The "About Section" on the Cannonball Motorcycle Endurance run is titled "Gentleman, start your engines!" A fitting title considering the field of competitors includes only two female riders. The coast to coast race will run September 10-26 in 2010; the riders will be racing against time, nature and history on their pre-1916 antique motorcycles. All but extinct brands and models like the Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior and Silent Grey Fellows will be brought back to the American roads they were introduced to so many years ago. The route has been meticulously planned and will use each hour of late-summer daylight to navigate the scenic back roads and bypasses of the American states.
One of the female riders, Cristine Sommer-Simmons will be racing on a 1915 Harley-Davidson Twin three-speed. Sommer-Simmons will be adding the Cannonball race to a mirage of other badass activities that adorn her resume. She recently authored a book “The American Motorcycle Girls, 1900-1950: A photography History of Early Women Motorcyclists” where she recounts the early pioneer ladies of the two wheeled sport. She's been traveling speaking and promoting her book spending time with icons like Jay Leno and speaking at the Harley-Davidson museum. In addition to her recent book ventures she is also a 24-year AMA member, a Lifetime H.O.G. member, a Motor Maid and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.
For Sommer-Simmons "…finishing IS winning" as she takes into account the unique stress of riding a antique motorcycle on top of the strain of any motorcycle endurance race. The race will include 300 miles daily with a foot clutch and tank shifter that is sure to tire even the most fit and prepared riders. Undoubtedly the camaraderie, shared passion for antique motorcycles and the open American roads will keep the field energetic and hopeful as they wind their way coast to coast. For Sommer the race is sure to be a perfect experience after spending so much time studying and writing about the early women who broke into the rebel sport when it was very much in an infant state.
