Greetings from Visalia, California . . . Gateway to the Sequoia National Park!
My name is Bill Kitchen, a retired banker and avid motorcycle enthusiast for most of my life. Started on minibikes as a kid, transitioned to dirt bikes, motocross/flat track racing in my teens, later to cruisers and collecting as an adult.
Primary interest with antique motorcycles peaked at the Las Vegas Mid-America auction in 2011 when this interesting collection of Cannonball survivors were displayed, and their stories told. I suggested to my brother Eric that that this would be a “bucket-list” event and we should consider the possibility.
In 2021, that “bucket-list” event came true as Eric and I piloted our 1928 Harley-Davidson JD 3,700+/- miles across America in the Sault St. Marie to South Padre Island Motorcycle Cannonball. Words do not adequately describe the range of emotions, challenges, friendships garnered, and the exhilaration of accomplishments over the course of seventeen days . . . but suffice it to say, it was not a disappointment!
In 2023, both Eric and I were aboard similar 1928 Harley JD’s for the Virginia Beach to Oceanside Cannonball. Eric went the distance but I had a bit of misfortune and a DNF.
Having missed the 2025 TransAm, we’re ready to rumble again! I will be piloting my battle-hardened 1928 JD as ridden in 2021 and 2023, whereas my brother Eric will be riding the 1928 Harley JD that he successfully piloted in 2023. We’ll be accompanied by a third brother, John, as support crew . . . hence, the team name, Band of Brothers.
We look forward to reacquainting ourselves with fellow racers, meeting new combatants and we’re most anxious to see what Tom, Sean and Kelsey can throw at us!
