Ok...here are some pics that I've uploaded to photobucket from the Clovis NM stop of the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, including a picture of my friend Rick from Lubbock and his friend Britney, both standing behind the orange "Flying Merkel" Motorcycle.
This was an impressive lineup of antique, 95-100 year old motorcycles, many of which I have never even heard of.
These riders are navigating on unfamiliar roads, with high speed traffic, stiff westerly winds, no windshields, very limited parts availability, and in most cases, uncomfortable seats, bars, and pegs. Sometimes the 'gasohol' they have to buy at convenience stores along the way is unsuitable for these old bikes and they dont run well at all. Speeds in most cases are 40 mph or less, with 5-10 hp motors. Some of these old machines have essentially zero forward and rear lighting, with battery operated bicycle headlights and tailights just to make them legal, and barely visible if they get caught on the roads after dark. Many carried gas cans or auxiliary gas tanks because some of these bikes have less than a 100 mile range on the stock tank.
They each carry a paper route chart mounted on the handlebars, with instructions to follow so they stay on course. GPS? These guys and gals dont need no stinking GPS!
Very impressive. I highly recommend anyone near the route or the stops go check it out. By the way, I got to meet Cris Sommer-Simmons, one of the few female riders here, and also her husband...you know...Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. Cool.
Here is the link to my pictures from the Clovis Cannonball Run. Use the password 'clovis' to view the album:
And here you can follow along with the riders:
---Brian
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