My name is Doug Jones, from Dalton Ga. Coming of age in the 1970’s, my world revolved around dirt bikes. We rode all the time. In those days in order to ride, you had to develop the ability to keep things running. Chains, clutches, and carburetors became familiar. I learned to repair flat tires, solder cable ends, and all kinds of trailside shade tree repairs. We built bikes out of spare parts, usually just doing enough to ride.
Years later I saw a magazine article on the 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball and knew I had to try the next one. The challenge of riding a 100-year-old motorcycle coast to coast was to much to pass up. I am now a veteran of 3 Cannonballs, 2014, 16, & 18. These rides lived up to their billing, providing good days of riding, a few days sitting on the side of the road, mechanical difficulties, and achievements, but mostly the comradery of the people who like to step outside the box.
Here’s to the Challenge!