AIMExpo - New Place, New Time

Want to see the latest and greatest in the powersports industry?  Then you'll want to make your way to Columbus, OH this fall for the 2017 AIMExpo presented by Nationwide.  That's right, after launching three years ago in Orlando, FL, the Expo makes it's way to the heart of the American motorcycling community for four big days of all things two-wheeled.

As North America's largest Powersports expo, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide offers enthusiasts the unique opportunity to see the newest 2018 models and products from more than 500 exhibitors, many of them making global, North American and public debuts.  Taking this a step further, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide offers the exclusive opportunity to ride some of the latest street models to hit the market at AIMExpo Outdoors! 

The show is scheduled for September 21-24 this year, a month earlier than in the past, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Thursday and Friday are reserved for dealers and industry professionals while Saturday and Sunday are open to the general public.

For all the details and to purchase your tickets in advance, go to www.aimexpousa.com.

See you in Columbus!

Ridng the Blue Ridge Parkway

There are few places more beautiful and more fun to ride on two wheels than the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.  Stretching 469 miles from near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina to Waynesboro, VA, this iconic highway offers a variety of stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Begun during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the project was originally called the Appalachian Scenic Highway.

Construction of the parkway was complete by the end of 1966 with one notable exception.  The 7.7 miles (12.4 km) stretch including the Linn Cove Viaduct around Grandfather Mountain did not open until 1987.  The project took over 52 years to complete and has been the most visited unit of the National Park System every year since 1946 except two (1949, 2013).

 While there are many fun and interesting places to stop along the route, it is fair to say that most motorcyclists will enjoy spending some time at the Greenhouse Moto Cafe.  Located at 4021 Haywood Road (Highway 191), in Mills River, NC, the Cafe is an eclectic assemblage of classic bikes, craft beers, live music and assorted food trucks that offers a truly unique experience.  Owner Jeff Harold displays a montage of bikes from his personal collection, including some

hanging on the walls and from the ceiling.  Over 100 varieties of beer, including 26 craft beers on tap, and grub from some of the finest food trucks in the Asheville/Hendersonville area could make your stay last a little longer than planned.  Jackets from local thrift stores hang from the ceiling to provide acoustics for the live music that projects from the huge stage inside the abandoned greenhouse (yes, it really is an actual greenhouse!).  You might even find a stray copy or two of Motorcycle Classics laying around.  Check 'em out when you're in the area, you'll be glad you did!

Join Motorcycle Classics for the Ride ’Em, Don’t Hide ’Em Getaway

Vintage bikes, two-lane roads through Southern Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, great company, food, beer, a beautiful resort - what more could one want?  Mark your calendar for the first weekend in August and join the Motorcycle Classics' crew and special guest Mark Mederski from the National Motorcycle Museum for the ultimate vintage motorcycling weekend.  Bring/ride your own or rent a classic from RetroTours, either way you're bound to have a great time!

You can register here.  If you miss it, don't complain to me.  And be sure to thank our sponsors - Bonhams, Spectro Performance Oils, Pecard Leather Care, RetroTours and Federal Motorcycle Transport.  Couldn't happen without them, but more importantly, without YOU!

Vintage Motofest and Rockerbox

Two of Wisconsin's finest rolled into one gigantic vintage bike weekend.  Held annually at the exquisite Road America track in picturesque Elkhart Lake, WI, this is a virtual feast of bikes, beer, music and vintage ARHMA racing.  Not to mention a plethora of tall tales, lies and stories centered around - what else? - vintage motorcycles.  Click here for a recap from my compadres at Motorcycle Classics magazine and see you next year for another spectacular time!

Russ Larabee took home top honors in two

categories — Best Café and People’s

Choice — for his 1978 Honda CB750

café crafted by Godffrey’s Garage.

Motorcycle Classics Bike Show at the 12th Annual Barber Vintage Festival

Check out this walk through of some of the bikes in our show.
Truly spectacular!  Watch it here.

Changing A Tire - Blindfolded!

The 12th Annual Barber Vintage Festival was bigger and better than ever!  Beautiful blue skies over perfect 80 degree weather highlighted a great weekend of racing, bike shows, vendors, swap meet action and stunt riding.  Check out this clip of Steve Nemish from No-Mar Tire Changer demonstrating how easy it is to change a tire on their machine.  So easy, in fact, he can do it blindfolded!  Watch here: Blindfolded Tire Changing Demo

Barber Vintage Festival

The 12th Annual Barber Vintage Festival will take place October 7-9, 2016 just outside of Birmingham, AL.  This has become the premier vintage and classic motorcycle event in the country with over 70,000 enthusiasts expected to attend.  AHRMA racing, vendors, a swap meet and, of course, the Motorcycle Classics Bike Show with Ducati as the featured marque this year.  And, if that's not enough, save some time to tour the incredible Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.  Make your plans now to be there, you'll be glad you did!