I'm entering the 2012 Cannonball

[darrylri]

Probably you read about the Motorcycle Cannonball event held in September of 2010.  In that event, 45 people riding motorcycles no newer than 1915 attempted to ride from Kitty Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA in a bit over 2 weeks.  

The organizer has begun preparations for another Cannonball, to be held September 7-21, 2012.  This time the route will be longer:  over 3800 miles; and harder:  crossing the northern tier and the high Rockies.  It will run from Newburgh, NY (just outside of NYC and the site of a new motorcycle museum) to San Francisco in 15 days.  The bikes can now be as new as 1929 models.

This is what lets me in.  I am rider #52 and will make the attempt on my 1928 BMW R52.  So far, I am the only entrant with a BMW.  

I hope you'll all wish me well.  I'm writing a blog about it over on the Vintage club's website.  Here are some links:

Here's the main Cannonball website.
Here's my rider profile page.
And here's my Cannonball blog.

[Mike V]

Darryl,

Sounds like a kick.  We'll be following you and your blog.  Best of luck for a safe, successful and fun ride!

-Mike V. / San Diego

[Vegasrandall]

Too much fun! Make sure you give those lesser makes of bikes a savage whuppin.

[nhmaf]

Wow Darryl, that DOES sound like a FUN adventure!

I wish you lots of luck for a trouble free ride, and I also expect that your BMW will trounce many inferior bikes along the way!     The preparation on this is going to be critical, I think.   Have you already been through your R52 crank, journals, etc?   Does the R52 use the same type of slingers and general oiling system as on the much later /2?

I think that a BMW stands a good chance on these types of 'endurance' races - bikes like a 1929 Henderson would likely take you as far as top speed and HP goes, but I can't think that those inline-4 aircooled engines would like that kind of continuous operation..

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Best wishes Darryl.  You are a better man than I!  

[darrylri]

Wow Darryl, that DOES sound like a FUN adventure!

I wish you lots of luck for a trouble free ride, and I also expect that your BMW will trounce many inferior bikes along the way!

Thanks!  

The preparation on this is going to be critical, I think.   Have you already been through your R52 crank, journals, etc?

Yes:

Does the R52 use the same type of slingers and general oiling system as on the much later /2?

Not the same, a simpler version:

I think that a BMW stands a good chance on these types of 'endurance' races - bikes like a 1929 Henderson would likely take you as far as top speed and HP goes, but I can't think that those inline-4 aircooled engines would like that kind of continuous operation..

I need to find some spares, just in case, but I'm feeling pretty good about where the bike is right now.

[montmil]

That's so sick, Darryl. [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Perhaps with a Davida and classic, baggy German full leathers?

3800 miles? A walk in the park for a sturdy vintage Beemer.

And are you, Darryl, planning for the physical aspects of this massive undertaking? Energy levels and hydration are as important as the crankshaft and oil slinger. Support crew follow on?

I'm excited for you and it's still ten months away! Gonna book mark all your blogs. Just too cool to miss.

BTW, who's funding this escapade? Are you perhaps looking for a few small-time sponsors? Bet I could talk ol' Bengt Phorqs into ponying up his week's lunch money... I'm just saying

Monte  

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Way to go Daryl!  Fantastic.  That looks like it would be a hoot.  Looks like the ride is taking a northern route this year.  If it were a Southern route I'm sure that Monte "Mongo" Miller could point out where all the free coffee stops are.

I'll keep an eye on the blog and I'm sure you'll have lots of Beemerphiles in your court cheering you on.

[Adrian]

Good luck mate - I'm as jealous as all hell. Have a great time.

[darrylri]

BTW, who's funding this escapade? Are you perhaps looking for a few small-time sponsors? Bet I could talk ol' Bengt Phorqs into ponying up his week's lunch money... I'm just saying

Looks like the ride is taking a northern route this year.  If it were a Southern route I'm sure that Monte "Mongo" Miller could point out where all the free coffee stops are.

Do you guys ever take your routine on the road?  

[montmil]

BTW, who's funding this escapade? Are you perhaps looking for a few small-time sponsors? Bet I could talk ol' Bengt Phorqs into ponying up his week's lunch money... I'm just saying

Looks like the ride is taking a northern route this year.  If it were a Southern route I'm sure that Monte "Mongo" Miller could point out where all the free coffee stops are.

Do you guys ever take your routine on the road?  

We've actually been thrown out of better joints than this dive.  

Monte

[darrylri]

Somehow, I believe that!  

I'm not sure how many people will follow along the way.  I've got friends who just moved near the start, and probably several friends will follow along the last two days in California.  I'm not sure how much support I'm going to get in Sturgis, SD, however.  

[scottyintex]

Wow...that is so cool. I will be following your blog. Makes me want to run...but my 37 year old cycle is about 45 years to young. Shucks!!!

[Justin B.]

Dude!!!    That's gonna be a blast - detour back through TX and we'll make Monte buy you a beer...  

[clonmore1]

Darryl,

Fantastic! what an adventure... 8-)

I really hope you enjoy the journey including the planning, looking forward to following progress.

Nice Job!