With a lineup of ADV bikes that ranges from the entry-level 390 Adventure to the high-performance, 160-hp 1290 Super Adventure R, KTM knows adventure. The last KTM Adventure Rider Rally was held in Breckenridge, Colorado, in 2019. After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the popular on/off-road rally returns this September in Donnelly, Idaho. The following is the official press release from KTM.
KTM North America, Inc. has announced that the KTM Adventure Rider Rally is back on the calendar for 2022 with an entirely new format for participants to enjoy. One of the oldest and most popular events on the global KTM Adventure Rally calendar, the 17th running of this special event will welcome KTM riders from every part of the globe to experience the ultimate adventure September 16-18 at the picturesque Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho.
2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (Photo by Kevin Wing)
Featuring an all-new format, this year’s event will offer a designated loop for each day of riding, which includes options for all skill levels and a common lunch/gas spot supported by KTM. Participants will have a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the future of KTM Adventure in the presence of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Dakar Rally Champion Kevin Benavides and KTM ambassador Chris Birch, as well as the chance to ride alongside both offroad experts – and other notable names – throughout the event.
To ensure that everyone has a fun and safe rally, participants will ride in groups of 2-4 people each day. Adventurers can sign up ahead of time as a pre-determined group and individual self-navigators will be teamed up on-site with a rider/group of the same skill level. All groups must have a SPOT device and GPS devices.
Back by popular demand, a limited number of participants will have the opportunity to do an adventure-style camp out. The ride will be led by KTM’s Chris Fillmore for the second year and the camping has been extended by a day to allow campers to experience this true adventure.
As always, the KTM Adventure Rider Rally is designed for KTM Adventure and Enduro owners but is open to all brands of street legal motorcycles. KTM Ride Orange Street Demos will take place on Thursday to allow all participants the opportunity to participate in all rides on Friday and Saturday.
There will also be Riding Technique and Technical Riding Seminars available for those who wish to participate, as well as plenty of Adventure vendors on-site. Participants will receive an event t-shirt and hat, along with a pre-event dinner on Thursday, Breakfast on Friday – Sunday, as well as an Awards Dinner on Saturday evening.
For more information or to register for the KTM Adventure Rider Rally in Donnelly, Idaho, visit the official page.
Brady Smith Sr. and Jr., from Joplin, Missouri, winners of the Full Restoration 1959 Super Cub-Milestone Honda Award.
The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of America (VJMC) recently held its annual national motorcycle rally in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This year’s VJMC national rally, which took place June 23-25, celebrated the club’s 45th anniversary. More than 160 club members enjoyed three days of riding, bike shows, and camaraderie with their vintage Japanese motorcycles.
“This club has been successful for 45 years because it brings people and vintage Japanese bikes together for fun, friendship, and new riding experiences,” said Tom Kolenko, President of VJMC. “We have a great vintage community that celebrates the past while riding into the future.”
Yamaha XS650
Founded in 1977, VJMC is the premier worldwide club dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles (20 years or older) and the promotion of the sport of motorcycling. The VJMC hallmark is “participation at all levels and to have fun” – for all motorcycle enthusiasts young and old.
Membership in the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of America is $35 per year and includes a full-color 64+ page magazine printed six times per year, rides, rallies, and shows at local, regional, and national events. The VJMC has over 3,300 members and is a 100% volunteer-based, nonprofit club.
For more information visit VJMC.org or call (763) 420-7829.
Small-displacement Honda SLs, Kink n Go, and Honda generator 2.
Americade is coming up June 7-11 in Lake George, New York, and Tucker Powersports is a Platinum Sponsor for the 2022 rally. Its Kuryakyn and TwinPower brands will have a major presence at Americade. Read more in the press release below.
Touring motorcycle riders of all brands will connect with Tucker Powersports’ Kuryakyn and TwinPower brand representatives at the annual Americade Rally in Lake George, New York, this week. Tucker, the nation’s leading distributor of powersports products, is a Platinum Sponsor of the rally and will have a commanding presence at the event.
Kuryakyn and TwinPower will share a large display tent in the festival commons in Lake George, where riders will be greeted by the Kuryakyn entrance arch as they arrive. Tucker will also sponsor the shuttle for rally attendees, helping them more easily between activities on the rally site.
The partnership between Americade and these Tucker brands comes quite naturally. The Kuryakyn brand has been a top source of accessories for all brands of touring motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda Gold Wing models. This year, the brand launched new touring bags, a line of waterproof bags, and even a Pet Palace for riders traveling with their “best friend.” Since its inception in 1982, TwinPower has been supporting riders with great oil, batteries, drivetrain components, maintenance items, and tools, which are a perfect fit for long distance riders.
“This event is important for both Kuryakyn and TwinPower,” said Tyler Anderson, Kuryakyn Brand Manager. “Americade is the most significant gathering of touring riders in the country. We want to learn from the attendees while sharing our great products that are designed expressly for long distance riders.”
Americade, started in 1984, was one of the first motorcycle rallies designed for the long-distance touring rider. It combines rides through the beautiful roadways of upstate New York and New England, a huge trade show and expo, presentations by expert riders and touring veterans, and social events that bring out the camaraderie of riders who love putting lots of miles behind them on their motorcycles.
Americade 2022 runs from June 7-11 in Lake George, New York. For more information, visit americade.com.
