The Cannonball Run Brings Back Bikes from the Past Hot

Motorcycles are making their way out of the museums and back on the road for The Cannonball Run in September 2010.

To qualify for the race, bikes need to have a manufacturer date prior to 1916, posing obvious challenges for the 3,320 mile run. The route for the ride was mapped out by Course Master, John Classen, and will span over two weeks starting in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and ending in Santa Monica, California. Everyone will ride for 12 hours each day leaving the evenings open for repairs. Since the bikes are 95 plus years old, breakdowns are bound to happen. Riders have been training for the big day, focusing on possible mechanical issues and gas availability.

So far about 70 riders are on board for the grueling ride from coast-to-coast. As unique as the race, participants include motorcycle collectors, authors, mechanics, and even some museum owners. One biker and author, Buzz Kanter entered a 1915 Harley Davidson 3-speed twin, and has been working non-stop to get the bike ready for this epic challenge.

Stay tuned for all the action.