Doc Hopkins’ Cannonball Bike
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Doc Hopkins had two motorcycles on display in the “Teamed to Learn” tent at the 2016 Iola Old Car Show (www.iolaoldcarshow.com). Hopkins is the owners of Doc’s Harley-Davidson of Shawano, Wis., and a friend of Teamed to Learn organizer Fred Beyers. Fred invited Doc to exhibit old motorcycles and one of them was a ‘16 Harley-Davidson Model J that’s going on the 2016 Cannonball.
Since its inception in 2010, three successful runs have turned the Cannonball into an American institution. Riders, and collectors from all over the world have participated in the Cannonball. The motorcycle restoration business has been affected, too, because skilled engine builders have had to reevaluate what it takes to make vintage motorcycles reliable for a coast to coast endurance run. Motorcycle enthusiasts are also learning the meaning of the word endurance since riding nearly 300 miles per day on an older bike is not an easy task.
The 2016 Cannonball (www.motorcyclecannonball.com) is being planned as a really special event. It is going to be a “Century Race” open only to bikes that are at least 100 years old. In addition, only 100 riders will be chosen to participate in this historic endeavor. The route was planned for early bikes that can only maintain around 40 miles per hour on straight flat roads. The Cannonball begins Sept. 10, 2016 in Atlantic City, N.J. and concludes more than two weeks later in San Diego, Calif.
Doc Hopkins and his partner Dawn are getting ready to hit the road in the 3,474-mile endurance run that will take 17 days to complete. Doc is well known for his outrageous Harley dealership that has such attractions as an exotic animal zoo and a pirate ship sticking out of its side, as well as a car and bike museum. His long, long Timeline bike featuring seven different types of Harley engines has been seen throughout the country.
Hopkins’ stock 1916 Harley-Davidson Model J features a 1000cc V-twin engine. Bolted to the right-hand side of the bike is a 1913 wicker side car. The combination is likely to turn lots of heads and generate interest as the Cannonball crosses America from east to west.