A new exhibition, “The Open Road: The Art of the Motorcycle,” opens on June 16, 2022, at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, Virginia. The exhibition will be part of the Open Road BikeFest, a weeklong celebration of the motorcycle held June 22-25 at locations across Abingdon and Bristol, Virginia.
In addition to the museum exhibition, there will be bike rallies, block parties, bike rides, live music, and more.
Stay in Abingdon, Virginia, for the Open Road BikeFest and never miss a moment of the fun. Plan your route ahead of time with Appalachian Backroads, your complete guide to routes in Southwest Virginia, or The Southern Dozen, your complete guide to routes in Northeast Tennessee.
Indulge in Abingdon’s award-winning Small Town Food Scene at more than 30 independently owned restaurants. Finally, relax for the night at Hampton Inn by Hilton. Receive special BikeFest rates by calling Hampton by Hilton’s front desk at (276) 619-4600 and mentioning William King Museum of Art or the Open Road BikeFest.
JUNE 22 (Wednesday) Bike Night Texas Roadhouse, Bristol, VA 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
JUNE 23 (Thursday) Cruise In Hampton Inn, Abingdon, VA 6:00 p.m. Music from The EDGE and food trucks on-site
JUNE 24 (Friday) Block Party Spring House Tumbling Creek Cider Company, Abingdon, VA 6:00 p.m. Music by Florencia and the Feeling and Annabelle’s Curse
JUNE 25 (Saturday) Ride to BikeFest Black Wolf Harley- Davidson, Bristol, VA 9:00 a.m. registration Begin your ride at Black Wolf Harley-Davidson on Saturday at 9 a.m. and finish around 1 p.m. at the Open Road BikeFest at Latture Field in Abingdon, VA FREE TO RIDE! Please consider donating to benefit William King Museum of Art, donations collected on site at registration.
JUNE 25 (Saturday) Open Road BikeFest Hosted by William King Museum of Art, Latture Field, Abingdon, VA ** MOTORCYCLE PARKING ON GRASS, BRING YOUR KICKSTAND PLATE ** Gates open at 1:00 p.m. Featuring music, vendors, food trucks, beer garden, best in show contest & more! ** BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR ** TICKETS: $20.00 at the gates Music starting at 2:00 p.m. by Ron Short and the Possum Playboys and Phantom
More information about the Open Road BikeFest and “The Open Road: The Art of the Motorcycle,” can be found online at williamkingmuseum.org. The Open Road BikeFest is sponsored by The Town of Abingdon, Virginia, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
One of the guided rides at Americade was the Lake Placid Adventure, which included a stop at Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. (Photos by the author and Andy DeLivron)
One of the many downsides of the pandemic was the cancellation of motorcycle rallies and other events. Americade, billed as the world’s largest touring rally, has been held in Lake George, New York, in late spring (typically the first week of June) every year since 1983.
The 2020 edition of Americade, which would have been touring guru Fred Rau’s 30th consecutive appearance at the event, had to be canceled. In January of this year, Americade announced that the event would be moved from early June to September 20-25.
Riders head out on one of the many guided tours that took place daily during Americade. Rallygoers could choose from Twisties & Treats, NY & VT Covered Bridges, Vermont Spoiler, Scenic Riding & Fine Dining, and the Lake Placid Adventure, and each tour included lunch and door prizes.
“We want to make 100% sure that a 2021 Americade will happen,” said Christian Dutcher, Director of Americade. “Moving it to September gives us a very high likelihood of it happening. September is also a perfect time of year for riding, with mild temperatures, no rain, and fall foliage season beginning. It should be beautiful.”
Happen it did, and the event was a great success. Though, since it was Americade, of course there was some rain!
Demo rides on the latest models are always popular at Americade.
This is one of two wooden signs hand-carved years ago by Rider’s former National Sales Director Joe Salluzzo.
Rider has supported Americade since the early days, and as we do every year, we sponsored the Opening Celebration on Monday night, which is open to participants who preregister for the rally. Guests enjoyed dinner under the big tent on the lawn of the Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center, overlooking Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The Rick Bolton Trio and mentalist Dustin Dean provided entertainment, and we gave away door prizes.
The rally kicked off in earnest on Tuesday with guided and unguided rides, seminars, vendors and food at the Tour Expo, demo rides (BMW, Honda, Indian, KTM, Triumph, and Yamaha), boat rides, live entertainment, and many other activities. Since Lake George is on the eastern edge of Adirondack Park and not far from Vermont, there’s no shortage of fantastic roads within a 100-mile radius.
The Americade Knights of the Round Table, with Fred Rau, Bill Dutcher, Momma D, and Greg Drevenstedt telling tall tales.
These guys really love Americade.
On Tuesday evening, as guests enjoyed the Medieval Feast under the big tent, I did an onstage interview for the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast with Bill, Gini, and Christian Dutcher, the family that founded and runs Americade. We talked about how the rally began and what has helped it become such a popular and unique event. (To listen to the episode, go to ridermagazine.com/insider.)
Onstage after the podcast interview was the Americade Knights of the Round Table. Fred Rau, Bill Dutcher, Momma D (Dee Jones), and I wore crowns and drank mead as we told humorous and embarrassing stories about our collective travels and experiences on two wheels. The crowd had plenty of laughs at our expense, and they especially enjoyed it when we took questions from the audience.
Riders came from far and wide to enjoy the scenic riding and activities at Americade.
