On Sunday I spent the day at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, in Lexington, Ohio.  Vintage Days, is America’s grandest celebration of motorcycling heritage, with national championship vintage racing, the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet, new bike demo rides, seminars, classic bike shows, and new product vendors.  BSA motorcycles was the Marque of the Year and Hall of Famer Don Emde, was the Grand Marshal. This is the 18th year of the event and the 15 year at the world renown Mid-Ohio Race track.

A gorgeous blue sky was the back drop as the boys and I, made our way  to the Mid-Ohio race track early Sunday morning.  Entering gate 3, we were soon parked next to a Matchless, a Vincent, a Motto Guzzi,  a Laverda, a BSA,  an Aprilia, and a Triumph.  Not bad company.

The trip to Mid-Ohio was especially exciting this year as my sons were making their initial journey to this Mecca of motorcycles.  I was anxious for them to see the motorcycles many guys their age have never heard of, or perhaps only seen in books.  I wanted them to rub shoulders with other men and women who are passionate about these old steeds, and thereby gain a healthy respect for both the new and the old.

We strolled the amazing grounds of Mid-Ohio, and viewed some wonderful old machines.  We spent a couple of hours walking around the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet looking at parts, wires, gears, rusted frames, and whole bunch of other crap.

By mid afternoon, the sun was beating down, so we positioned ourselves on one of the shaded knolls which surrounds the track and watched some outstanding racing, and may have even dozed off a time or two!

Our experience was greatly enhanced by the many wonderful enthusiast we encountered, one of whom, gave me the quote of the day; “A wet and muddy day at the track, is better than the very best day at work.”

And then a very weary racer, who had just come off the track when I asked him how he did in his heat, his reply:  “Not so well, I did pass a couple other bikes… (sheepishly) but they weren’t in my class!”  Good for you my man!

I even met up with fellow blogger and BMW enthusiast, Jacqui Van Ham.  We hope to do a project together in the very near future.

Attendance figures have not yet been published for the event, but estimates are somewhere near 50,000.  I am not certain of the figures, but I am certain there were 3 guys in attendance who had a fabulous day together, and grew more passionate about motorcycles of all types, especially the vintage ones!

Takin’ the Streets Ministries, and Vineyard Church at Springfield, held their annual “Biker Sunday” yesterday.  Although two separate entities, these ministries united to put on this event.  I must say it is refreshing to see some cooperation between the faithful.

Today’s gathering featured a Christian worship service, followed by a Blessing of the bikes, lunch, and a ride.  It was evident that the organizers have a true passion for what they do, and that they invested a great deal of time and effort, to make this Biker Sunday fruitful. (Click on the pics to enlarge)

See more photos here!

A short while ago I received a call from John Chambers, one of the Mild Hogs.  These vagabonds were spending a few days with John’s daughter who resides just outside of Denver.  John felt good about the trip to this point, and said the hogs have been averaging 370 miles a day.  Monday the gang will leave the Denver area and make their way to the famed Grand Canyon.

Early Tuesday morning I was graced with an opportunity to see several riding buddies off as they embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Several months ago these “Mild Hogs” began talking about taking a five week trip out west to explore the beautiful country of Colorado, Nevada, California, Oregon, The Dakota’s, and all places in between. Their attitude reminded me of a line from the 2007 movie, Wild Hogs, when John Travolta’s character, Woody, said; “A road trip: just us, the wind, the road to the Pacific. If not now, when?”

This group of motorcycle enthusiasts is made up of five, fairly normal guys. Their fun loving and adventurous spirits make them a delight to be around, and often gets them into a little trouble, as I am certain their wives would attest. Here they are…

left to right: Dan, Jim, John, Ed, John,

The morning send off was held at Castle’s Country Restaurant, just outside the small town of Westville, and the mood inside the diner was one of anticipation, and raucousness. At one point Dan, pretending to take a call from his wife, ended the phony conversation by saying he would talk to her in 5 weeks then proceeded to snap his phone in half! Everyone was stunned! Of course it was all a ruse and we had a great laugh.

After a hearty breakfast of eggs, and sausage gravy, and some even heartier farewells, this band of brothers headed west to live out their dreams. See you in five weeks my friends!

KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN IS NOW THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF “BIKE NIGHT” AT THE LEGENDS SPORTS PUB AND GRILLE!  This headline was front page, above the fold, in the Springfield News and Sun.  OK, not really, but it is true that KTRSD is the official sponsor of Bike Night at Legends Pub  in Enon, Ohio, beginning May 14th.

Help me out….  Share your advice…. Spout your Wisdom…. Tell me what you would do…

What makes a great bike night?

