Written by:
Pete ter Horst
06/20/2008
Pickerington, Ohio
It's a classic bike show and auction. It's the world's largest motorcycle swap meet. It's vintage racing. It's how-to seminars. It's demo rides. It's all this and more at the American Motorcyclist Association's (AMA) Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 25-27, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in central Ohio.
For three straight days in the heart of the Midwest, 60,000-plus motorcyclists and two-wheel fans from every track-and-trail of life will descend upon the modern Mid-Ohio racing complex to ogle classic motorcycles, haggle for deals and rub shoulders with fellow riders. Now in its 16th year, this year's "VMD" promises to be the biggest and best ever.
"We've got everything under the sun, starting with our featured Marque of the Year, Triumph," said AMA Director of Special Events Will Stoner. "We are very fortunate to have legendary Triumph riders Gene Romero and Bill Baird as Co-Grand Marshals. They'll be here to meet fans, sign autographs and answer questions along with Mark Kennedy, Triumph Motorcycles American CEO."
Triumph motorcycles from past and present will be featured at the Triumph Marque of the Year display. There will be a Triumph-only bike show, and the Vintage Triumph Roadshow will feature Triumph expert and Baxter Cycle owner, Randy Baxter, appraising classic Triumphs and Triumph memorabilia.
"There's plenty on tap for fans of other brands and styles too," added Stoner. "We have a host of shows featuring American and European motorcycles, a show for British and Japanese bikes, a café racer display and the popular Ride 'Em, Don't Hide 'Em show."
Of course the largest attraction is Swapmeet, sponsored by Motorcyclist Retro magazine. The event has become one of VMD's signature activities because it is the largest gathering of motorcycle collectors anywhere in North America, spread out over 35 acres.
"In addition, great old bikes will be on the block at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Auction, presented by J. Wood & Company," said Stoner. "And we have some tremendous learning seminars on tap." The motorcycling seminars are sponsored by Kymco and will be delivered by world traveler and author Ted Simon; restoration experts Bob Vail, John Healy and Don Hutchinson; Laverda founder Piero Laverda; and builders and authors such as Craig Vetter, Clement Salvadori, Mike Seate, Mark Wilsmore, Zack Coffman and Alice Sexton.
Competition fans are in for a treat as well. VMD offers a full slate of racing sponsored by the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. From Mid-Ohio's world-class road course to the impressive motocross track to the trials or cross-country courses in the woods, riders will be out having fun on cool vintage machines. Dirt track fans can enjoy vintage flat track racing at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds.
