‘CANNONBALL Chris’ Knoop doesn’t want to sound conceited, but he believes his bike – rebuilt and restored in his shed in Newport – will be a “world-class show pony” at next month’s New York to San Francisco Cannonball Run.
Knoop is riding his 1925 Jap Invincible in the 5000-kilometre endurance race from September 7-23.
He’s the lone Australian among 75 entrants.
“I’m the only Australian entered and I’m flying an Australian flag in an Australian team on an Australian bike,” Knoop says.
“There’s no money involved – it’s just bragging rights.”
Knoop’s partner Christine will ride in the fabricated sidecar, travelling nearly 322 kilometres a day. That’s no mean feat considering the Australian-built Jap has its sidecar on the left – placing the passenger in the centre of the road in the US.
In 2010, Knoop went to the US to watch the inaugural vintage motorcycle Cannonball Run, joining the support crew for several teams when their pre-1915 machines started breaking down.
The Newport Fiddle and Folk Club member will receive a hero’s send-off when he speaks about his adventures at Newport Bowls Club, 4 Market Street, Newport, from 2-5pm this Saturday.
