. This bike is unrestored , and by the paint sprayed over everything I think it was some kind of a army or government vehicle.
Now my focus is to bring this old “army bike” back to life and leave as much of the character and personality as I can . Right down to the bullet hole in the case.

I’m very grateful I am getting the chance to put my skills and knowledge to the test on this adventure of a lifetime and hope I am up to the challenge.

Ricky Bartel & his wife Janis are from Shiocton, a small town in Northeast Wisconsin. For over 30 years they owned & operated a small trucking company out of their home until Rick’s recent retirement.
Rick has been riding motorcycle for as long as he can remember, teaching Janis to ride in a parking lot in Green Bay, WI during college prior to their marriage . After high school graduation, Rick and several of his friends bought their first new motorcycles and headed west to watch Evil Knievel jump the Snake River Canyon. That was the beginning of numerous motorcycles and motorcycle trips. Shortly after his retirement, Rick ventured south and caught up with the 2016 Cannonball in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, helping Doc Hopkins and his team for part of the run and yes…. He got the Vintage bike and Cannonball “bug”. In January, 2017, he purchased his first Vintage motorcycle, a 1926 Harley Davidson J Model, and decided to pursue a spot on the 2018 Cannonball. Initially put on the extensive waiting list, Rick & Janis were ecstatic when they learned they “made the cut” and officially became the 2018 Cannonball rider #112. Since signing up for the Cannonball, and purchasing the bike, the motor has been “gone through” and is ready for test riding. The goal is to keep the bike as authentic as possible for the trip, however, based on recommendations from previous riders, a few safety modifications will be made & “comfort” options included. After experiencing a very exciting and challenging September, Rick & Janis will be ready to relax with their two dogs, Griffen & Sheldon, and celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in early October!

Chris Parry was born in Northern Rhodesia, which, shortly thereafter, gained its independence from Britain and became Zambia. He believes these two events may or may not be linked. His childhood automotive memories are inextricably linked with Land Rovers and step-through Hondas. After his family moved back to the UK, Chris bought a Yamaha FS1E 50cc moped at 16 and was promptly knocked off by a banker in a white Jaguar. But the stage was already set for an abiding interest in all things two wheeled. Bankers… not so much.

After moving to Texas, Chris joined the North Texas Norton Owners Association (NTNOA) – a club dedicated to the preservation and use of British and European classic and vintage motorcycles. Chris has served as the club’s Vice-President and President. He acquired a 1979 Bonneville and a 1978 step-through Honda. He also owns a couple of modern sport bikes.

Chris enjoys track days, and especially road trips around the US with his wife Monica, and his mates in the NTNOA – including Richard Asprey. Chris sees the opportunity to participate in the Motorcycle Cannonball as a Team Norton rider to be both hugely exciting and a bit unnerving. Either way, it will be a big one off his bucket list.

If you need to contact Chris, you can send him an email: Chris@ntnoa.org

A Sears 5HP mini bike at age 7 inspired Keith Martin’s lifelong love of motorcycles. He’s never been without one since. The owner of Big D Cycle in Dallas, Texas, says that he feels lucky to have been involved in the motorcycle business for 30 years as a dealer, racer, mechanic and restorer.

In 1987 Keith went to work for AMA hall-of-famer and renowned Triumph tuner, Jack Wilson. Working for Wilson, Keith learned to do the very best job he could on every bike he worked on.

Martin has participated in nearly every form of motorcycle competition including road racing, drag racing, land speed racing at Bonneville, and the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb. He is excited to ride in his first Motorcycle Cannonball. However, Keith is no stranger to the race.
For 2016 Cannonball Century Race Keith prepared Richard Asprey’s 1915 Norton Model 16TT. Then he went along on the race as Richard’s crew chief. Martin says, “My first Cannonball was one of the best events I have ever been involved with. To be surrounded by real motorcycle people 24/7 for 16 days was truly magnificent. He’s preparing three flat tank Nortons for 2018, and he’ll be riding one of them as part of Team Norton.

Keith gives credit for the success and fun he’s enjoyed in his motorcycle adventures to his wife Alyssa. He says, “Without her I couldn’t do what I do.” Keith is looking forward to seeing his new friends again in 2018, and meeting more real motorcycle people.

