2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering
Motorcycle orgy rocks Carmel Valley, no major injuries reported
Now in it’s sixth year, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering just gets bigger and better. But not too much bigger. More than 250 machines were assembled on the green grass carpet at the Lodge, and between participants and spectators, there were some 2500 attendees. While not quite at capacity, there was still sufficient space to move about, and just enough time to fully enjoy the panorama of motorcycles and people. And both in such variety! Think Renaissance Faire for motorheads.
Given its tony location, and proximity to Pebble Beach, The Quail suffers some residual perception of gentrified exclusivity – but only among those who haven’t been there. This is largely a hands-on crowd, a homogenous mix of dirt bikers, touring riders, cafe racers and general motorcyclists with little concern for whatever category may be the fashion of the moment. It’s all good. Consider it a gathering of the clans. No dress code required.
Plus, throw in the added attractions of multiple world roadracing champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, a half-dozen of the country’s most respected motorcycle collectors, several of the top designers and engineers, plus one of the best damn catered barbecues on the planet, and you get an idea of what it might be like in motorcycle heaven.
The glitches were few, though a number of bikes were entered in the wrong category, complicating the judging process. Over-amplified live music did little to complement the relaxed setting, but the complaints were far outweighed by the kudos. Even for veteran geezers like this old scrivener, the Quail Gathering continues to produce surprises. Just when it seems you’ve seen it all, you round the corner and holy cheese’ncrackers! What the hell izzat?! Some several of those appeared at the Gathering this year, and describing them all would seriously strain my reportorial skills.
Fortunately, God made cameras so that those who couldn’t attend might get some idea of what such a spiritual gathering is like. So, herewith is a semi-comprehensive pictorial overview of a May day on the lawn. Thus we invite the faithful to look upon some of these wonders, and rejoice in the knowledge that we are blessed to be among those who know the everlasting wonder of The Ride.
2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering Award Winners | |
|---|---|
| Best of Show 1932 Vincent HRD Python Sport Gene Brown – Colorado | |
| Spirit of The Quail Award 1925 Brough Superior SS-100 Herb Harris – Texas | 100th Anniversary of the Bonneville Salt Flats Award 1964 Triumph Gyronaut X-1 Steve, Sandra, and Ally Tremulis – California |
| Industry Award 2014 Triumph Scrambler British Customs, LLC – California | Innovation Award 1920 Ack Attack Special Mike Akatiff – California |
| Competition Sport Award 1981 Yamaha XS 650 Jeff Palhegyi – California | Design and Style Award 1974 Norton John Player Special Gene Brown – Colorado |
| FIVA Preservation 1972 Ducati Imola John L. Stein – California | The Quail Ride Award 1927 Scott Flying Squirrel Lynn Upham – California |
| Cycle World Tour Award 2012 Magni R3 Brent Lenehan – California | Significance in Racing Award 1950 Vincent HRD Barn Jon John S. Stein – California |
| Why We Ride Award 1973 Honda XR75 Clayton Benedetti – California | Scooter Award 1950 Powell P-81 Alvaro Iaccopucci – California |
| American 1st Place 1959 Harley Davidson FLH Pan Head Kevin Goe – Nevada | American 2nd Place 1967 Harley Davidson-Aermacchi Sprint ERS Jove Shapiro – California |
| Antique 1st Place 1932 Vincent HRD Python Sport Gene Brown – Colorado | Antique 2nd Place 1936 Harley Davidson EL Dr. J Craig Venter – California |
| British 1st Place 1958 Ariel Square Four Robert Ives – California | British 2nd Place 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Mike Begley – California |
| Competition On/Off Road 1st Place 1972 Ducati Imola John L. Stein – California | Competition On/Off Road 2nd Place 1971 Ossa Stilleto Blair and Kathy Beck – California |
| Custom/Modified 1st Place 2014 Triumph Mule Street Tracker Konstantin Drozdov – Russia | Custom/Modified 2nd Place 2013 CDS SC3 Adventure Jim Carducci – California |
| European 1st Place 1950 Moto Rumi Turismo Museo Moto Italia, LLC – California | European 2nd Place 1966 Bultaco Metralla Phil and Mary Blackburn – California |
| Japanese 1st Place 1979 Honda CBX Peter Rose – California | Japanese 2nd Place 1981 Suzuki GS 1100 E Trace St. Germain – California |
More by Tod Rafferty
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"Michael Jackson meets Pee Wee Herman"!?
Ok, I'll take that. Thanks for noticing.