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The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2011 – Bike Day Bliss

Story and Photography by William Edgar

At first it seems a medieval jousting field of honor, a time-travel panorama of knights and steeds flanked by peaked tents and smoke from roasting meats. Missing here, though, are armor and lance, and at least some of the ancient chivalry. The horses are not flesh but metal—steel, iron, alloy, carbon fiber—on wheels, not hooves. Ages after Sir Walter Scott’s 12th Century Ivanhoe, this is The Quail Motorcycle Gathering of year 2011. Welcome to it.

The show field and awards ramp at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the third year for this event at The Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, California.
The show field and awards ramp at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the third year for this event at The Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, California.

This being a more lengthy “walkabout” than succinct event report, I nonetheless commence with the organizers’ welcome words for what this event is, then move on to the beating heart of the day itself, to the motorcycles and the people.

This is the Third Annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering held May 14th, 2011 at the Quail Lodge Golf Club on the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel, California. As the event’s program opening page makes known: “We are convened today because of a common interest in these remarkable machines, and to honor significant marques from around the world.” Co-founder with The Quail, car and motorcycle collector Gordon McCall sees The Gathering as “an event that keeps hitting all the marks” and in so doing has become extremely popular with enthusiasts. In just three years, it has earned its place among the most prestigious of motorcycle show events.

Not to keep secret what is by now already known to enthusiasts, this year’s Best of Show honor belongs to Gene Brown of Denver, Colorado for his stunning 1938 Brough Superior SS-80. [A complete list of class winners and special awards presented for 2011 is found at the end of this article.]

1938 Brough Superior SS-80 owner Gene Brown with the 2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering's Best of Show winner.
1938 Brough Superior SS-80 owner Gene Brown with the 2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering’s Best of Show winner.

Mr. Brown’s English Brough is a drop-dead icon of motorcycle dignity. But a machine, too, that prompts his own sense of humor. From the awards ramp came the winner’s words: “I was going to get married, and when that didn’t work out, I started collecting bikes, but every time I told this story somebody in the back row would say either ‘You made the right choice!’ or ‘It’s cheaper!’” Though Brown had been looking for a different bike to add to his small but first-rate stable, he was directed by conversation to this SS-80 formerly owned and restored by Herb Harris, the renowned collector-builder proprietor of Harris Vincent Gallery in Austin, Texas.

Harris, it so happens, is the third of three former owners of “The World’s Most Famous Motorcycle”—a 1948 bike that I, too, once owned—namely, “The John Edgar Lightning”, a 2011 Quail featured exhibit.

The John Edgar Lightning 1948 Vincent 1000cc V-Twin on which Rollie Free set the American Class A record of 150.313 mph at Bonneville that year riding flat out and wearing only bathing suit and tennis shoes. The one-off bike built by the factory for John Edgar burned alcohol fuel to make 108 horsepower. Known as "The World's Most Famous Motorcycle" it draws crowds at The Quail here while displayed by current owner William E. (Chip) Connor. The author, William Edgar, is a former owner of this iconic Vincent HRD.
The John Edgar Lightning 1948 Vincent 1000cc V-Twin on which Rollie Free set the American Class A record of 150.313 mph at Bonneville that year riding flat out and wearing only bathing suit and tennis shoes. The one-off bike built by the factory for John Edgar burned alcohol fuel to make 108 horsepower. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Motorcycle” it draws crowds at The Quail here while displayed by current owner William E. (Chip) Connor. The author, William Edgar, is a former owner of this iconic Vincent HRD.

To keep a long yarn as short as possible, this is the Vincent HRD Black Lightning prototype that Rollie Free rode to set the American Class “A” speed record on Bonneville’s Salt Flats back in September 1948. For his final two passes through the AMA timing lights, Free had stripped to skin tight swim trunks for less drag than his torn leathers, resulting in this Vincent thereafter being popularly called “The Bathing Suit Bike.” It is still referred to by, I must proprietarily say, that asinine moniker. But call it what you will. My father commission England’s Philip Vincent and Phil Irving to build the motorcycle as a record-breaker, and that this earliest Black Lightning indeed did, with Free laid flat out, head against the tank, posting a 2-way average speed of 150.313 mph over six decades ago.

Twenty-four years later, with John Edgar’s death, I inherited legal title to what my father and I had always simply called “The HRD”, and in 2001 that original certified ownership was passed on to Herb Harris who’d restored the Vincent to its Bonneville trim, now known by its official name, The John Edgar Lightning. In December 2010, car-and-motorcycle collector William E. (Chip) Connor purchased this “JEL” from Harris, and delivered it here to The Quail for display at this 2011 Motorcycle Gathering.

From record-breaking to the road racing, The Quail this year also celebrated “A Century of Racing at the Isle of Man,” arguably the hairiest of open road motorcycle racing from its first running in 1907, and was a conquest for America’s Indian motorcycles a century ago in 1911. Isle of Man historian Paul d’Orleans, who also co-emcees this Quail Gathering, wrote of that distant time in this year’s program, noting, “Indian was the only American manufacture to send a racing team abroad in the first 75 years of motorcycling.” Michael T. Lynch extended that history in the event program to include more recent Isle of Man achievements by legendary Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood.

Paul Hudson owns this historic motorcycle that Jimmi Guthrie rode in period at the Isle of Man. The 1925 New Hudson Factory Racing motorcycle is an award winner at The Quail for best representing the spirit of the Isle of Man racing history. The criteria for becoming an award winner is the collective quality of the restoration, originality, correctness and/or preservation of the motorcycle.
Paul Hudson owns this historic motorcycle that Jimmi Guthrie rode in period at the Isle of Man. The 1925 New Hudson Factory Racing motorcycle is an award winner at The Quail for best representing the spirit of the Isle of Man racing history. The criteria for becoming an award winner is the collective quality of the restoration, originality, correctness and/or preservation of the motorcycle.

