Yesterday evening, all Cannonball riders and supporting crews had a social gathering, then received a briefing regarding the Endurance Run rules, the way to read their paper maps (GPS is forbidden) and the security measures they all must follow. Participants get one point given for each mile ridden during each stage. By the way, let me mention that if you are encouraged to follow the progression of each rider from the side of the road and come to meet with them and to look at their bikes at each stage arrival and departure, the organization requests that you don’t even try to ride with/close to the Cannonballers. Their machines don’t have the handling and brakes of your modern bikes and you could create very dangerous situations for them. Thank you in advance.
This morning Friday September 5th, all participants gathered at 8 a.m. on the sands front of the Daytona Beach Resort for a group picture, then each of the 3 classes of pre-1937 motorcycles got the green flag from Cannonball founder and organizer Lonnie Isam Jr.. First leg of the endurance run ends today around 4 p.m. in Lake City, Florida.
After the jump, more pictures and the complete 2014 Cannonball route.
Wonder if starting on a sandy, salty beach is the way to start a 4k mile trip on either a antique or a modern motor vehicle motorcycle or automobile?
3 terrific reports on the Cannonball. Almost live!
I was there this morning. Participants rode no more than 100 yards on the sand. Some pushed to the road on the side of the hotel.
We loaned Michael Lichter a Victory Touring bike that was modified so he can sit backwards to get great shots for the trip. He did the same in 2012. Looks like he’s got even a few more tricks added to the panels that were developed by our skunk works team – we affectionately call that set-up the “Camera Bagger”. 4000 miles backwards – awesome.
Loads of great people and machines on this trip. There may also be a bigger delta in speeds and durability than last run – some will not make it all the way – but what a great sight to see them on the Atlantic Sand ready to head West.
We wish the best to all participants regardless of the brand on the bike. That said…GO INDIAN!!!
Robert Pandya
External Relations Manager
Indian Motorcycle
Robert,b
LOAN a Victory to Michael?
He is going to sit backwards for 4000 miles on one of your bikes ,
I am sure he will do it with class and get a lot of good publicity for your company
and you are LOANING the bike
He is one of best known and respected person in the motorcycle fraternity and I think you should not only give him the bike but pay his expenses as well.
Thanks Cyril.. I think this event is about the greatest thing ever.. So cool..
Rodent, step away from your computer. Do you even ride?
What a site to see, Ride safe you all.
Seymour
I got probably a million miles on the saddle over 50 years, so what’s your problem?
Thanx Cyril for the coverage … A friend of mine (Mark Loewen #68) is riding … I don’t Facecrack so it is great to get your coverage … as always keep up the good work.
Domino Dave
So cool.
Good luck. Heard that heavy rain before arriving in Lake City created trouble to several bikes…
What a scene on the beach.
We are rooting for “Dottie” #43
What a gal! Godspeed Dottie.
http://www.ridedottieride.org
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent…..Thank you for the great coverage and allowing us to keep up with this increadable experience.
Negative input: Please sit this one out…
This is to important and to real. You can feel the passion, sweat and tears of all involved.
God’s Speed to all:
Go Hamsters in the Race….Aron and Jacobs family…..
Harlan. To be precise. It’s not a race, but an endurance run. The one completing all the miles wins. Nothing to do with the one arriving first. Participants just have a window of time to finish each stage.
Gotham: Yes, Agree……..Thanks.
Good Luck to ALL..
Was so fortunate to be on the Beach for the start of this one …The morning clouds hung in for and extra couple of hours which made for a more comfortable start as many were in full classic riding gear.( can be hot )..What a great assortment of Riders and Machines..God’s Speed to All ….was fun watching Cyril in action and watch for pics of a couple of classic Knucklehead Choppers that are participating
A wonderful display of beautiful old machines. I hope all of you finish the run and your bikes (and bodies) hold together for many years of continued riding!
Awesome! Have a great ride!
Victory has been great, twice now setting us up to capture great moments of the Cannonball with great photographs. I ride their bikes hard, full throttle, and with Michael comfortable back there, he has never told me to hold back. The bikes never do either.
What a great scene in Daytona on Saturday. Got got help the Spaniards get out of that sugar sand and meet Cyril.
Thanks all for posting photos and keeping us updated.
Doc
FXDX.
Just love the photography on this series–can’t wait to see the “after” shots! hope those smiles don’t fade–Michael Lichter doing this backwards reminds me of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing–she did it backwards in high heels!
Love your blog Cyril. But it would be better if you use a video too and put in the web. Pictures just couldn’t satisfy our thirst for your stories.
These guys are real true cool. Have fun.