Cannonball and DWVC

Edwin George Baker was a motorcycle and car racing driver and organizer. His on track credentials include winning the very first race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and partaking in the 1922 Indianapolis 500. He later became the first commissioner of NASCAR.

However Baker was better known for his off track endurance performances. From 1914 through to the 1930s Baker set record after record for trans American crosses on motorcycles, in cars and even trucks, thus earning himself the nickname “Cannon Ball” Baker after being compared to the Cannonball train of Illinois by a New York newspaper.

Baker’s best known journey was in 1933 when drove across the United States from New York to Los Angeles setting a record that stood for nearly 40 years. This run inspired the 1970’s Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dashes, better known as the Cannonball Run, which in turn inspired numerous movies such as the “Cannonball” trilogy and “The Gumball Rally”.

The Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash was discontinued as of 1979 due to adverse media attention and pressure from various institutions concerned about road safety. However, various road rallies were established in the spirit of these dashes and races in the late 1990s and early 2000s focusing mainly on enjoying the journey rather than setting the fastest time with no official timing or prizes for reaching a check point first.

The Gumball 3000 is probably the most famous of these incarnations but the truest incarnation of the original “Cannon Ball” Baker’s achievements must be the Cannonball bike run. This run started with cars racing to and though timed checkpoints, meaning most of it took place on motorways so as to make the best time. However from 2004 the event was refocused to motorcycles using long sweeping and tight twisting back roads with no timed checkpoints so as to get back to its true routes.

In 2008 the European Cannonball Bike Run takes place in Morroco from the second to eighth of October. Despite being in Morroco the route is on Tarmac only and all routes are pre ridden so as to supply riders with suggested route maps. With participants from the U.K., Australia, U.S.A., Switzerland, Belgium and Ireland riding everything from Harley Davidsons and BMW tourers to the likes of Ducattis and Yamahas, there is a broad range of people and personalities partaking.

Entry starts at £1,999 with a 10% discount for every year a rider has entered previously. This includes transportation of bikes and riders from Europe to Morroco, top notch accommodation each night, all meals and entry to parties every night with a real blow out at the half-way stage in Marrakesh. Riders are encouraged to use the run to try to raise funds for charities of their choice.

Should you want to extend your visit to Morroco, DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) members can get a weeks bed and breakfast for two at the Dar Sofia (resort code T04908) from just £275!

The Dar Sofia is a superb property located just four kilometers from the walls of Marrakech, offering wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains.

It is a nestled in 5000m² of parkland filled with trees and flowering plants. The peace and quiet to be found around the pool is a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the town and its bazaars.

Additionally the property offers the following services and facilities: babysitting, car park and car hire, gym, laundry facilities, children’s playground, barbecue, restaurant and a bar.

Dar Sofia comprises 5 suites, all beautifully appointed and equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, safe, satellite TV, fireplace and a private terrace perfect for a leisurely breakfast. The 'Marrakech' restaurant at Dar Sofia will help you discover the traditional Moroccan cuisine. As well as breakfast, meals can be served during the day or in the evening by prior arrangement.

Weather you want to just do the run, the run and the holiday or just the holiday (and maybe gate crash the big party in Marrakesh), Morroco is well worth the visit. To book the resort contact your account manager at Timelinx’s reservations office on 0870 738 0080 or log onto www.dwvc.com. To book your place on the run go to www.cannonballbikerun.com.