Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Registration for the Concours, and the Grand Marshal Dinner opens January 1, 2023.  The registration for the Grand Marshal Tour is also open at that time, however, only participants who receive confirmation of their entry will be provided with the link to the registration form.

The Grand Marshal Dinner will be Friday, April 14, 2023 with doors opening at 6pm. This event is open to the public, however once we reach capacity, we will no longer accept registrations.

For 2023, we are celebrating Competition Motorcycles.  The title of our theme is Get Your Heart Racing Competition Motorcycles!

To become a sponsor for Riding into History, click here.

Every judged event has its own scoring culture. Marque events require pedants who examine each nut and bolt for correctness. Custom shows are judged on originality of design and quality of execution. Riding Into History is a Concours d’Elegance. The motorcycles are judged by volunteer judges knowledgeable in the class, in these three areas:

• Condition and presentation
• Importance of type
• Rarity and desirability

Condition and presentation

The most obvious task is to examine the condition of the motorcycle. Is it correct to type (original specification)?  Is it a complete restoration, or has it been “freshened”, or is it original? Each condition should be held to the appropriate standard based on the judge’s knowledge and perception. This portion of the judges’ task is very subjective. The judges will need to choose between equally deserving motorcycles in differing conditions. This is not a “white glove” inspection; however the motorcycle should be presented in a clean state befitting a showing at a major event. It should reflect the effort put in by the owner to present his motorcycle at its best. Anything less is cause for reduction in consideration.

Importance of type

A landmark motorcycle should always be rated above an equal example of another that represents a more mundane model. Some landmark examples are BSA Gold Stars, Honda RC30, BMW R90S, and Excelsior 4. Importance may be determined by racing success (Norton Manx), styling breakthrough (Ducati 916), performance (Vincent Shadow) or innovation (Yamaha GTS1000). You must consider each bike’s place in its production era and its influence on later models (Triumph Speed Twin). Lesser models from the same manufacturers might be rated lower (BSA B34, Moto Guzzi V50, Honda CB350, H-D Hummer).

Rarity and desirability

We need to acknowledge the rarity of the entry. This must, however, be balanced against desirability. Some motorcycles are rare today because they were failed designs that no one wanted when new (Indian Brave) or were technical dead ends (Suzuki RE5). On the other hand there are many very desirable models that are not quite so rare (Bimota, Norton Commando, SOHC Honda Fours). The combination of these two attributes is used to rate the motorcycle with desirability being a bit more important.

We are always looking for additional judges.  Should you like to be a judge contact:

Harris Turner, mrbsa@aol.com

Antique 1946 and Earlier

American 1947 & Newer

British 1947 & Newer 

European 1947 & Newer 

Japanese 2 Cylinders or Less 1947 & Newer 

Japanese 3 Cylinders or More 1947 & Newer

Competition 1947 & Newer

Scooters & Bicycles 

Café Racers & Specials - All Years

After you receive your acceptance letter, please call registration and request that your multiple bikes be placed together.

Each participant receives 2 gate passes. You may purchase more in advance at a reduced rate on our website, or you may purchase your additional passes at the gate. If you purchase your passes at the gate, please be advised that we only accept cash for gate entry.

You may purchase extra tickets online at a discount, or you may purchase them at the gate on the day of the event.  Please be advised that if you wish to purchase your passes at the gate, you may only use cash.

Yes, we encourage families to bring their children to pass along the enjoyment and history of motorcycling. Children under the age of 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. We also partner with Hagerty on our Riding into History Youth Judging program where our young enthusiasts have an opportunity to learn a bit about how to judge with a selection of entries.

Learn more and register your youth here:  ridingintohistory.org/youth-judging/

Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for cleaning up any waste that your pet is responsible for.

In addition to the Bill Murray's Caddy Shack restaurant, we typically have one or more food trucks on site.