The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2015 Report

The seventh-annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering is in the books, with another record turnout. Although the Carmel Valley temps were cool and skies overcast, a couple thousand of the faithful eyeballed more than 350 machines on the golf course. The featured marques this year were Military Vehicles, Formula 750 roadracers and a variety of Choppers, believe it or don’t.

The guests of honor were former AMA Grand National Champions Mert Lawwill and Gene Romero, who mingled at large and sat for an interview with Quail guru Gordon McCall. A semi-esteemed panel of judges fanned out to scrutinize the variety of categories, which have become more tightly focused each year. Under the direction of headmaster and Chief Judge Somer Hooker, I shared the pleasant chore with fellow scrutineers Craig Vetter, Bryan Fuller and David Edwards in the Custom/Modified division. Glad to report that both craftsmanship and artistry are in bloom across the spectrum.

The menu of amenities that Quailites have come to expect were all in place, including the Friday gourmet dinner, the Saturday morning ride, the best catered lunch west of Fresno, optional single-malt scotch, wine and tequila tasting, and free ice cream. Plus live and not-too-loud music. What’s not to like?

So, more or less chronologically, the next four bikes pictured below illustrates the depth of entries at this popular venue. The organizers succeeded in appealing to an expansive continuum of enthusiasts, while keeping the event a relaxed and friendly affair for the entrants, attendees and vendors. Of course the Quail Lodge golf course setting doesn’t hurt either.

The moto-candy store that is The Quail soon puts first-timers into something of a daze. And even some veterans may often be seen staring at a motorcycle in bafflement, amusement, or some of both. It’s a bit like time travel in both directions.

The tribute to military machines attracted 22 entries. Harley-Davidson and Indian featured prominently, accented by examples from Nimbus, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Excelsior, Cushman, Royal Enfield and Zundapp.

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has in a few years become the pre-eminent spring meet on California’s central coast, and its future appears to be in capable hands. While the program may not rival similar events in terms of scale, the logistics imposed by limited space and crowd size have worked to ensure that the casual vibe and comfortable atmosphere remain in place.

Neighborhood constraints will likely keep The Quail from becoming a Goodwood West or stateside Motogiro d’Italia, but more corollary features are in the wind. There is talk of a companion event next year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, just over the hill. Superbike racing more or less originated and was fine-tuned here 40 years ago, so the time may be at hand to salute that mark and maybe do a little racing. Could make a classy complement to the Quail Gathering, don’cha think?

Download the complete results here and check out the dozens more pictures with captions.