Of Replicas and replicas

Riding Into History RIH 2016

While walking the field at this year’s Riding Into History, I noted a very nice OSSA flat track bike, a Dick Mann Replica. My companion remarked that she was not too impressed as it wasn’t the real thing. But it is. A bit farther along we came upon a Honda GP replica. This one I explained really wasn’t the real thing, but rather something built to appear as such. It was a very nice job too. I’ve seen numerous people swan over it believing they were looking at rare factory racer. All good fun, but what’s real, what’s not? It’s …

Kawasaki Auction Bike Delivered!

Riding Into History Newsletter, RIH 2016

Wayne, the winner of the silent auction motorcycle from Riding Into History took delivery of his  1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 last week.  Chris Alley from Ace Vintage Motorcycle Specialists, delivered the Kawasaki to Phiil Ridgdill. Wayne picked it up from Phil, the original and only owner of the bike.  Wayne, Chris and Phil spent the afternoon talking about Phil’s racing, the Kawasaki and the work performed at Ace to bring it back to life. Phil is still a very rapid rider, as those of us who ride with him can attest. He is a great friend of Riding Into History, and …

About the Grand Marshal, Malcolm Smith

Riding Into History Newsletter, RIH 2016

Dear Volunteers, Exhibitors and Guests, It is with much regret and great sadness I must let you all know that our planned Grand Marshall, Malcolm Smith, will be unable to attend this years event.  Unfortunately he has fallen ill and is unable to make the trip from his home in California at this time.  While we are all disappointed he is not attending, our primary concern is that he regains his health and recovers from this set back.  We appreciate everyone’s understanding and hope you join us in extending prayers and positive thoughts for Mr. Smith’s healing and improved health.  …

A Ride Through Honda History

Riding Into History RIH 2016

Soichiro Honda hated two-strokes. To beat them he determined would require more cylinders and higher revs. So he built multi-cylinder race bikes and, with them won many world championships. This led Honda, in 1969, to introduce the seminal CB750F four-cylinder which forever changed the motorcycle industry. In 1971 Honda built the downsized CB500F, to be followed three years later by the upgraded CB550F. Both bikes have fervent followers who believe they, and especially the 500, to be better all-around than their larger brethren. Honda’s devotion to small displacement motorcycles led to the 1972 introduction of their smallest four, the CB350F. …

Another Preview of a 2016 Riding Into History Display

Riding Into History RIH 2016

God Save the Queen! Frank Lipinski isn’t British. Nor is he a fan of the royal family. But he IS a Triumph guy, and Triumph has a long history of issuing limited editions commemorating special events related to the Queen and her family. Frank will be bringing four of his Triumphs to Riding Into History. The earliest, a 1977, celebrates the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1952. Triumph made 2500 of these but nowadays far fewer remain. In 2002, the Queen celebrated her 50th anniversary and Triumph duly released a Golden Jubilee model. So Frank bought one to …

Sneak Preview at RIH 2016

Riding Into History RIH 2016

Jim and Sharon Dillard will again grace Riding Into History with a selection of delectables from their collection. Last year they brought some landmark V-Twin Ducatis, this time there will be a pair Laverdas, Ducatis Breganze built arch rivals. One is a seldom seen Montjuic 500, named for the famed Spanish endurance race at which Laverdas were the bikes to beat. The second, an even more rare Formula 500, the race bike based on the Montjuic. But wait, there’s more! They will present a special display of five small displacement Italian motorcycles from the 50’s and 60’s. Several are from …

It’s Time to Finish Up Your Motorcycle and Register for RIH!

Riding Into History RIH 2016

It’s time to finish up your motorcycle for Riding Into History!  Don’t miss your opportunity to enter the motorcycle that you’ve been restoring or take your vintage bike out and dust it off and give it a polish. Remember, entering you motorcycle(s) is free and we are renown for our goody bag and gifts.  This our 17th Annual Motorcycle Concours and this year our Grand Marshal is Malcolm Smith, the motorcyclist of the century.   Don’t miss this once in a lifetime chance to meet Malcolm, the iconic racer from the movie “On Any Sunday”.

Malcolm Smith and new autobiography at RIH!

Riding Into History RIH 2016

If you’ve ever wanted to meet motorcycling legend Malcolm Smith, or get an autographed copy of his amazing new autobiography Malcolm! The Autobiography, this year’s 17th annual Riding Into History event on Saturday, May 21st is your chance. It’s a great honor to have Malcolm as our Grand Marshall this year, especially with his new book out and generating excellent reviews. Broadcaster Dave Despain loved it, as did Racer X magazine’s Davey Coombs. Even the LA Times weighed in with a stellar review. It truly is an epic book: 400 pages, 11 x 11 inches, nearly six pounds in weight, and containing more than 100,000 words …

RIH Sponsored K9 Duke and Warrior Luis Graduated from K9s For Warriors!

Riding Into History RIH 2016

April 21, 2016 Riding Into History sponsored K9 Duke (Ducati) and warrior Luis graduated their 3 week training from K9s For Warriors.  Luis was so happy with his new best friend and Duke is completely devoted to his warrior! Before the graduation some of us went on a tour of the K9s For Warriors facility. It has a top notch 27 dog capacity climate controlled kennel with five large outdoor training parks. The complex is 17,000 square foot that includes a full kitchen with dining, lounges and exercise areas.  There is housing for up 16 warriors and even a bone-shaped pool. …

Bid on a 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 at Riding Into History

Riding Into History Newsletter, RIH 2016

The mid-1970’s saw the birth of Superbike racing. The Japanese companies were building ever more powerful four cylinder bikes to compete against the BMW and Ducati twins. Kawasaki introduced the KZ1000 as their weapon of choice. With some assistance from Kawasaki US, the St. Augustine dealer went racing. Phil Ridgdill was their rider of choice. He rode many regional races, including Gainesville where they used the drag strip and return road to make a temporary track. Phil rode the Daytona 200 in 1977, despite some bike problems finishing 30th (though in front of 1976 winner Steve McLaughlin). In October the …