Can’t help but think of a great song by Rush ~ Dreamline.
“We travel road to adventure
On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun
Like lovers and heros, and the restless part of everyone
We are only at home when we are on the run – on the run.”
Image by Photoryder
Vintage Motorcycle Rally
Another wonderful motorcycle event going on this weekend. This annual rally is focused around vintage/classic motorcycles. Some of the proceeds go to support the fight against childhood cancer (Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation).
My introduction to motorcycle rallies several years ago were more on the Harley end of things. Drinking, music and more drinking. It was fun but as I get older, my speed of fun has changed.
The Harvest Classic Rally is focused on what most folks would find unusual. European, Asian, Russian motorcycles of all kinds. The rally is held in Luckenbach, TX (famously known for the Waylon Jennings song) is a sleepy little town in the Hill Country of Central Texas, just south of Fredericksburg, Tx. The rally runs for three days (Oct 18th – 20th) and camping is allowed. Registration info can be found on their website (http://www.harvestclassic.org/). This family event is filled with judging of several classes of motorcycles that the public can admire. A part swap area, a large camping area, food and dance hall and a wonderful trials course. From what I have read on their site, registered members can part take in group rides into the hill country and other events.
If you happen to have some free time this weekend and want to see a wonderful side of motorcycles that is rarely seen, take the family over to Luckenbach for the rally. It’s not a huge event but I believe it will keep you coming back for years to come.
Bring your truck just in case you find something you just have to have!
Can’t wait for the new season Cafe Racer TV!
Checkout their Youtube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/WatchCafeRacerTV
Website: http://www.caferacertv.com/
Wonderful to wake on a Sunday morning with my son Ian to enjoy #MotoGP recorded a few hours before. Go #Rossi!
Hopefully coming to a theater near you.
http://whyweridefilm.com/
WHY WE RIDE – The Official Theatrical Trailer from WHY WE RIDE FILM on Vimeo.
This past weekend was met with much happiness for this Texan. We were surprised by a cold front that dropped our long triple digit degree summer to a crisp lower 80’s. My buddy Nelson and I took a quick ride through Spring Branch, TX to find our way to an ol’ watering hole called The Shade Tree.
The Shade Tree has been a very popular place for most motorcyclists but primarily the cruiser type. As a metric Sport Touring rider, I have never had any issues with the friendly crowd there. They serve great Americana food, 5+ beer taps and very decent beer cooler with regional selections like Real Ale Brewery, Shiner Beers, Independence Brewery and a few others. Of course the normal beer fair is to be found. Surprisingly there’s also a humidor for the cigar smoker too.
When we arrived, we were met wth the sound of a three piece rockabilly band playing at the band stand.
Our ride was just what I and my good friend Nelson needed, both of us being recent fathers. Spare time is non existent.
Ahhhh
Early rise to meet my friend Ross and his recently tuned Moto Guzzi for a run at the track. I’m merely tagging along but I have a feeling it may be the beginning of a new interest. My heavy FJR may be too much for the track at this time but maybe a 250cc or 600cc sport bike may be in my future.
We arrived at the Harris Hill track around 9:30am. Friendly staff greeted us at the rider sign in area. As a observer I was instructed to head over to the nice air conditioned waiting area to sign a waiver.
In the parking lot, you are met by friendly folks prepping their bikes for the days ride or licking their wounds and telling their war stories.
A wonder mix of bikes are to be found. My buddy Ross rides a newer Moto Guzzi Griso. He recently had the suspension tuned for more spirited riding. Lots of Japanese inline fours but quite a few Ducatis with their wonderful sounding V twins.
To ride, you have to tape up all your glass and and plastics.
Ross mentioned something about capping over flow hoses. I will inquire regarding the other requirements. For A few of our friends want to make it out here for a lesson or two. I spoke to my wife regarding the possibility of coming out to the track. She wasn’t completely happy but understands and knows that I’m a responsible rider. 🙂
The track is a controlled environment. Here to satisfy the need (if I may quote Rush) “To test the limits of machine and man”.
