To download the complete PDF of all the stages, click HERE.

~

Once upon a time in America, there was a great motorcycle race. They said it couldn't be done, simply because it had never been tried before. Ancient motorcycles were given one last chance at freedom, a chance to fulfill their destiny. Over forty riders set out to prove many things, but fortitude, determination, and generosity were the order of the day. Out of the past, modern-day heroes were born. I am honored to have been in the company of such fine people, and to have witnessed your finest hour. The reality of your accomplishment has far surpassed the dream I had. Thank you for your unwavering belief in that dream. Of the hundreds of favorable headlines we received over the past 3 weeks, one stands out: "Motorcycle Cannonball ends on Santa Monica Pier; Motorcycling Won". You should all be proud of the great gift you have given to motorcycle riders everywhere.

From the Cycle World Website.

Cannonball 2010 is in the books. The cool breeze of the Pacific Ocean was a very welcome sensation to the 30-plus intrepid men and women who spent the last 16 days traversing our great nation on cantankerous machines from another time, often in blistering heat. The talk in Kitty Hawk was that maybe 25 percent of the old bikes would survive the test. To see almost three times that percentage of starters on the Santa Monica Pier this past Sunday was truly a testament to human willpower and tenacity. It was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t just a joyride. One of the toughest days in the last week was Flagstaff to Laughlin, where Cannonballers found frost on their seats in the morning, and 105-degree-plus temperatures as they climbed a steep pass toward the Nevada border.

There’s something to be said for consistency. The old adage of “Slow and steady wins the race” has proven especially true in the case of the Motorcycle Cannonball. Katrin Boehner, the German entrant who, along with her husband, Dieter Eckel, arrived on American soil and proceeded to wow her fellow riders with her quiet grace and positive attitude. This couple came prepared to do the distance, and they did it with true elegance and style.

Katrin took home the custom bronze trophy made by Jeff Decker, himself a rider on a 1914 H-D in the Cannonball, and her fellow competitors could not have been happier for her. The incredible journey across the States was itself a great feat, the way Katrin did it was even more amazing and the whole world watched as she racked up the miles.

Her motorcycle of choice for the ride was the oldest bike in the competition, a 1907 JAP, 250 cc single. The machine is single speed and gear driven with no clutch, which meant that each time she stopped, so did the engine. Starting the bike back up was a sight to behold. The very graceful, petite blonde would have to get off the motorcycle, run along beside it until the engine caught, then sling her leg over the seat and motor on towards the finish line. She repeated this ballet each time she stopped or started for the entire distance ridden, which was a total of 3,002 miles.

Meals were sometimes sponsored as riders made their way across 11 States, and often the German couple could be seen napping under a shady tree, resting up for the next leg of the journey. It was difficult for the vegetarian pair to find suitable food while on the road, but they never complained. As a matter of fact, the two never complained about anything. Gracious and charming, Katrin and Dieter simply enjoyed themselves and their fellow riders every step of the way. By Sunday, as the Motorcycle Cannonball crew enjoyed their final meal together and handed out awards in Santa Monica, it was with great pride that Dieter stood applauding his wife’s courageous accomplishment. As she hoisted the bronze statue over her head, Dieter silently wiped a tear from his cheek, and beamed his delight from the audience. A perfect end to a perfect ride.