Vintage Rally June 20, 2015

NEW EXHIBITS: After about eight months preparation, Vintage Rally visitor were the first to see the new exhibit Allstate Motorcycle CHOPPER STORY presented by J&P Cycles. Over 20 bikes, all pre-1985 mounted and well lit, along with some great information panels provided by guest curator, Paul d’Orleans helped visitors learn the origins, the influences, who the creatives were that brought us these wild creations. In an adjacent display area, 2 WHEELS+MOTOR, curated by Columbus, Ohio-based Ric Stewart brings us bold sculpture, paintings, prints, all sorts of fine art, all about the motorcycle, and motorcycle experience.

THE PEOPLE: Custom bike builders Tommy Summers, Ron Finch and Charlie Gilmore were on hand to tell us about the choppers they built back in the 1970’s and 1980’s and loaned for display in CHOPPER STORY. Having traveled together many moons ago, these guys had some stories to tell. Hall of Famers John Tibben, Bill Tuman, Bobby Hill and Dick Klamfoth told or their racing careers, and Mary McGee, a female racer, cars and bikes, told of her times at Baja, and on America’s road courses.

THE BIKE SHOW: The quality of bikes was once again excellent. From fine choppers and customs for that special show, to American, British, Japanese and European machines, it doesn’t get much better. Best of Show went to Ed Vanaman for his stunning BMW custom, which defies pigeon-holing. Bobber, pure custom, whatever, it’s an understated masterpiece, and we are happy Ed brought it all the way from northern Ohio for Vintage Rally guests to see. But thanks goes out to all Bike Show entrants, who had their machines drenched in a sudden, unpredicted downpour Saturday just after noon!

THE SWAP MEET: In addition to parts and services vendors, the Swap Meet had several artists, motorcycle fine artists showing their wares. Our thanks to Chrissy Mount-Kapp and to Ron Finch for their offerings to Vintage Rally guests.

UNDER THE TENT: A new feature this year was the “Art Tent.” Ron Finch and his wife Ruth built an impressive display of MetaLIFE art, imaginative animal and insect inspired creations Finch makes from…salvaged metal. Pinstripers were at work on helmets, making some classic designs, some of which will be auctioned at a later date to benefit the Museum.

Weather was not on our side this year, but again, our thanks to those who made Vintage Rally 2015 a success, a great time for those that weathered the storm, helped to clean up afterward. We hope to see you next year.

BEST OF SHOW: 1983 BMW EUROPEAN – ED VANAMAN

BEST CHOPPER OR BOBBER: 1974 HONDA CHOPPER BOBBER – JEREMY PEDERSON

BEST SPECIAL INTEREST: 2015 INDIAN INDIAN-AMERICAN – ROBERT SCHUMACHER

BEST PRESERVED JAPANESE: 1977 YAMAHA JAPANESE – DENNIS WYMORE
BEST PRESERVED AMERICAN: 1956 HARLEY-DAVIDSON AMERICAN – RODNEY RANKINS
BEST PRESERVED EUROPEAN: 1956 BMW EUROPEAN – ARLENE SCALZO
BEST PRESERVED BRITISH: 1972 NORTON BRITISH – JOE WRIGHT
BEST BRITISH: 1954 VELOCETTE BRITISH 41-60 – JOE WRIGHT
BEST AMERICAN: 1926 HARLEY-DAVIDSON AMERICAN – RODNEY RANKINS
BEST JAPANESE: 1979 HONDA JAPANESE – LARRY CROUCH
BEST EUROPEAN: 1952 BMW EUROPEAN – WILLIAM VENABLE
BEST PRESERVED CHOPPER/BOBBER PRE ’89: 1979 HARLEY-DAVIDSON AMERICAN CHOPPER BOBBER – JASON CARNEY