Finally this most frustrating of days had come to an end!  Annoying employees and unreasonable customers, along with the onset of a sinus headache, made this a very long day!   As I walked across the parking lot to the RT, I realized I had no set plans for the evening and felt overjoyed at the prospect of spending an hour or two, touring the back roads of Clark County.  The sound of the engine firing and the unique vibration that accompanies all BMW’s immediately began to put me at ease.    Within a few minutes I was out of the city and enjoying the greening countryside. 

The setting sun was a fiery orange which cast long shadows across the road, the skies were clear, and the air smelled fresh.  Periodically, I would catch the scent of pine from the Spruce lining the asphalt and less of often, the scent of newly blooming lilac.  The deer were grazing off to my right, and a head of cattle were heading to the barn.  Periodically an old farmer resting on his porch would greet me with a hearty wave and a big grin.

Before long I had lost track of all time as I became immersed in my adventure.  The confusion and frustration, of my day was long behind me, this is one of the magical benefits of riding a motorcycle. 

Soon the sun had faded and the sky was alive with brilliant stars dancing against a black velvet backdrop.   At one four way stop, I  lifted my visor and watched the amazing show for several minutes, taking in a few deep cleansing breathes.  God, I love to ride!

Slowly I made my way to the house totally refreshed from this two wheeled escape, ready for a good night sleep, and looking forward to tomorrow!  This my friends, is magic!

Recently in a small town north of here, a biker from a local club passed away.  A man in his forties with a lovely wife and two small children.  The whispers say he died from an overdose, but does the “How”, really matter?  He’s gone!  If by chance, you passed by the funeral home on this day, you would have seen the parking lot full of Harley Davidson motorcycles, and numerous leather clad chain smokers,  getting their fix  before the service began.  Inside, parked at the foot of the casket was this man’s love, his Harley Davidson Road King! A large crowd packed into this smallish parlor to pay their respects to this father, son, uncle, and friend.  Before long, the last scripture had been recited, and the final prayer prayed, and Sarge, a gray beard, and apparent leader of this local band of brothers, walked to the front of the casket and fired up the Road King revving it to the max, not a dry eye in the place!

Traces of flurries began to fall as the procession of bikers snaked it’s way to this mans final resting place.  A few more prayers, a few more hollow words, then time for one last toast!  The fifth of Jack was taken from the saddle bag and passed around as each man honored their buddy one last time!  As the procession left the cemetery, the unmistakable sound of the Harley’s could be heard in the distance for quite some time, then silence.  RIP!

Listen to this story at “Keep The Rubber Side Down” Podcast!

Every Thursday I leave the Dealership at 7 p.m. and head  straight to Legends Sport Bar,for their “Bike Night”.   This Bike Night is just like the ones you have attended; good music, good food, good beer, motorcycles (mostly Harley’s), and a lot of old men dressed in their black and orange harloween costumes, complete with; bandanas, do rags, leather vests, cell phone covers, and shades. Needless to say I don’t quite fit in!  Reasons?

1.  I ride a BMW.

2. I had on a pink oxford shirt and sweater vest. (No I am Not Gay! Just trendy!)

So last night I am sitting at the bar discussing a 1967 Corvette with a 427, with a couple guys next to me, when Jerry, the bars owner, wants me to meet a buddy of his.  We exchange a warm greeting, as Jerry proceeds to tell him of Keep The Rubber Side Down, and the fact that I was a “BIKER”.  I wish you could have seen the look on this guy’s face! It said; “HIM A BIKER!  HE’S WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND SWEATER VEST FOR GOD SAKE”!  I could tell that the word “biker” and the image sitting before him, were not computing in his brain.  My new friend struggling with this concept, was one of the funniest things I have seen in a great while. We continued to speak for a few minutes then he moved on, still scratching his head about this encounter.  I would love to hear the re-telling of this story to his club brothers. I am uncertain exactly how he would say it, but I am certain the word alien life form, might appear in there somewhere!

Oh well, that is one of the great things about motorcycling, and Bike Night!  Next time I should probably lose the pink shirt.

I live in Ohio!  Imagine my suprise when I took an unfamiliar road and saw this…

That’s right!  Buffalo!

What’s the strangest thing you have seen while taking a local ride?

I am off!  It’s Family Weekend at the University of Findlay so I am riding North to see Ethan.  I am curious to see what my $$$$ are paying for.  So far it sounds like a lot of alcohol and hot girls.

Sipping my first cup of coffee as I sit down to write this post.  I can feel the cool air gently blowing through the partial raised window.  Looks like another gorgeous day!  I spent most of Wednesday cleaning up my yard in the aftermath of Sunday’s windstorm.  With nothing pressing, and in no hurry to complete the task, I enjoyed a couple cigars as I leisurely went about the clean up effort.  When my wife came home from work we jumped on the RT and rode for an hour and half.  It was a cool and quiet ride as we enjoyed one another’s company and the beautiful scenery, enhanced by a brilliant, setting sun.  One of those really good days!