Wednesday morning began drizzly and gray. At 7 a.m. Fred Rau hosted his popular coffee club. At 7:30 a.m., with raingear on, I queued up on Beach Road for the Lake Placid Adventure, one of several guided rides that day. We were joined by a group from the Wounded Warrior Project, which Americade has supported for several years. The rain stopped after about an hour, and we enjoyed a scenic ride up to Whiteface Mountain, a delicious lunch at the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, and stops at the Olympic training facilities for the long jump and bobsled.
A group from the Wounded Warrior Project on the Lake Placid Adventure tour.
Under the big tent on Wednesday and Saturday nights, comedian Alonzo Bodden entertained large crowds. During his stand-up sets and “Heavy Lightweight” special on Amazon Prime Video, Bodden’s comedy is topical. But as a longtime motorcycle enthusiast with several bikes in his garage, when Bodden performs at Americade, he interacts with the audience and spins comedy gold from his on-the-spot moto-related dialogue. Bodden returns year after year, and every show is unique. (To listen to our interview with Alonzo Bodden on the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast, visit ridermagazine.com/insider.)
Taking a moment to swap bikes on our Triumph ride with Alonzo Bodden, Peter Jones, Adam VanderVeen, and Dean Court.
On Thursday, I had a chance to go on a ride with Bodden, The Moto Life columnist Peter Jones, Adam VanderVeen from Triumph America, and Isle of Man TT racer Dean Court. After the demo rides ended, we gassed up a Rocket 3 GT, Trident 660, Street Triple, and Speed Triple 1200 RS, and wound our way up Highway 9N along the western shore of Lake George. We made it back to town just before the rain began.
At the Tour Expo, rallygoers can have audio systems, LED lights, and other accessories installed on their motorcycles while they wait.
On Saturday the sun was out and the Tour Expo was a popular place for attendees to buy accessories, apparel, seat cush-ions, T-shirts, and more.
After a major storm blew through in the wee hours of Friday morning, the skies cleared and the next two days were sunny. Being only a few hours from the New York and Boston metro areas, Friday and Saturday are always the busiest days at Americade. The Expo was packed with folks shopping for new gear and having audio systems and accessories installed on their bikes.
Under the big tent was the Friday Night Spectacular, with a dinner, People’s Choice judging, Brown Liquor Social Club, Vintage Bike Roar, awards, and major door prizes. There was a boat cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha and fireworks over the lake.
The Ride for Kids charity event at Americade raised more than $17,000
Saturday featured a Ride for Kids charity ride that raised more than $17,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. From 1-10 p.m. was the Block Party & Music Festival. As with every night of the rally, there were bikes parked along Canada Street and others cruising up and down, many adorned with brightly colored lights.
Next year’s Americade will take place June 6-11, 2022, so start making plans now. For more information, visit americade.com.
The biker bash of the season is back and bigger than ever. Harley-Davidson has announced plans for the all-new Hometown Rally, a Labor Day weekend celebration of moto-culture centered in Milwaukee, the city where it all began for the Motor Company. The Harley-Davidson Museum will serve as a central rally point September 2-6, 2021, for events taking place at that downtown site and at six surrounding Harley-Davidson dealerships.
“The Hometown Rally is an event no Harley-Davidson fan will want to miss,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “It will be a celebration of all things Harley, a chance to re-connect with other riders who share the desire for adventure, freedom and community that is the real heart of the Harley-Davidson experience.”
Throughout the Hometown Rally weekend, the 20-acre campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum will host the party of the summer, with free live concerts on three consecutive nights, food-and-beverage sites, stunt exhibitions and skills demonstrations, 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle demos, and motorcycle showcases hosted by Born Free and V-Twin Visionary. The Museum will be open for general admission during the event.
The Museum will also host a H.O.G. member Check-In, and there will be a H.O.G. member Check-In at each of the six participating Harley-Davidson dealerships in the area. Event H.O.G. merchandise will also be available.
Milwaukee-area Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting Hometown Rally events and entertainment. Those dealerships include House of Harley-Davidson (Greenfield), Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee), Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson (Thiensville), Uke’s Harley-Davidson (Kenosha), West Bend Harley-Davidson (West Bend) and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson (Oconomowoc).
Hometown Rally details and schedules will be finalized and revealed throughout the summer. Check for updates at H-D.com/hometownrally, where links to dealer sites for specific info on those schedules and events will also be posted.
Babes Ride Out 7 attracted women on all flavors of motorcycles — cruisers, sportbikes, ADVs and more — to the golden hills of central California. Photos by the author.
A women-only rally celebrating the camaraderie of two wheels.
It all started, like these things often do, with two friends who just wanted to share a newfound love of riding motorcycles. They planned a “girls’ weekend” of riding and camping in California’s Mojave Desert, and thought it might be fun to invite some of the fellow women riders they’d been connecting with on social media (but had yet to meet in person). Playfully, they dubbed it Babes in Borrego. The year was 2013, and to their surprise 50 women showed up, some having come from as far away as New York and Oregon. They were all there for one simple reason: they loved to ride motorcycles.
The next year Anya and Ashmore, the two founding friends, stepped up their game for what they were now calling Babes Ride Out, renting a private campground near Joshua Tree, California. They expected 150 women; instead they got 500. The next year, 1,500. That same year, 2015, they hosted their first off-road-oriented event, called (of course) Babes in the Dirt. In 2016, Babes Ride Out — or BRO for short — expanded to the East Coast and then to the UK. Anya and Ashmore had tapped into a powerful force: women who were passionate about riding and who craved the camaraderie that only a gathering of motorcyclists seems to provide, without egos or expectations — and, incidentally, without men.
