Much progress has been made on the two machines that Wayne Stanfield and I will be riding in the Cannonball Run this coming September 2010. For those of you who haven't heard yet, the Cannonball Run, which was set up by my good friend Lonnie Isam, Jr. of Sturgis, SD, is a coast-to-coast motorcycle run for machine made before 1916. So far over 50 riders are entered, and for the last several months, everyone has been working hard to get their machines into tip-top running shape.

The Cannonball will be no easy race to win. As a matter of fact, it will be extremely difficult to even finish. Approximately 3400 miles on a nearly 100 year old machine.....

The route has been set, as Lonnie got the help of world famous rally organizer, John Classen. The route, which stretches east to west, from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to Santa Monica, CA was chosen for several reasons, including mileage, road condition/type, weather trend, etc. Keep in mind that the machines we're riding, most of which were never meant to sustain speeds over 35 or 40 mph, are not meant for any road. The route had to be carefully chosen, and John did a great job of putting it all together.

Over the past few months, Matt and I have been working hard to get the machines that Wayne and I will be running back into roadworthy shape. Both are 1915 Harleys, one restored, and one original. The first step for both machines was an engine rebuilt. Although I had been into one of the engines before, it never hurts to take everything down and have another fresh start. So that's what we did. I've been comparing several different components from similar years, including pistons, cylinders, cams, valve pockets, etc, in an effort to find a great combination that will produce enough power, but not too much. The idea here is endurance, and often, the lower compression, detuned motors have the ability to stay together longer than, say, a hot rod stroker. Sure, the stroker would be faster, but I hold the belief that Harley-Davidson knew how to get the most out of their machines back then. Their main goal in those days was durability and reliability, and that's exactly what the Cannonball Run is all about.

We've also been brainstorming as to what chassis adjustments we should make to try to gain an extra advantage. For example, we're changing the handlebars to be more accommodating to long distance riding. The original style handlebars are very hard on the wrists, and offer much less control than later style bars. Aiming to get our hands in front of us, as opposed to underneath us, we decided on a set of Duo-glide buckhorn style bars. With a more forward set of foot controls, the riding position would be revolutionized--comfortable, with plenty of control.

We also decided to run a set of smaller wheels. The early teens bikes have such a higher center of gravity. By running 26" tires instead of 28"s, we can drop the machine down a bit, and make it much more road friendly. Combine that with interchangable gearing on the rear hub, and these machines will be ready to go anywhere.

We'll be continuing to work on these machines for several more months, so stay tuned for whats next.

Each year, as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, our riding season here in the mountains unfortunately comes to a close. Its during these times that I have an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the year that's gone by, hopefully with joy, happiness, and thanks.

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, we're reminded of the great people, places and things that come into our lives and have an opportunity to recognize how those aspects have made us better people. I've got a lot to be thankful for....too much to mention in just a few words. The love and support of family, good health, great friends with whom I'm fortunate to share my passion. Its during this time of year that its so important to make the most of what you have and give thanks to those who care.

So, Happy Thanksgiving, from myself and everyone at Wheels Through Time. May the rest of 2009 be a great one, and may 2010 bring you all happiness, love, and joy.

This year has been a great one. The museum is currently bigger and better than ever, with more rare machines than ever. Some of the rarest bikes in the museum have made their way here this year, including the 1929 DAR boardtrack racer, Jack Pine endurance racers, several great dirt-track machines from the earliest days of dirt track history, and last but not least, a 1916 Harley-Davidson Sidecar....that you drive from the sidecar. Most of these machines have already been brought back to running and operating condition, and a few more are on the workbenches as we speak.

We've had a lot going on back in the shop this year. We've finished a total of 10 new machines for the museum so far this year, and have a few more planned to be finished by year's end. Currently, I'm working on two Harley-Davidson VLs...one a 1936 hot-rod and the second a 1934 crustoration. They're both going to be great project. Last year, I asked my friend Brian Haenlien to build a hopped up motor for our land speed racing VL -- a task that Brian took with pride. He did such a good job on the motor, that I've convinced him to build another one to put in a road bike. We're pretty excited about the build, and have all the confidence in the world that it'll do a 100 mph when its done....full fenders and all.

