Riding Into History had a very busy couple of weeks attending many different events for the Daytona Bike week and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
We started out the week before bike week helping the AMCA Sunshine Chapter set up their annual Swap Meet. We then we set up the Riding Into history booth at the event. It was a lot of fun to see all the swap meet vendors and bike show entrants come in. Always great to catch up with fellow enthusiasts.
Photo by Amy Jacques
On Friday we set up at the Vintage Motorcycle Alliance Swap meet in Eustis, Fl. There the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) was preparing and setting up their bike show. There were lots of swap meet vendors. Loved seeing our good friends.
Well, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance did not want to get caught off guard again this year by the weather so they rescheduled the Concours to Saturday. We were prepared this year for a possible change and we were able to be at both Cars and Coffee and the Concours. Vicki Smith and John Duss did an amazing job of choosing a great group of Italian Superbikes. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all!
Photo by Vicki Smith
Wednesday morning, later that week, started with the annual Indian breakfast ride followed by visiting the Daytona 200 Monument. We all celebrated the lives that were lost this past year. The names that Riding Into History and our fellow motorcycle organizations honored this year were legendary race announcer, Barry Boone and world famous mechanic/tuner, Nobby Clark. It was a great tribute to both with beautiful plaques that hold a place in history for them.
One of the highlights of Bike Week on Wednesday, was the AMCA Sunshine Chapter Vintage Bike Show at the Streamline Hotel. This beautifully restored art deco hotel is where NASCAR was started. The parking lot was full of vintage motorcycles. The view from the rooftop restaurant and bar was spectacular. Additionally we were present in Ocala for the Jerry Wood Auction.
Up next was, Thursday at the International Daytona Speedway for the American Flat Track TT. Riding Into History was set up in the Bud Fan Zone. RIH, AMCA Sunshine Chapter, and 20th Century Racing all had great displays of vintage motorcycles! After the beautiful day talking to people about motorcycles we watch some great flat track racing. It was a fun day and night for all.
Photo by Jim Dohms
The finale for Riding Into History was their contribution of volunteers for Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed century old board track racing at the New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday, March 17. These are not pampered garage queens, but rather full, fire breathing racers roaring around the high banks of the half mile New Smyrna Speedway. RIH personnel, as devotees of vintage motorcycles, are central to the running of these races. There were over 25 motorcycles racing at this event.