Cris Sommer-Simmons takes on the Motorcycle Cannonball
These days, it’s getting more and more difficult to be designated “first” at something. But come next September, an American will do just that.
Cristine Sommer-Simmons is set to be the only American woman to ever ride in the 2010 Motorcycle Cannonball, a 3320-mile run that challenges riders on vintage motorcycles. The run was named after Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, a unique rider who set many driving records in the early part of the 1900s. Baker made the coast-to-coast ride in 11 days.
The ride is challenging enough on a modern day motorcycle; riding the same ride on a vintage motorcycle challenges both rider and machine, presenting obstacles as simple as where to get gas to more complex issues involving machine performance and rider endurance. Sommer-Simmons will begin the transcontinental run in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, riding a 1915 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She says she’s looking forward to the experience.
“This is the thrill of a lifetime!” exclaims Sommer-Simmons.
Cris is no stranger to the world of “firsts.” She has been involved with motorcycles since she was nine, when she began riding with her stepfather. By the time she was 14, she was riding on her own and at 19 Sommer-Simmons owned her first Harley Davidson. She is also the co-founder of the magazine Harley Woman, the world's first motorcycle magazine just for women. Over the years Cris has been a freelance writer contributing to many publications such as American Iron, Motorcycle Collector, Easyrider, V-twin and publications in other countries including Japan, Spain and Australia. Sommer-Simmons has even written a children’s book that has sold over 12,000 copies titled Patrick Wants to Ride. She just released the popular book, The American Motorcycle Girls 1900-1950 which is currently the number one selling motorcycle history book on Amazon.com.
Cris has also racked up an impressive resumé of recognition having been inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Currently, she’s working on a long to-do list including a documentary about her book and assisting in the development of a women's motorcycle exhibit for the National Motorcycle Museum. But, with all that, September 10, 2010 is sure to be a special day for her.
“It’s an honor to be a part of such a historic and monumental race, and even more exciting to be the only American woman registered for the event!”
