With only two days to the finish, Dottie Mattern holds an edge to earn the honor of becoming the top woman competitor in this 16-day, 4,000-mile event for riders on pre-1937 antique motorcycles. Not only is she top woman, but at 70, she is the oldest woman Cannonballer.
Dottie lost a perfect score on Day 11 when the magneto on her 78-year-old Indian exploded, but was soon on the road again thanks to having a spare magneto in her saddlebag. Currently, she stands at 2996 points.
Other female Cannonballers are Sharon Jacobs, 2722 points; Chris Sommer Simmons, 2718 points; and Claudia Gantaroli who earned 1552 before her motorcycle failed on Day 8.
Mattern’s determination to finish is not just for her personal satisfaction, but for the sake of her charitable beneficiaries. As a colon cancer survivor and a lifelong antique motorcycle enthusiast, she is riding to raise funds for the Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc. and the Antique Motorcycle Foundation, Inc. Both are non-profit, charitable organizations for which contributions are tax-deductible. Her total earnings will be divided equally between the two organizations.
To keep up with Dottie on her daily blog and to make a contribution, go to ridedottieride.org.