Sorry, gents. There’s only one rule at BRO: no boys allowed. Well…two rules. The other is have fun!
BRO is a female-only event, and 2019 was my second one. My first time, in 2017, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As someone who was never one of the “cool girls” as a teenager, I was actually pretty worried it would feel like a bigger, scarier version of the junior high school lunchroom. It turned out to be the complete opposite. The whole event was infused with an energy of inclusiveness and fellowship, unlike any rally I’d ever attended. I knew I’d be back.
For 2019, BRO made a location change for the first time, from the desert to the rolling golden hills south of Paso Robles in California’s Central Coast wine country. Most everything else stayed the same; BRO has always been a riding-centric event, and on Saturday the camp empties out as everyone hits the road one on of the pre-planned routes (sponsor Biltwell provided printed maps) or one of their own devising.
BRO has always been a riding event first and foremost, so on Saturday the camp empties out as everyone hits the scenic California roads. My group chose to cruise up Highway 1 to Big Sur for lunch, not a bad way to spend a Saturday!
Most of the pre-planned routes are short, a few hours or so, to give riders a chance to return to camp and take part in welding or leatherwork workshops hosted by Real Deal Revolution (co-founded by the late Jessi Combs), Harley-Davidson demo rides, M1GP minibike knee-dragging seminars, bike games and more. In the evenings, there is karaoke, live music (this year was Twisted Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band), vendors and craftswomen, a tattoo station, free beer and whiskey (“till it runs out!”), telescopes for stargazing and food trucks for late-night grub.
Entrance to the private venue is secured 24 hours a day, and they take the “no guys allowed” rule seriously. Most of us camped in the big open field, but plenty of women brought RVs and there are even some available for rent. For those who wanted to camp but don’t own all the gear or couldn’t transport it on their bike, items like tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags are also available to rent.
The private venue, which has 24-hour security, included a huge open field for camping. Meeting new friends is a large part of the BRO experience, so even if you roll in alone you’re likely to have a neighbor stroll up and introduce herself.
There was a lot of smiling, a lot of laughter, dancing like no guys are watching, fantastic riding in California’s Central Coast and, of course, the warm camaraderie of a couple thousand women coming together to celebrate the passion we all share. Consider me a Babes believer; this is a special experience and I encourage female riders of all persuasions to attend at least one if you can. You won’t be disappointed.
BRO East typically takes place in early June; BRO West takes place in mid-October; Babes in the Dirt takes place in late April. See websites for locations and updates.
The barn was the center of the action each evening, with a karaoke contest the first night and live music by Twisted Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, the second night.The barn also hosted several female artisans offering their crafts, like custom embroidery and helmet pinstriping. A raffle included items like hand-painted helmets, jackets, camping gear and more. Between daytime rides and in the evenings, attendees could sign up for Real Deal Revolution workshops including leatherwork, welding, painting and more. This year was bittersweet, as the event paid tribute to Real Deal co-founder, land speed racer, television personality and all-around awesome lady Jessi Combs, who tragically died in a land speed record attempt in August.Christina with Real Deal Revolution hosts a leatherworking workshop, making keychains participants got to keep.The hands-on experience continued with welding classes. Real Deal Revolution’s self-stated mission is to “revolutionize the perception of skilled trades…and women’s role in them.”Most of the ladies in this picture had never dragged a knee before today, but after our M1GP minibike seminar we were all feeling like professional racers.
The gently curving Blue Ridge Parkway helped us get to the Blue Ridge Gathering — and lots of twisty mountain roads that aren’t so well known. Photos by the author.
The Blue Ridge Gathering is an annual meeting of sport-touring riders in western North Carolina, one of the best regions in the U.S. for motorcycling. In October 2018, riders came from as far as Newfoundland to ride some amazing mountain roads.
“I dug through the archives and the first records are from 2002, so this must be the 17th annual Blue Ridge Gathering,” said Phil Derryberry of Nashville, Tennessee, one of the event’s founders. “The original goal was to bring together Honda ST riders in these mountains, but it’s simply become a gathering of people who like to ride here. It’s not about what you ride, just that you do ride.”
Just how good are the roads in these parts? Good enough that Jim G. Gow rode from York Harbour, Newfoundland — 2,400 miles one-way — just to get here.
Phil is a self-described 7th generation Tennessee hillbilly. “The first Derryberrys were Adam and Eve — yes, really,” he smiled. “They settled there before Tennessee was a state. Both of my grandfathers were moonshiners and bootleggers at one point in their lives.” Though he’s a software developer and highly accomplished pianist, Phil embraces his hillbilly roots. Part of that, he told me, is knowing the best mountain roads, and he says they’re in these parts.
“People come to the Blue Ridge Gathering with a goal of riding some great roads they’ve never seen before,” he explained by a blazing campfire. “I study maps and explore, so it changes every year. If you’re not from around here, you’re not likely to find the roads that I found.”
Moonshine Creek Campground in Balsam, North Carolina, is ideally situated for easy access to some of the region’s best twisty mountain roads.
I can attest to Phil’s talent finding roads. These aren’t the ones you’ve heard of, like the gently curving Blue Ridge Parkway or the 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 129 known as the Tail of the Dragon (which crosses into Tennessee). Such roads are fun, but they’re also tourist attractions that get crowded. Phil finds roads that most people wouldn’t, ones with unexciting monikers like Lower Flat Creek Road and Macedonia Church Road. They are challenging, technical and demand each rider’s full attention.
