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Scores of Classic Pre-1916 Motorcycles Coming to Hot Springs |
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Jan. 19, 2010
Submitted by Paul Johnson
Hot Springs, already known nationwide as a prime destination for
motorcycle events, will be host in September to one of the most unique
motorcycle events in the world — the Motorcycle Cannonball 2010.
The Motorcycle Cannonball
will take a large group of riders all the way across America, starting at Kitty
Hawk, N.C., and ending two weeks later in Santa Monica, Calif.
The fascinating part of the
event is that all the motorcycles must be pre-1916 vintage classic machines.
Hot Springs will host the
riders and their amazing bikes for two nights and one day — September 16 – 18.
“The annual HOG Rallies and
the Hot Springs Rallies have drawn thousands of riders and their families to
Hot Springs over the years,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of the Hot Springs
Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is helping sponsor the Hot Springs stop
of the Cannonball. But we haven’t seen this many priceless vintage bikes in one
place.”
“This amazing
family-friendly event should cement Hot Springs’ reputation as the most
friendly place in America for bikers to meet and have fun,” said Charles Moore,
chairman of the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Mike Thomson, president of
the Diamond Chapter (Arkansas) of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, said,
“The potential for our state and our city and our club is mind-boggling.”
He said the classic
motorcycles will be stored at the Hot Springs Convention Center during the
stopover in the Spa City.
Motorcycle Cannonball
Course Master John Classen said the route for the Cannonball 2010 was “painstakingly
designed to avoid having the riders enter a single
interstate whenever possible.”
“We’ll have 12 hours of
daylight each day,” Classen said, “and the goal is to have every rider
check in daily at the ending point one hour before sunset to avoid wildlife
and other after-dark safety issues.”
“To date,” he said, “the
Motorcycle Cannonball of 2010 has drawn entries from around the world and all
walks of life, including motorcycle museum owners, authors, bike collectors and
restorers. Entrants thus far have come from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany
and the United States. More than 60 riders had signed up for the ride as of
Sunday.”
Conjuring up the spirit of
famed motorcycle daredevils and cross-country endurance riders of the previous
century like Erwin “Cannonball” Baker and George Wyman, the Motorcycle
Cannonball Run will launch a pack of riders on vintage motorcycles for the
historic ride across America .
The event is the brainchild
of Lonnie Isam, Jr., promoter and owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, S.D.,
and the Motorcycle Cannonball of 2010.
Isam said the motorcycles
in the Cannonball will include classic pre-1916 motorcycles such Pope, Sears,
Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson’s
Silent Grey Fellows.
The transcontinental ride
will cover 3,325 miles starting September 10 at Kitty Hawk. To the greatest
extent possible, the ride will utilize non-Interstate roadways and will
conclude on the west coast two weeks later in Santa Monica.
“We expect this to be a
grueling coast-to-coast pursuit as riders navigate the back roads and
byways of our great nation on bikes that are over 90 years old” Isam
said, “and it’s likely that some may not complete the ride. There
should be plenty of drama along the way.”
Complete information about
the Motorcycle Cannonball, including entry requirements, is
available at www.motorcyclecannonball.com
For more information contact
Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.