Gilroyan David Bettencourt is about to be in hog heaven. With
his 1915 Harley-Davidson Model J, Bettencourt will travel Sept. 10
to Kitty Hawk, S.C. to race in a 3,300-mile cross country jaunt
that will conclude Sept. 26 in Santa Monica.
Gilroyan David Bettencourt is about to be in hog heaven.
With his 1915 Harley-Davidson Model J, Bettencourt will travel Sept. 10 to Kitty Hawk, S.C. to race in a 3,300-mile cross country jaunt that will conclude Sept. 26 in Santa Monica.
The inaugural Pre-1916 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run is a chance for Bettencourt, 60, and other riders to relive the glory days of their antique motorcycles across the back roads and byways of America.
And what of his mount’s 95-year-old age?
“It’s the best bike to use, in a way,” said Bettencourt of the bike he spotted 10 years ago in the window of a small chopper shop in Sunnyvale. “It has better engineering than the year before.”
Bettencourt says he’s been upgrading his bike and resolutely preparing for mare than a year for the physically demanding excursion he’ll soon face.
“They don’t have the big suspensions,” he explains, referencing his rather archaic mode of transport. “They’re not big Harley touring bikes – they’re bicycles with motors.”
Named after the famed Erin “Cannonball” Baker who set 143 driving records from 1910 through the 1930s, the event is the brainchild of Lonnie Isam Jr., owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, S.D.
Makes and models for the race had to be built no later than 1915.
“He thought, ‘Our forefathers did it, why can’t we?’ ” said Cannonball race spokeswoman Felicia Morgan.
One year and 56 registered participants later, Motorcycle Cannonball is ready to explode.
“Just imagine riding your lawn mower across the country. That’s what it’s going to be in terms of vibration and speed,” says Morgan. “Some of these bikes have leather belts. Tires are going be flying off the rims. It’s going be amazing.”
Bettencourt’s four-man crew – dubbed “The Reverend’s Revenge” after a friend who recently passed away – includes three riders from Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande and Tacoma, Wash.
Together they’ll endure questionable cuisine from roadside diners, wayward vagabonds and cramped motel rooms while traveling a daunting 225 miles a day.
The strategy for uncomplicated traveling?
Shareable parts: Three out of four are riding the same Harley model, which simplifies the repair process when things break down and eliminates the need for carrying excessive backup equipment.
“We’re playing hardball,” says Bettencourt. “We’ve thought this all out.”
Kevin McKenzie of RMC Engineering in Gilroy – one of Bettencourt’s sponsors – plans on following the progress of the Reverend’s Revenge via Internet updates.
“He’s been a customer for a long time,” says McKenzie, who runs RMC with his family.
“He’s a glory legend, you know.”
Upon returning to Gilroy, Bettencourt’s well-worn hog will be laid to rest on permanent display at House of Thunder Harley-Davidson in Morgan Hill – dirt, grime, bugs and all.
“We’ll let the glory rest,” said Bettencourt of the display at his Morgan Hill sponsor. “We’ll put a little sign somewhere that says, ‘This is not a trailer queen.’ ”
Pre-1916 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run
– The cannonball race will be held Sept. 10-26 starting at Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Santa Monica.
– For daily results and rider updates, visit motorcyclecannonball.com