When riding these roads in a group, it helps to have a simple approach that keeps the group united while everyone rides their own ride. Phil is a proponent of Drop and Sweep. “Some guys who come to the Blue Ridge Gathering have skills close to pro racers and some are relative newbies,” Phil explained. “If you ride to the lowest common denominator, it’s not good for everyone. With Drop and Sweep, you ride your own ride at your own speed, but the group remains a group, just spread out. It’s a safer way to organize a group ride because it relieves dynamics based on skill level. I learned it while I was touring in England and it worked so well I started to use it here.” (To learn more about Drop and Sweep, visit unclephil.us/groupride.htm.)
After breakfast, people joining the group ride review the simple rules for Drop and Sweep.To learn more about Drop and Sweep, visit unclephil.us.
After riding several of Phil’s roads, I sat down at a coffee shop in Marshall, North Carolina, and asked Blue Ridge Gathering riders about their experiences. “All of us are at least a day’s ride from this area and we think nothing of riding here to ride these roads,” said Ashley Horn, a Honda ST1300 rider from Jacksonville, Florida. “I came here in my pre-motorcycle years for hiking and wished I had a motorcycle. My wife then was a big ‘no motorcycles’ person, so I got a new wife — and a motorcycle. This is my happy place.”
“I first came up here in my car to visit friends,” said Dave Doolin, also of Jacksonville, who came on a Honda Gold Wing. “They didn’t ride and when I was up here in their truck and saw the roads, I was fit to be tied without a motorcycle to ride. Ever since, I come on a motorcycle. This region has become an important part of my life.”
Honda ST1300s are still the most commonly seen bikes at the Blue Ridge Gathering, but all riders and bikes are welcome.The Blue Ridge Gathering has always been primarily a camping event.
Wayne Efthyvoulou, a long-time sportbike rider from Easthampton, New Jersey, was on his first long tour aboard a purpose-designed sport tourer, his newly acquired Honda ST1300. He was succinct: “It’s great here.”
The Blue Ridge Gathering is not a commercial event so riders only pay for a campsite or cabin, meals and gas. (Fair warning: you’ll eat up tires faster than usual!) “What makes the Blue Ridge Gathering different is we take roads that aren’t on anybody’s radar,” said Phil. “Most don’t make the ‘Tour North Carolina’ maps. They’re steep, twisty, challenging mountain roads unique to this part of the U.S. I’d love for people who come to have a great safe ride, enjoy some scenery, talk around a campfire after dark and leave feeling like they learned something. And that’s about it.”
Steve Efthyvoulou and his son Wayne, both from New Jersey, rest along wonderfully winding Macedonia Church Road (State Route 1326) in Rosman, North Carolina.Speaking of wonderfully winding Macedonia Church Road…here it is.
The weather was wonderful, the motorcycles beautiful (mostly), the food delicious, and more than 3,000 people came to enjoy the show. Photos by the author and David Fairchild
The Quail Motorcycle Gatheringhas been going on for 11 years now, and I’m happy to say it was just as good the 11th time around. You ride along Carmel Valley Road, going east from Carmel, and signs soon indicate the Quail Lodge is off to the right (on Valley Greens Drive, in case you need that for your GPS). Ride past the lodge, cross a little bridge, then you see a lot of white tents off to your right and a straight road ahead — lined with hundreds of parked motorcycles.
Find a slot to back your bike into, and then walk over to the entrance. For 11 years I’ve left my gear on the bike and never lost anything, but there is a free “gear valet” tent should you be of a nervous nature. If you didn’t get an $85 ticket ahead of time, pay your $95, pick up a very well-done program — makes a great souvenir — and head on in. By 11 o’clock some 3,000 people are walking around this large grassy area, looking at more than 300 motorcycles on display, from scooters to customized creations, some gorgeous, some bizarre. A tasty lunch is provided for the price of the ticket; since the culinary pavilions are open from 11 to 3, peckish types can eat several lunches. Encircling the grass are a whole lot of tents featuring everything from motorcycle manufacturers to auction houses to medics with their electric bicycles, waiting to rush off and succor any ailing individual…perhaps someone so stricken by the beauty of the motorcycles that he or she faints from overwrought pleasure.
The Quail has never discriminated, as long as a machine has two wheels (sometimes three) and a motor, internal combustion or electric. For the awards there are nine traditional competing classes running from Antique to Custom/Modified, and a dozen featured classes that can be quite subjective, as they include subjects like Innovation and Design & Style. The tents on the sidelines may be showing off the very latest in modernism, including a rather expensive Arch motorcycle from the company of which Keanu Reeves is part owner; one of those will probably appear in the next“John Wick” movie. Or the latest battery-powered streetfighter from Italy, the Energica Eva, claiming a top speed of 125 mph and a range of less than 100 miles.
Since 2019 is the 50th anniversary of Honda’s CB750, that was a major part of the show. And it happened to be the 100th anniversary of the Brough Superior, so there were a few of those on display, most restored, but one had 90-year-old paint. By the way, it is important that that word Superior word be kept in there, as Daddy Brough had been building Brough bikes for a few years, since 1908, and then his son George came along and had the nerve to make what he claimed was a superior version. Which, apparently, it was. More than 3,000 Brough Superiors were built between 1919 and 1940, and to the surprise of many perhaps a third survive to this day. But not a single Daddy Brough to be seen.
