Motorcycle Cannonball 2018

In the vintage motorcycle world, September on an even year means only one thing; Motorcycle Cannonball Run!  Riders from all around the globe fly to the East Coast of the US to either partake in or send off the riders at the Starting Line.

This September celebrates the fifth biennial Motorcycle Cannonball Run and we couldn’t be more excited for everyone in it.

Unfortunately for Scott and Sharon, this is the first time in four Cannonball Runs that they are not participating!

After Scott’s accident in 2016, his right shoulder can’t withstand rides longer than a couple hours.  Holding onto handlebars in the extended position added with bumps from the road is all too painful to endure for over two weeks and hundreds of miles a day.

Anyone remember this photo below?

It was a screen shot from my FaceTime call with my parents when they were waiting to have X-rays taken in the Maryland hospital.  As you can imagine, I was hysterical seeing my dad broken and vulnerable like that.

Luckily for the Jacobs Family (Cannonball addicts), the finish for Stage #9 of the 2018 Run was in Sturgis so we all drove over that evening to visit with our Motorcycle Family.

On the way from Deadwood to Sturgis, Scott and Sharon passed Jody Perewitz #79 on her 1928 Harley-Davidson JD and Doug Feinsod #18 on his 1909 Excelsior.

Over 100 vintage bikes were parked in front of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point in downtown Sturgis for visitors to take pictures and admire this rolling museum.

The smell of oil and gasoline made me begin reminiscing about my days on the 2012 Run.  When Scott, Sharon and the rest of the crew made it to the halfway point in Sturgis, they took one rest day and then Alexa and I followed on our bikes all the way to the finish line in San Francisco!

Oh, how I miss the open road and a long day of riding ahead of me!

Cannonball Rest Day

After the racers caught up on forgotten tasks like laundry, showering, fixing broken parts, and sleeping in, Scott and Sharon invited a group of the riders to their home for a dinner that didn’t include pulled pork and beans.

It also happened to be Robert (Big Swede’s) birthday, so we let him take over the kitchen and cook some of his favorite Swedish dishes while Sharon prepared yummy vegetable dishes and sauces.

Sharon also enjoyed playing Sous Chef while Robert was in his Zone.

While Sharon and Swede were cooking, the rest of the crew was being educated by Jared, Primal Roots Wellness Coaching on healthy fats and other topics most of us aren’t aware of.

Look at how captivated his audience is.  Proud wife. 🙂

Well, dinner was delicious!

Dean kicked butt grilling the Wild Idea buffalo steaks to perfection, Robert amazed us with his red wine reduction and Sharon, as always, awakened our tastebuds with her array of spices that fit together so beautifully.

After our bellies were full of the healthy stuff, we indulged in cheesecake and sang Robert happy birthday.

What a better person to sing happy birthday than Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers!

Because Pat is still quite the Rockstar touring the world, he had to cut his race short in order to perform at a few concerts on the West Coast with the Eagles.

Tuesday Morning – Stage #10 Start

Scott, Sharon and I woke up at 5am to meet the Cannonballers at the Starting Line in Sturgis.

It just so happened to be the same location as 2012 when Alexa and I joined in on the race, so it kicked up all kinds of memories for me.

Everyone in Class I, the Century Old Classification, rolled out at 6:45am including Scott’s old race partner, Dean Bordigioni #13 on his 1923 Harley-Davidson who was in second place in the morning.  By the end of the day, he finished in first place!

When the announcer called Class II forward to the starting line, he asked if Sharon would be his flag girl.

For those who are unaware of Sharon’s race face; she always has the BIGGEST smile anytime she’s around vintage motorcyclists.

She was also dubbed “the cutest flag girl” this woman photographer had ever seen.

I could tell my parents both wished they were on the race.  The excitement of watching their friends mount these ancient bikes brought tears to my mom’s eyes (and even mine).

Scott is a little tougher to read, but I know he was bummed his shoulder was holding him back from something he enjoyed so much.

What I love most about the Cannonball Run is how it has brought so many wonderful people together to push themselves and their toys to their limit.

Even though their bikes break down on a daily, you’ll never see them not smiling.

I don’t know where my life would be without these beautiful souls.

Even though it was a chilly morning and we woke up before the sun, these loving, friendly faces made it all worth it.

We wish everyone on the race a soft seat, warm hands and feet, and a safe arrival for the rest of your fifteen-day adventure across the USA.

Future Cannonballer signing out,

Olivia

Follow the rest of the Cannonball Race, here.