Cannonball Run: Part Three

And this is the rest of the story!

Buzz Kanter, from American Iron Magazine, is not only writing and podcasting along the way, he's also riding a 1915 Harley-Davidson. His story about the ride will be in an upcoming edition of the magazine, but you can read about it now at  http://www.caimag.com/.

I didn't realize it until today when I saw the update posted on the Motorcycle Cannonball website, Cris Sommer-Simmons was actually the first rider I met when she walked up and said "it's HOT here in Arkansas!"  She is the one of two women riders in the run. I had no idea she was one of the riders and I'm so sorry I missed my chance to chat with her! So Cris, from this Chris, you go girl!  If you get a chance when this is over I have a million questions to ask you.

I did have the opportunity to meet another ol' lady, Stacey Barber.  I remember Stacey also commented on how hot it was here in Arkansas! She's on the road with her husband, Steve who is also riding a 1915 Harley Davidson. This is his first time to ride in the Cannonball Run and they both seem to be having the time of their lives.  One of these days I would love to be able to do this with my husband, but of course, I would want to ride my own!

My ol' man has been wanting to redecorate our living room with pictures of antique motorcycles.  Just recently I decided to go along with it (after we'd compromised on a few ground rules like no, we're not painting the living room orange and black) so we've been looking for pictures.  Stacey gave us a poster of Steve and his bike and I'm proud to say that will be the first antique motorcycle picture that will be hanging in our living room.

Stacey and Steve Barber with their 1915 Harley Davidson
Stage 7 of the Cannonball Run in Hot Springs, Arkansas

I imagine that one of the hardest things for an ol' lady to do would be to travel over 3,000 miles across the country with her ol' man. Not that I wouldn't want to, but the emotional, as well as the physical toll it would put on you would be exhausting.  However, you do get to be there to share in the celebration when you finally reach the finish line and that would definitely make it all worth it.  Here's to you Stacey, I hope you make it all the way!

Here are some pictures of more of the bikes that are in the race.  I wish I would have had time to take more pictures and talk to more of the riders that made it there.  Good luck to you all!  For more information on the Cannonball Run and the participants, visit their website http://motorcyclecannonball.com.