This 1939 Brough Superior SS100 used a 998cc Matchless V-twin, and the 100 stood for guaranteed miles per hour, not engine size.
Somewhat more CB750s came off the production line, like 53,000 in 1969, and I’ve seen the figure of 444,000 total for the single overhead cam version, which was around for a long 10 years before becoming the double overhead cam. And Honda models with that 750cc (roughly) air-cooled in-line-four engine have stayed around into the 21st century. A pseudo-replica came out in 2007, though I don’t think that model ever made it stateside due to problems with the Department of Transportation.
More than 7,000 of the first batch of CB750s were called “sandcast” models, but an interesting tidbit of information is that the sandcast name is a misnomer. As Honda was concerned about the sales possibilities for this all-new-and-different motorcycle, rather than making more expensive production casting dies for the long run, it used less expensive gravity-casting metal molds for the first batch of engine cases. This left a rough finish that was mistaken for sand casting. Once the popularity of this bike was established, production die-casting molds were made.
That is part of the Honda CB750 display, and the people who brought their CB750s to display are relaxing, while the mass of viewers are busy viewing.
A third featured class was for (pre-2000) Off-Road Wonders, covering every aspect of off-roading, from enduros to motocross. History tells us that observed trials riding began in Scotland more than 100 years ago. It was fun to look at some middle-aged machines intended for grueling events like the original Paris-Dakar Rally in the Sahara Desert.
We’re not sure why anybody would want to turn a Harley Sportster into an enduro bike, but this aesthetically questionable version was done by Jim Carducci.
Since The Gathering happened to coincide with International Female Ride Day, three women had their time on stage, including much-published Cristine Sommer-Simmons, who has motivated a lot of women to try the pleasures of motorcycling. The star of this three-way chat was obviously 11-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who has been road racing for two years and winning — much to the disgruntlement of those she has beaten. Also on hand was Ginger Damon, of Moto Couture, a company making fashionable protective gear for women.
There is always someone of note to serve as the latest Legend of the Sport, and this year it was legendary racer Malcolm Smith, who starred in the “On Any Sunday” movie. When he got on stage with his movie buddy Mert Lawwill, listening to their reminiscences hosted by Master of Ceremonies and sartorial wonder Paul d’Orleans of The Vintagent was pure pleasure.
The Quail always nominates a Legend of the Sport, and for 2019 it was Malcolm Smith, who was one of the trio starring in the “On Any Sunday” movie.
The judges, under the leadership of Somer Hooker, finished their work in early afternoon, and more than 30 awards were handed out — Sam Roberts’ sandcast 1969 CB750 won Best of Show. All of the awards can be found online.
As a postscript, I will add that it takes a lot of work to keep a show like this going, and a fellow named Gordon McCall should probably take credit for that. He’s a local man, raised on the Monterey Peninsula, and well versed in the art of promotion as he puts on expensive car shows and very expensive airplane events. He is also good at promoting himself, with a pleasant short article about his buying his first motorcycle (a Honda 50) at age 14 appearing in an April edition of The Wall Street Journal.
That’s Sam Roberts looking proud as his 1969 “sandcast” Honda CB750 just won the Best of Show award. (Photo by Tom Meadows)
How do The Gathering’s finances work? At last count there were 46 sponsors, from Geico insurance to Marianne’s ice cream — which people have been enjoying since 1947. The sponsors all contribute to the costs, from rental of the property for three days to feeding the crowd. And the tickets bought by the attendees probably add $250,000 or more. Money in, with money out including expenses, charitable donations and profit — if there is any to be had. The 2020 show is already being advertised…May 16th.
Keep scrolling for more pictures of the bikes at Quail XI….
The Curtiss Warhawk is powered by a 2,063cc OHV V-twin bolted into a monocoque frame, and can be yours for a mere $105,000; only 35 will be built. Cars being expensive in the early 1950s, sidecars were popular; this classy outfit has a 1954 BMW R67/2 bolted to a S500 Steib.This 1953 Indian Chief is the final example of the original marque; its demise was partially attributed to the company’s not upgrading the flathead V-twin to overhead.Revival Cycles’ “The Revival Birdcage” custom has a titanium trellis frame built around the Big Boxer engine that will power a BMW cruiser in 2020.Laverda was a noted Italian company in the 1970s, coming out with very fast motorcycles, including this 3C triple with two disc brakes on the front wheel. So what is this curious machine? It’s called the Asymmetric Aero, powered by a Triumph 650 pushrod engine, and did 175 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats. Anything with two—or sometimes three—wheels and a motor is welcome, as with this quartet of scooters, a Lambretta at the front, a trio of Vespas behind. A pair of tiddlers, with a 1950 BSA Bantam 125 in British post-office red, backed by a 1956 Moto Guzzi 65cc Cardellino in MG red.
Golfers might disagree, but one has to admit that the Quail Lodge & Golf Club’s driving range makes a dandy venue for a motorcycle show, with 350 bikes and 3,000-plus visitors. Photo by Clement Salvadori.
Your bike is tuned, the weather is good, your GPS has been ported and polished and your credit card has been bored and stroked; it’s time to head out on the road! You want to go where riders gather, where you can find like-minded souls for rides, rallies and camaraderie. Well, we have the lowdown on the major touring events this year so grab your calendar, check our list and finalize your plans. Before you raise that kickstand, however, visit the event’s website to catch up on any last-minute changes.
The list below consists of major, national-level events. Check out our calendar for even more smaller, regional and local events.