Matt's been hard at work in the shop on a great project that's sort of new ground for all of us -- building a genuine 1920s-era Harley Cutdown. "What's a cutdown?" you ask. Its a customized, literally "cut-down" Harley from the early days of motorcycle customization (before choppers, there were bobbers, and before bobbers there were cutdowns). Matts made some serious progress so far. The engine, which came to us as sort of a mystery motor, with parts from different years, and combinations for a fast motor, has already been rebuilt as of last week, and the transmission and clutch will be wrapped up any day now. We found a nice frame in the back of the shop that'll fit perfect with the project. Its a 1918 or '19 frame, that needs a bit of straightening. Then the plan is to modify it to lower the engine and shorten the wheel-base. The original style teens and twenties Harleys sit pretty high, and aren't your most agile bikes, so the plan is to drop it way down, get it closer to the ground, and make it more "race friendly". Matts really excited about this....."Its not too often that you get to chop a teens harley" he says.

We'll be producing new videos on each of these builds as they progress, and will be posting them, as well as countless other shows about whats going on at the museum and in the shop, in the video section of our website. So stay tuned in....I know that you're going to like what you see!

Two New Books that'll keep you reading, and reading, and reading........

As a true motorcycle enthusiast, I'm always looking for great new reads about old motorcycles and the people who have ridden, raced, restored and collected them.   Over the past several decades, I've read literally hundreds of motorcycle-related  books, each of which have fueled my interests, sparked my motivation, and taught me something new.  As you can guess, I'm a big history fan, and books that look backwards at our two-wheeled history seem to move me the most.

Today, I'd like to tell you about two new books that have just hit the shelves.  Each are outstanding works, highlighting aspects of the old motorcycle world that are often overlooked, forgotten, or never told.  Each are "must reads" for any true motorcycle fan, and I am proud to say that they're two of the best published motorcycle works that I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900 to 1950
by Cristine Sommer Simmons

Cristine Sommer-Simmons is outstanding asset to the history of American motorcycles.  Through her passion to recognize and progress the role of women in the historically male-dominated world of motorcycling, Cris has become not only a recognized figure in the motorcycle industry, but one of the premier motorcycle authors and journalists of her time. 

"The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950" highlights a history that has been overlooked from the very beginnings of our motorcycle heritage:  Women and motorcycles.    A large format, 240-page hardcover, this fantastic book was published in June of 2009.  Covering the first 50 years of the 20th century, "The American Motorcycle Girls" combines hundreds of photographs, first-hand stories, interviews, and commentary by Cris herself in a beautiful layout out that will keep you reading from start to finish.

From the minute I opened my copy in the mail, I knew it was something special (It's got a great photo of a attractive young woman on a period-modified '37 Knucklehead!).  Before long, I was immersed in the countless pictures and stories, eagerly flipping pages to see what was next.  From cover to cover, this book will keep you enthralled, and is sure to teach you something you didn't about women in motorcycling that you didn't know.

Learn more at The American Motorcycle Girls Official Website

The Vincent in the Barn
By Tom Cotter

I met Tom Cotter about a year ago, and from the first time we spoke, I knew that he was a unique individual.  Tom had written several books that I was familiar with, including "The Hemi in the Barn", a book that highlights great stories about rare and interesting automotive finds.  During his first visit, we had a great time touring the museum and sharing stories of how many of the machines at WTT came to be.

When Tom contacted me about his upcoming book, "The Vincent in the Barn", I was fascinated with the idea.  He mentioned that, similar to "The Hemi in the Barn", his new book would highlight many great stories of rare and significant motorcycle treasures found over the years.  As there are hundreds of great stories housed here at the museum, Tom asked if I would be willing to share a few of those for the book.  I was honored, and told him I would be more than willing to help in any way I could. 

A year later, I received the finished, published work in the mail (autographed by Tom), and immediately began tearing into the package to see this collection of great stories. 

The book is fantastic....a 256-page hardcopy that is an instant classic.  In "The Vincent in the Barn", Tom shares some of the most outstanding stories on great motorcycle finds, the people who found them, and the circumstances under which they were found.  A true cover to cover read, the book is filled with first hand accounts, told by Tom, about many of the rarest motorcycles in existence.  With tales such as "The Race Engine in the Trailer House", "The Hyperterrestrial Hopper", and "Easy Russ, Junky Joe, One-Eye Roy, and the Snoop", this book is sure to peek your interest if you love hearing how barn finds came to be.  Countless stories on uncovering many of the rare machines at Wheels Through Time are highlighted, ranging from hillclimbers and boardtrack racers, to prototypes and production models.   I, myself, still get excited reading Toms translation of machines I found 25, even 30, years ago. 

To get a copy, click here.

So if you're looking for great reading, maybe a good holiday gift for family or friends, or a way to unwind delve deeper into motorcycle history at its finest, be sure to pick up a copy of Tom Cotters "Vincent in the Barn" and Cris Sommer Simmons "The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950".  These are two reads that you certainly won't regret, and will cherish over and over for years to come!

