Inspired by the “Quail Motorsports Gathering” sparkling on the grass in Half Moon Bay since 2003, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering takes the same high end approach to antique and unique motorcycles that the Quail Motorsports Gathering has to high end performance and antique cars.
Although the $75.00 per person entry fee sounds steep, it pales in comparison to the $500 per ticket Motorsports entrance charge but the venue and amenities do not disappoint.
The show consisted of my estimate of 300 unique and historical bikes. I was especially drawn to the “Bonneville Salt Flats” exhibit featuring an impressive group of record holding streamliners with names like Chris Carr and Denis Manning as well as record holding bikes in many categories.
Rare and beautiful bikes such as the Brough Superior SS 100 (serial number 001 on top of it!) and the Bike behind the world’s most famous motorcycle photo, “Rollie free at speed” laying prostrate on his Black shadow nearly naked with the exception of his briefs an a streamlined helmet screaming across the Bonneville Salt Flats at 150 MPH were on display.
Vendors and sponsors ringed the 3-acre fairway graced with manicured grass and divided by categories from custom bikes to American, European, and Japanese, scooters, race bikes an more. Owners of these rare and historically important bikes often sat in lawn chairs next to their display ready to answer questions and chat about their vast knowledge of the bikes.
A top-notch BBQ lunch was served to all who attended and live but not overpowering music played throughout the one-day event.
The event was preceded on Friday by the Quail motorcycle ride which traversed 103 miles from the Laguna Seca raceway to the Quail Lodge and Golf Club and was ridden by over 100 of these beautiful bikes.
With passionate and dedicated restorers and historical preservationists covering the grounds, The Quail Motorcycle gathering was rich grounds for learning, admiring, and enjoying the beautiful Monterey spring.
Until next time,
–Tail Gunner
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