Ride for Kids
Twenty-seven rides all over the U.S.
Ride for Kids is the longest-running motorcycle charity event in the nation. Since 1984, through these rides, motorcyclists have raised funds to help children with brain tumors, which are the major cause of cancer death in children. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1991 by the founders of Ride for Kids, and is now the leading nonprofit organization funding research into childhood brain tumors. Their events also fund free educational resources, college scholarships for brain tumor survivors and emergency financial aid for families.
American Honda is the presenting sponsor of Ride for Kids.
Though the spring shows have already occurred, be sure to check the schedule for the fall shows where you’ll be able to see all the current and new models from the major manufacturers. These shows also present products from many accessory manufacturers, and you can enjoy custom and classic bike displays, along with live entertainment. To introduce new riders to two wheels, “New to 2” puts new riders on Zero electric motorcycles and Yamaha Power Assist bicycles and includes a series of online videos paired with live presentations at the shows.
Check the website for the 2019-2020 schedule when it becomes available.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina May 3-5, June 28-30, September 6-8
Thunder in the Smokies consists of three rallies throughout the spring and summer. Each will feature a bike show and bike games with a $1,000 prize. You can ride the nearby scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the major street scene in Maggie Valley. While there is no camping on-site, it is available nearby.
Not simply a motorcycle gathering, this high-end vintage event features a gourmet barbeque lunch with offerings from local wineries and breweries, live entertainment and displays by leading motorcycle manufacturers, lifestyle vendors and more. You may enter your vintage and classic bikes in the various judging categories.
This 20th annual event bills itself as “Celebrating the Great American Motorcycle.” There will be a Grand Marshals Historic Vintage Lunch Grand Tour Ride on the 10th, during which you can ride your vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida to a delicious destination, then continue on to a Grand Marshals Dinner that night (attendance limited). Stick around for Saturday’s K9s for Warriors Charity Ride and Concours d’Elegance.
This 80th anniversary rally will have you riding the Grand Strand, taking local tours and enjoying live bands, racing and the Myrtle Beach night life. Come party with about 200,000 of your closest friends.
A Cross-Country Ride to Washington, D.C. May 15-24
Founded by Vietnam veterans, Run For the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. This cross-country ride takes three different routes to reach Washington, D.C. by Memorial Day, and you’re invited to take the full ride or join along the way. You may also contribute to the Benevolence Fund to help vets and their families.
Now in its 22nd year this four-day rally, held in the scenic mountains around Mescalero and Ruidoso, New Mexico, features live music, demo rides, a four-day trade show and a big parade. The poker run is responsible for the “cash” part of the name.
This 18th annual event in Winnemucca features bike shows, free band concerts, a $1,000 poker run, a stunt show, casino action, a tattoo contest and the Burning Bike. The raffle prize is a new Harley Street Glide.
The East’s largest touring rally is now in its 36th year and begins with an Opening Celebration sponsored by Rider magazine. In addition to new guided and unguided rides in the Adirondacks and Vermont, Wednesday’s Diamond Tour will feature the special opportunity to ride with Rider’seditors. There’s a Ride for Kids Charity Ride, a Mardi Gras Boat Cruise and a Block Party benefiting the Ronald MacDonald House, with two days of great music and motorcycle entertainment. Enjoy more demo rides than ever, a stunt show and hundreds of vendors. You could even win an Indian Scout 60!
This will be the 96th edition of “The world’s oldest motorcycle rally.” Laconia is centered on Weirs Beach and the rally includes daily scenic “gypsy tours” (rides), a swap meet, demo rides, bike shows, a stunt show, live music, a Wall of Death and the Loudon Classic race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
If you really want to get your kicks, this ride follows most of the old, historic Route 66 from east to west. It will include stops at severalmuseums, the Ozark Trail, Bob’s Gasoline Alley, Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parksand the California ghost town of Oatman. See some of the original road’s brick pavement, and attend the Awards Dinner in Santa Monica for your Certificate of Accomplishment.
BMW Motorcycle Owners of America 47th International Rally
Lebanon, Tennessee June 13-16
The BMW MOA’s “Scoot Boot’n Boogie” is sponsored by Metzeler and will feature vendors, seminars, live entertainment, rider training classes, BMW demo rides, local rides and many door prizes. Riders on all brands are welcome.
The Christian Motorcyclists Association bills this as the largest camp meeting, revival and family-friendly gathering in the nation that involves motorcycle riding. It features praise and worship, a parade, bike games and scenic self-guided rides, and John Ogden Sr., CMA CEO/Chairman, will be the keynote speaker.
This rally offers scenic rides, a parade, vendors, displays by various motorcycle manufacturers and live concerts by rock groups Firehouse and Hairball.
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Rendezvous (STAR)
Bristol, Virginia June 23-27
The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association was founded in 1982, and its purpose is to bring together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring, regardless of the type or brand of motorcycle. “STAR” is their Sport Touring Association Rendezvous, which this year will feature Honda demo rides and a lunch ride into Tennessee, and the raffle bike will be a new Honda Gold Wing.
The American Voyager Association (AVA) defines a “voyager” as anyone who loves to ride and travel by motorcycle. Their 30th annual rally will feature seminars, dinners, guided and self-guided rides, a bike show and light show, a rider skills class and an awards banquet.
Come to the Ohio Sports Car Course for this major rally presented by Honda. It will feature demo rides, seminars, live music, a bike show and America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. The vintage competition includes road racing, trials, flat track and hare scrambles.