The 2010 Cannonball Run

Coast-to-Coast on Pre-1916 Motorcycles
Sponsored In Part by Wheels Through Time

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Gentlemen....start your engines!

Next September 10-22, 2010, for the first time in nearly 100 years, motorcycle icons, collectors, and racers will bring out their oldest for one of the most anticipated races in almost a century. Called the Cannonball Run, the run will follow in the footsteps of our motorcycle forefathers, with a race from coast to coast....winner taking all. But here's the catch -- in order to compete in the race, riders must do it on a motorcycle built before 1916!

About a month back, I began talking with my friend Lonnie Isam, Jr. of Jurrasic Racing about doing a long distance run on old bikes. While Lonnie and his dad love all types of motorcycles, their true passion is motorcycles of the pre-1916 variety. So it only seemed natural to focus this run on bike from that era. Lonnie had been wanting to hold a pre-1916 endurance run for some time now, and recognizing the accomplishments of riders from that era, followed in their footsteps by making the race coast to coast. This way, not only the machines endurance would be tested, but the endurance of each rider as well.

While the Cannonball Run is named after motorcycle endurance legend Cannonball Baker, the run also pays tribute to another icon of endurance riding, George Wyman. Back in 1903, George Wyman became the first person to traverse our great continent on a motorized vehicle, making the run from coast to coast on a 1903 Yale California motorcycle. Riding from San Francisco to New York, Wyman encountered many obstacles and mechanical problems during the run, but his perseverance, determination, and, of course, endurance showed the world that such a thing is possible. He did it in just fifty days.

The 2010 Cannonball Run will consist of a twelve day run, with the route yet to be determined. Lonnie has give participants four options to choose from: Vancouver to New Hampshire; Los Angeles to Virginia Beach; Portland, WA to Portland, ME, and Seattle to St. Petersburg, FL. While all of these are approximately equal in mileage to that of Wyman's run, each route consists of different terrain, road conditions, elevations, and weather patterns.

When Lonnie asked me if I'd be interested in participating in the Cannonball Run, I didn't have to think twice. While I've been a part of countless endurance races over the years with old bikes, including four Great American Races with a '36 Flathead, a coast-to-coast run on my 1917 Henderson, and a 24-hour endurance run at Talladega with a '37 Knucklehead, I'd never been a part of a multi-rider event where each and every machine had to be made before 1916. My excitement was apparent, and I let Lonnie know that I couldn't wait to join in with dozens of other old bike nuts and put some of the oldest iron here at the museum back on the road.

When he asked if I knew anyone else that'd be interested in doing the run, countless names came to mind....but one in particular -- Wayne Stanfield. Wayne and I have been great friends since my first Great American Race way back in 1985, and of all the old bike riders I know, Wayne is at the top of the list. A true endurance champion, Wayne has won the Great American Race five times, and has more endurance accomplishments than anyone I know. In 1995 and '96, Wayne piloted my 1936 Experimental Harley to second and fourth place finishes in the Great Race, becoming the first participant on a motorcycle to both compete and finish the grueling event. In 2007, at the tender age of 59, Wayne became the first person to complete a 24-hour endurance run on a 1937 Knucklehead in over 70 years, running an unbelievable 1375 miles in 24 hours! Yes, if ever there was an endurance champ, its Wayne Stanfield, and on the sole basis that Wayne is the true definition of a thrill-seeker, I knew he'd love to join in.

In choosing which machines that Wayne and I would run, many factors came into play. Overall, the Cannonball Run will consist of three different classes: The Single Cylinder-Single Speed class; the Twin Cylinder-Single Speed Class; and the Multi Cylinder-Multi Speed Class. I've got many capable machines here at the museum, but choosing one that would be competitive its respective class is important. Being that both Wayne and I would be competiting, we figured it'd be a great idea to be in different classes. In picking which machines to field, we came to the decision that, back then, one of the premier machines on the market was the 1915 Harley. 1915 was an interesting year, as Harley-Davidson offered both a Single-Speed twin and a 3-speed twin to their customers. Believe it or not, we've got one of each here at the museum, and those are the machines that Wayne and I will be riding.

With over a dozen riders already entered in the event, the 2010 Cannonball Run is already gaining momentum. I'd expect anywhere from 30 to 50 riders in total, making for one heck of a cross country journey.

Please log onto www.motorcyclecannonball.com to learn more about the 2010 Cannonball Run and to show Lonnie and all of the other riders your support. His site contains great information on the history of the Cannonball Run, rules and guidelines for the 2010 event, and a forum where we can exchange thoughts and ideas about the run.

If you're not excited yet, you will be. I know I am!