A lot of us who love riding began our motorized two-wheeled lives on British bikes. I have a Norton Café Racer from that era today. A friend sent me a clever video that folks with similar moto-persuasion might enjoy. Go to YouTube and enter the search term “Norton Transformer,” and it will bring up a shy, two-minute video that should find you cracking a knowing smile. Enjoy!… Met two fine gentlemen at a rest stop west of Spokane, Washington, on the Saturday before Easter. One was 41-year-old Robert Reese, who was out on a putt with buddy Joe Witsch. Both work as civilian training instructors at Fairchild Air Force Base, west of Spokane. Both are retired military, and both were on freshly minted Electra Glide iron. Robert’s was still on break-in miles, a recent purchase from Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson. Our Blue Heeler-mix, Bud, was itchin’ to stretch his legs following a 300-mile trek from west of the Cascades, and Robert gave Bud some attention while saying his own dog would find the incident the equivalent of “cheating.” We took photos of them to commemorate their ride. A couple nice gents, and nice scoots… The middle of May finds Corvallis, Oregon, having the best kind of vintage times. The Corvallis Ride, Show and Swap Meet will be featuring Royal Enfield, which Wikipedia says is “the oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in production.” Not continuous production, as Norton-Villiers-Triumph scooped them up in 1968, and not always under that banner (Enfield Manufacturing, Enfield Cycle Company, Royal Enfield or NVT depending on incarnation). But the brand was responsible for bicycles, lawnmowers, weapons manufacturing and, of course, motorcycles—and the company logo is hard to beat: “Made like a gun, goes like a bullet.” If you’re in remote proximity, head to the Benton County Fairgrounds where the ride will be held at noon on May 19 and the main show and swap meet begins at noon on the 20th. There’s a $5 admission for non-members, but Oregon Vintage clubbers won’t be charged. Questions? Phone given was 503.242.2501, but it wasn’t functioning as of April 9. The best flyer I found was at www.orguzzi.org/pdf/2012_corvallis_show_flier.pdf. You can also send off questions to either triu64@msn.com, ovm@efn.org, or look on their website at www.oregonvintage.org … On the same weekend (May 19) is an event put on by BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) Puget Sound Keepers of the Children, and it’s a 100-mile ride along the Puget Sound. BACA’s ride begins in Lakewood, Washington, at Eagle Leather and the run ends in Enumclaw at the Yella Beak Saloon. Entry is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Registration is at 10 a.m. at 10222 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood. Questions phone 206.979.6797, visit the website: www.bacaworld.org, or e-mail odat@bacaps.com… On the same day, but over in the Tri-Cities area of the Inland NW, is another 100-mile ride to raise awareness and some funds for the Columbia Basin Chapter of BACA. This ride benefits child therapy, support and special needs for abused children of Eastern Washington State. This is a fundraiser to help create a safe and supportive environment for such children in our communities. Includes barbecue, door prizes and music at Ty’s Bar & Grill. There’s a required $25 donation and registration is at 10:30 a.m. at Full Throttle Motorcycle, 135 Vista Way Ste. E., Kennewick, Washington. Questions? Phone Torch at 509.205.9918, or e-mail torch@bacatri.com… The city of Snohomish will host the 16th annual Sky Valley ABATE Antique & Classic Motorcycle Show on May 20. This is back in the historic city of Snohomish, once the county seat of Snohomish County, and the undisputed antique capital of the Pacific Northwest. A complimentary ride-in is in the making and will be coming from the north and west, with details being organized by the Snohomish County chapter of the Amigos. Starting points are from the Longhorn on Smokey Point Boulevard up north, and from Harvey’s Tavern on Highway 99 in Edmonds. Those remote meet-up points are intending to hit the road at 9:30 a.m. and all roads lead to Snohomish. I just took that putt on April 6 from Edmonds to Snohomish and trust the organizing lads (the Amigos) will take the back way on such great roads, too. Questions about the ride-in? Call Amigo Fox at 425.315.5908. Questions about the ABATE show in Snohomish? Telephone 360.568.7820, or visit www.skyvalleybikeshow.com… Look at the THUNDER PRESS calendar for other events during this busy month but don’t you miss the always memorable Fossil Campout, May 25–28. ABATE of Oregon will put this event on and it’s not just for fluff. The admittance allows ABATE to further their goals of educating riders on safety and riders’ rights. It’s the 35th year of the Fossil and the site is the Bear Hollow Campground, south of Fossil, Oregon, on Highway 19. Advance tickets will save you $5 off gate prices, which are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Gates open at noon on the 25th. Prepare for a memorable weekend. This is an “old-school” biker campout with rodeo games, music and probably a little more mischief than you’d find at a Harley Owners Group get-together. Questions? Call 503.791.2862, look at www.abateoforegon.net/default.html or e-mail fossil@abateoforegon.net…