If you need to contact Keith, you can send him an email: Keith@ntnoa.org

I’m enjoying the challenge of rebuilding # 117 1917 Harley JD in preparation for this years Cannonball event. This original paint JD which has been raced in the family since the 40’s is modified with era correct 74 cubic inch Recardo Cylinders. Being born into a family of motorcycle racing and collector enthusiasts, I am driven and honored to keep the family history alive by completing in the Cannonball this year.
I am a retired Mechanical Engineer, currently building a business renting recreational vehicles. In my spare time I race anything on two wheels or four wheels, from 450cc motocross and Supermoto bikes, 125cc shifter karts and endurance racing BMW’s in ChumpCar and 24 Hours of Lemons. Its always exciting racing my 2017 Yamaha R1 then flashing back 100 years to the no power and no brakes of the 1917 Harley JD.
My Grandfather, John Cameron, was a rugged hero known for his life long passion for back in the day Classic American Motorcycling. He purchased, restored and raced his reputable collection. Grandpa finished the challenge of the 1984 Great American Race on a 1926 Harley two-cam JDH and Flexi side car noted in may publications at that time.
My Dad, Dee Cameron, shared Grandpa’s passion as do I. Dad had intentions of riding the Cannonball challenge in anticipation of the 1917 HD reaching 100 yrs.
My Mom, having exposure to these motorcycle for 50+ years, approached me in 2016. To exercise my loyalty to family and motorcycles, she suggested we meet in 29 Palms to greet and cheer on the Cannonball cyclist that weekend. I was excited to be there as my Mom suspected and reminded me of my Dad’s dream. So here I am

My name is Fred Wacker, and I am looking forward to our second time participating in the Motorcycle Cannonball. As in 2016, Lucky 13 Racing is running my late father’s 1913 Hedstrom-powered Indian twin. Being around this motorcycle rekindles happy memories of my dad. He bought the bike in milk crates for loose change when I was 12 years old or so and I remember going to Iowa with him in our old Ford van to get it. I had some great times with my old man when it came to cycles, and that fun continues today. With a truly outstanding team of friends helping ready this 105 year old motorcycle to make its second cross country trip– chief mechanic and main man Joe Walano, machinist and engineer Frank Schiddel, engine builder John Schnittker– and with great family behind us, we are looking forward to another good cross country run with friends old and new!

When it was announced that the starting point of the 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball was going to be Atlantic City, NJ. I knew if I was ever going to do it, this was going to be the year. It’s less than 40 miles from my home. I didn’t have a bike that I thought I could do it on so I bought a bike. Immediately after my friend and teammate Anthony bought a 1915 Harley. I was told that the bike I purchased was not a great choice so I located a 1916 Harley that was wrecked early in it’s life. It took the next 17 months getting the bike ready with the help of many friends. I still had concerns with less than a month to go but friends Steve Lippoldt and John Melniczuk helped me iron out my concerns. They assured me that the 1916 would be fine. These guys are the best at their profession.

I couldn’t believe how many supporters were on the boardwalk that hot and muggy morning. I was surrounded by my family and friends at the start. It has been stated that that day was one of the toughest days in the history of the event. I didn’t make it out of Atlantic City and tore my route chart. Less than 20 miles in I broke a chain and before crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge had to dodge the battery that came flying out of Anthony’s saddlebag. It soared to over 100 degrees that day! What a start!

The 2016 Cannonball was the hardest, most satisfying thing I ever attempted, and I can’t wait to start this new adventure with my Cannonball family!

Hello my name is James Maloney, the 2018 Cannonball will be my first Cannonball. I will be riding a 1928 Indian “Short” Scout. I live in Upton MA, just west of Boston. I have three adult kids. I have served in the Army/ National Guard for 25 years and am a Firefighter in Watertown MA.

As most of my friends know, I take on crazy challenges. I have run the Boston Marathon Twice (when i had no business running it) to raise money for charity. I Completed Army Airborne and Air Assault School at 39 and 41 respectively. I constantly do crazy fun neat things.

My latest Challenge is riding a 90 year old motorcycle cross country.

I have realized I do these things to keep myself challenged and alive. I am a 3 tour combat vet, I think these events keep me motivated and challenged and keep the demons away that cause some veterans to commit suicide. I don’t have it all figured out, but am in a good place. I want to use this ride as a way to empower other veterans to get out and chase their dreams, get out of the house and take new challenges whatever those are. I do think this one message can help some veterans. If I touch one person or save one life, the sore ass from riding that far will be much more than worth it.

I requested number 122 because every 1 day 22 veterans commit suicide. My mission on this ride is to share my outlook on life, spread a positive message, provide information for available resources and work to eliminate this grim statistic.

I have been interested in motorcycles since I got a 1949 Indian Vertical when I was 16 years old. I love Indians and Triumphs. I guess I just try to be different than the big heard I have a small fleet of motorcycles, obviously the 1928 Scout, a 1946 Chief, a 1951 Triumph Thunderbird and a 1961 Triumph bobber.