Women on Wheels spells “WOW,” and this club (which has many local chapters) is for women riders. Its International Ride-In usually draws upwards of 250 participants who take part in local scenic rides, listen to speakers, attend seminars, browse the vendors and enjoy the banquet and awards ceremony.
All brands of three-wheelers and their riders are invited to enjoy poker runs and seminars, vendors, a trike show and light parade, an awards dinner and a watermelon social. Destination rides go to Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, Jewel Cave, Spearfish Canyon and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway, Monterey, California July 12-14
The best Superbike racers in the world are coming once again to show their skills and be tested on this hilly, curvy, technical course in scenic central California. Camping is available at the track, and there’s plenty of nightlife in nearby Monterey.
Though this is the rally of the Gold Wing Touring Association, riders on all brands are welcome. In addition to the usual onsite bike shows and seminars, attendees can ride to such attractions as the House of Mystery, the Wildlife Safari, caves and lavender farms, and participate in zip-lining and visit Crater Lake.
If you ride a Kawasaki Concours sport tourer, this is your rally. The Concours Owners Group is for fans of the bike, though all brands are welcome. Day routes can take you to the Finger Lakes region, Gettysburg National Military Park, an auto and air museum, the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” and the Flight 93 Memorial. Then head back to the rally site for seminars, socials, dinners and more.
The National Bikers Roundup claims to be the largest camping motorcycle rally in the United States, and is organized by a group of African-American motorcycle clubs. Its location changes yearly, but once every decade it returns to its founding city of Kansas City. This year the Roundup will be held in Gulfport, Mississippi.
This event is presented by the official riding organization of Yamaha’s Star line of motorcycles. It will feature vendors, a silent auction, a motorcycle skills class, seminars, bike games, a bike show and a charity auction. Take part in the SwampAZZ ride, the Feed the Children food drop banquet and many local rides.
The 79th Sturgis Rally features that famous street scene and includes many scenic rides including to Mt. Rushmore, plus an adventure ride that is new this year. Visit the many vendors, join the 2nd annual Mayor’s Charity Poker Tournament, and with about a half-million attendees in this small town you’d better be prepared to camp following the nightly concerts by such stars as Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Styx, George Thorogood and others.
Billed as three rallies in one, this event is specifically geared to entertain sportbike, dual-sport and sport touring riders. With Mt. Hood and Mt. Adam located nearby, majestic scenery is a twist of the wrist away. Enjoy the seminars and camping at the rally site, then sample the great riding to local museums, the mountains and the Stonehenge Replica.
How would you like to display a trophy for having set a motorcycle land speed record? This officiallysanctioned event offers AMA national and FIM world record opportunities in many classes. You can run the Bonneville Salt Flats course in any class from “Run Whatcha Brung” to streamliners! Or…just go to watch. See the website for rules and regulations.
This is the official rally of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, but it will appeal to all touring riders. In Nashville, enjoy the factory demo rides, vendors, door prizes, a bike show, a light show, drill teams, a parade and, of course, lots of local entertainment.
San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, to Vernon, British Columbia, Canada August 29-September 3
If you want to gather with like-minded long distance riders but also enjoy their camaraderie on a ride from Mexico to Canada (hence the name–Three Flags), this is the rally for you. Finishers are awarded a unique buckle, plus a plaque, pin, shirt and more, and you can toast your achievement at the Finishers’ Banquet.
Held at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, this “Set My Soul Free” rally offers camping, vendors, seminars and live music. And of course with its location in Virginia, plan on some great scenic rides.
The Golden Aspen has new owners, locals who have participated in the rally for years, and they’re promising that this 50th anniversary rally will be better than ever. There will be vendors, entertainment, rides around the scenic local area and a grand parade. Check the website for more details as they become available.
This 19th annual rally is a charity event that benefits women, children and the underserved in the local area. On tap are factory demo rides, live music, poker runs, the Arkansas state BBQ contest, a “Battle of the Bikes” show and contest, the Miss BBB contest, a parade and a car show.
Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina September 30-October 6
This area offers just too much fun to be encompassed within one rally, so there’s a Fall Rally in addition to the Spring event. Again, you may ride the Grand Strand, take local tours, and enjoy live bands, drag racing and the Myrtle Beach nightlife.
Billed as “The World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum,” the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Festival presents not only museum tours but also vintage racing at the track, stunt shows, swap meets, a Bonham’s auction, demo rides, seminars and hundreds of vendors.
This is a family rally of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. It features services each morning and evening with prayer, worship and encouragement from the CMA National leadership team. Kidz for Christ events are for ages 4 to 12, and The Youth Movement is for ages 13 and up. Riders will appreciate seminars, a parade, bike games and self-guided scenic rides.
This 27th annual event is a smaller, less-frenzied version of Daytona’s spring event but it still offers bike shows, racing at Daytona International Speedway, a huge street scene with lots of live music and about 100,000 fellow riders to share it with.
Down in Texas, this four-day celebration offers bike games and bike shows, rides, lots of live entertainment, bike builder competitions and a car and truck show. There’s also a Miss Lone Star Rally contest and hundreds of vendors.
This one-day event is sponsored by the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club, and is for small bikes of up to 180cc, any make or year. It’s an 80-mile round-trip ride that leaves San Jose and climbs to over 4,000 feet to the Historic Lick Observatory, then heads back down for lunch. You don’t need to be a club member to participate.
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