Long-time motorcyclist, Doug Cruickshank, completed the Cannonball Express 5000 on May 22. He travelled 8440 km in six days and six hours.
His trip took him from Wawa and Kingston, ON, then North Bay Ottawa and Ignace. From there Cruickshank rode to Jasper and Calgary, AB and to Golden, BC. He continued to Regina and then home to Virden.
Along the way Cruickshank stopped at over 20 dealers, and took selfies to prove he was there, as a requirement of the Cannonball Express 5000.
Cruickshank has been riding motorcycles for 45-50 years, and chose to do the Cannonball 5000 because he loves a challenge. “It was a serious challenge, I put 4500 km on in the first three days,” says Cruickshank.
The trip was not a holiday or a trip for the faint of heart; on Cruickshank’s third day he rode for 21 hours. He says the most memorable part of the ride, was the sign outside of Regina on his way home that read “Virden 270 km”.
It was a once in a lifetime ride, and even though it was long and grueling, Cruickshank said, “Everyone should give the 5000 a shot, at least once.”
A week after completing the Cannonball Express 5000, Cruickshank also rode the Cannonball 2500. He leaves for the 3800 km, (one way) trip on Jun. 15, to Dawson City, Yukon.
Riders that complete any of the Cannonball rides, receive a patch to put on their coats from the Cannonball organization, as a badge of recognition.
Doug Cruickshank changes his bike oil for his next adventure.
