Istanbul bound | Cannonball Bike Run celebrates twentieth birthday with biggest challenge yet

The world-famous Cannonball Bike Run enters its twentieth anniversary this year and to celebrate, sets out on its most ambitious challenge yet; an eight-day, 3,300km ride through Europe to Istanbul. 

The action kicks off on 28 June in the Czech Republic where ‘Ballers will be given the chance to ride the iconic Brno former-MotoGP circuit before a pre-party in the city centre officially gets things started. 

The next day riders will set out following a ‘rally-style’ roadbook, heading southeast over seven days of motorcycle touring before crossing the Bosphorus Strait and rolling into Istanbul having completed the longest European Cannonball run ever! 

Things don’t quite end there however, after a night in Türkiye, ‘Ballers will turn their wheels back west and complete a bonus eighth stage, finishing at Varna’s Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, for an epic 5-star closing party. 

The Run’s origins date back over a century to the story of maverick motorcyclist, Erwin ‘Cannon Ball’ Baker, whose legendary antics racing trains across the United States saw him wrack up 800,000km over 143 high-speed coast-to-coast bike runs in the early twentieth century.  

Inspired by his legend, the Cannonball Bike Run was born in 2005, making history with the first mass motorcycle transcontinental challenge ever. 

Despite the events wild beginnings, organisers are keen to stress it’s no race, encouraging to enjoy the journey at their own pace. 

Founder Steve Mason states: “There’s a lot of misconceptions about CBR, we’re not a crazy group of bikers racing each other to the next destination. We’re all about relentlessly searching out the most epic riding roads, savouring the raw thrill of motorcycling far away from tourist traffic, and creating an unrepeatable shared experience with the most legendary group of people”. 

To maximise enjoyment, inter-hotel luggage transfers are included allowing riders to enjoy the road unhindered by their gear. There’s even roadside photography along the route and a transportation service to ship bikes back, allowing riders to fly directly home. 

Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis with prices set at £2140. The fee includes all eight nights hotel accommodation, food throughout, technical support, luggage transportation on-event activities and more. To secure your spot, head to the Canonball Bike Run website now.