Stewart Ingram brought two Maserati motocycles. This is his 125 GT Super two-stroke.
Story and photos by Michael T. Lynch
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The Second Edition of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering took place in bright sunshine at the Quail Lodge Golf Club on the day before Mothers Day, but the festivities began earlier. Kenny Roberts led a group of golfers in a game on Friday. That same day, 40-odd bikes took part in the Quail Motorcycle Tour, escorted by motorcycle officers of the California Highway Patrol. Ducati showed strong confidence in the organizers when they provided Quail Lodge President, Lawson Little, with a new 1200 Multistrada for the ride.
Lawson had not been on a motorcycle in 36 years, but despite the subsequent advances in motorcycle technology, brought the bike home in fine shape.
Departure was from the Quail Lodge, with stops at Hahn Winery and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. After some laps of the course, lunch, catered by the Quail culinary team, was served at the top of the corkscrew corner. Riders then took in the best of local roads before returning the Quail Lodge for a preview of the Bonhams and Butterfields auction, with libations provided by Roederer Estate. The day ended with an exceptional dinner in the ballroom of the clubhouse.
On Saturday morning, the club’s driving range contained an impressive selection of motorcycles covering almost every aspect of the sport, from café racers to choppers, and from the elegant to the electric. The crowd ranged from the curious to hard core half-century riders. Also included were such stellar two-wheel racing champions as Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey and Doug Chandler. Visionary designer and fairing guru Craig Vetter, who lives a not far from the show field, was on hand to theorize about the future of our sport. Craig also chose the winner of the Innovation Award, given to Zero Motorcycles’ Zero S electric street bike.
Such events bring out America’s leading collectors and Herb Harris brought a stunning Vincent V-Twin café racer, while Guy Webster, better know for his Italian maccanario, showed an immaculate Honda CB 92 Benly Super Sport. The latter won the event’s Design and Style Award in recognition of its industry design leadership in the day.
Adding to the ambience, historians Paul d’Orleans (visit http://thevintagent.blogspot.com ) and Michael T. Lynch took to the field with remote microphones to comment on the historic significance of several bikes present.
Quail motorsports events have a long tradition of excellent cuisine and Executive Chef Julio Ramirez maintained it. The menu was butter lettuce salad, cole slaw, haricots vert, fried chicken, smoked B-B-Q pork with a molasses sauce, corn bread and butter finished with a country cobbler desert. In the Quail tradition of understated elegance, there were tables with tablecloths and cloth napkins with metal utensils.
The Bonhams and Butterfield auction commenced as the show ended. Barbara McQueen was present with her book and watched with interest the bidding for memorabilia of her late husband, Steve. The three big sales were all brass age American antiques – a 1910 Royal Pioneer 500 single ($92,000), a 1914 Flanders Model D Twin offered by a member of the Flanders family (78,200) and a 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer ($61,975). Prices include the buyer’s premium, but not any applicable taxes.
During the show, the organizers announced that in addition to the past two years’ subjective awards, next year’s show would have formal classes with qualified judges. Those who want to seriously compete are welcome, while motorcyclists just looking for a day in the sun in an incomparable setting can enter their motorcycles for display only.
In just its second year, with a quality entry, an incomparable setting and hospitality unknown at other shows, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has taken its place as one of the premier motorcycle events in the country.
Noted BMW restorer Tim Stafford’s BMW R50/2 won Best of Show. Tim had ridden it on the previous day’s Tour. The bike was sold at the Bonhams and Butterfield Auction at last year’s Quail Motorcycle Gathering. A local lawyer who had barely been outbid then, bought it this year shortly after the BMW received its award.
A delectable grouping of a Ducati 125 Sport and 450 Desmo Single, Norton Commando and MV Augusta 750S America.
Gary Briggs’ Laverda 1000 3C is one of the great Italians of its era. At 500 pounds, it’s heavy, but its got the power to carry it and nothing handles better through long, fast sweepers.
William Weiner’s Moto Guzzi is a 1959 Falcone Sport. Versions of these 500 singles were made from 1950 to 1967 and were long favored by the Italian police.
Carmen Hearn’s Benelli is a beautifully finished example. These 250cc singles were also sold through Sears under the Riverside label. Needless to say, their aesthetics did not compare to the Italian-styled versions.
Old friends celebrate the end of a perfect day at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. L to R, Bruce Meyer, holder of the all-time world record for attending, entering or participating in automotive and motorcycle events, historian and announcer Michael T. Lynch and Gordon McCall, head of McCall Events, McCall Moto and lead consultant to Quail Golf Club’s motorsport involvement.
Thanks for the classy visit down motorcycle history lane. Especially nice to see these machines restored properly and not butchered. Please keep it up.
I agree Michael, a great show. Especially for just the second year at this venue.
One bike event where you can bring the significant other and she’ll enjoy it, promise! An extra bonus is the great access to vintage bike friendly roads. You can dis-embark from the motel in Carmel or ?, and have an enjoyable putt to and from the show, without some idiot in a huge SUV trying to run you off the freeway.
Many great deals at the Bonhams auction this year. If you weren’t there, shame on you! The pretty Wards/Benelli 250 in the article was bought at this venue last year for $4095, and some of the bikes this year were even better values. So no excuses next year, guys.
Small correction: the “Riverside” was marketed by Montgomery Ward, not Sears, and I believe it was pretty much identical to the Italian version. Sears bikes were called “Allstates”, were mostly manufactured by “Puch”, and were not great lookers. One Allstate (106cc) was made by Gilera, whose style was in line with other “etceterinis” of the motorcycle world.
Bob Connearney
Bob Connearney is correct. In the 1960s, Montgomery Ward sold Benellis badged as Riderside in 125, 175, 250 and 360cc capacities. We can always count on Veloce Today readers to keep the historic record correct. Thanks, Bob.