Winner of The Quail’s “Isle of Man Award” is this 1925 New Hudson Factory Racing machine owned and entered by Paul Hudson. Imagine flogging a bare-bones single like this over the 37-mile Mountain Course back in the day when an average speed for the famed TT’s then torturous public roads was a harrowing 60 mph!

The debuting Vincent Black Shadow-motored "Black Falcon" is the stunning creation of designer/fabricator Ian Barry (center, with business partner Amaryllis Knight) while others admire the one-off masterpiece. Paul d'Orleans bends to check out the rear of the bike, while Herb Harris (red jacket) talks with Barry and Knight. Stephen Pate (far right) worked on the bike's heart, balancing every moving part of the engine to within 1/10th of a gram.
The debuting Vincent Black Shadow-motored “Black Falcon” is the stunning creation of designer/fabricator Ian Barry (center, with business partner Amaryllis Knight) while others admire the one-off masterpiece. Paul d’Orleans bends to check out the rear of the bike, while Herb Harris (red jacket) talks with Barry and Knight. Stephen Pate (far right) worked on the bike’s heart, balancing every moving part of the engine to within 1/10th of a gram.

Far from that famed isle in the Irish Sea is a downtown Los Angeles loft where 38-year old designer-engineer Ian Barry, with his business partner/fiancée Amaryllis Knight, creates his one-off Falcon motorcycles. Their company’s 1952 Vincent Black Shadow-motored handmade “Black Falcon” won this year’s Custom/Modified Through 2011 Award at The Quail for owner Chad Findley. I’ll have more later about the innovating motorcycle artistry of Barry and Knight.

Courtney Porras Ferrante (left) is Director of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and Signature Events Manager for Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club, which also presents The Quail Rally (August 15-17, 2011) and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (August 19, 2011). Taylor Oliver (center) is an event volunteer at The Quail.
Courtney Porras Ferrante (left) is Director of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and Signature Events Manager for Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club, which also presents The Quail Rally (August 15-17, 2011) and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (August 19, 2011). Taylor Oliver (center) is an event volunteer at The Quail.

With an eye for beautiful bikes and skill to help put The Quail Motorcycle Gathering together—Event Director Courtney Porras Ferrante, always on her cell, is a tireless coordinator making the show happen with McCall and Courtwright. “We work so hard on this all year,” says Ferrante, “and it brings this to life.”

Michael T. Lynch (left) and Somer Hooker at The Quail. Historian/author Lynch is co-emcee at The Motorcycle Gathering. Hooker is Chief Judge for the event. Both men have been deeply involved with motorcycling for decades.
Michael T. Lynch (left) and Somer Hooker at The Quail. Historian/author Lynch is co-emcee at The Motorcycle Gathering. Hooker is Chief Judge for the event. Both men have been deeply involved with motorcycling for decades.

“Now being our third year we are really getting in stride,” says co-emcee and motorsport author/historian Lynch, who works closely with the event’s Chief Judge, Somer Hooker, well know to collectors and as a recent judge of motorcycles at Pebble Beach. Hooker tells about his own 30 motorcycles that include “a bunch of Vincents” as well as Ducatis, older BMWs, and early Japanese bikes. Alluding to his judgeship, the big man from Tennessee says, “I’m very non-discriminatory.”

Lynch informs there was no judging at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering until this year. “We had special awards before,” he says, “but a lot of people said they wanted to have judged classes, so we’ve assembled a judging team. We are not Pebble Beach, and we are not trying to be Pebble Beach. For people who have a competitive spirit, they can now come out here for a very relaxing day and not worry that their taillight might be burned out. But they still want to have someone say that their bike might be better than someone else’s, and are willing to subject themselves to a judging process.”

When Hooker tells me they have eight people judging, I ask what his Quail Judges Committee looks for in motorcycles voluntarily submitted by entrants to be judged. “This is more like a French concours,” he says, “in that it’s a little more glamour oriented as opposed to being technically correct—like when they had the Legend Show at Pebble Beach where you are really kind of held up against the manufactures’ out-of-the-crate type of standards. This is a looser type of approach to things. We do look at the bike as far as correctness, but then we stand back and say, ‘What’s the elegance factor here, too?’”

Outstandingly here are elegant, early BMW motorcycles that share pre-WWII Bauhaus artistic influences.

Armed with hand microphones, roving emcees Paul d'Orleans and Michael T. Lynch describe the bikes over the show field's PA speakers. This classic 1924 BMW is Gary Lewis' prized R37 flat twin of 494cc that delivered its 16 hp through 3 gears and shaft drive. Note its twin loop tubular frame and "block brake" on the rear wheel.
Armed with hand microphones, roving emcees Paul d’Orleans and Michael T. Lynch describe the bikes over the show field’s PA speakers. This classic 1924 BMW is Gary Lewis’ prized R37 flat twin of 494cc that delivered its 16 hp through 3 gears and shaft drive. Note its twin loop tubular frame and “block brake” on the rear wheel.

To convey relevant bike info, emcees d’Orleans and Lynch take to the show field with PA microphone in hand. Says Lynch, “Paul and I talk about these bikes in everyday terms so the attendees can understand what they are looking at.” Such “everyday terms” can at times be insightful even to the shrewd bike scholar. Motorcycle admirers are by their very nature intensely focused on what they love.

Last year’s Quail Motorcycle Gathering Best of Show award having gone to a 1961 BMW R50/2, proudly entered by Tim Stafford, perhaps inspired BMW owners this year to bring more of the German marque to Carmel. Gary Lewis’ 1924 BMW R-37, plate number 37, is the second-place award winner in its very competitive Antique Through 1940 class.

Moving on to British bikes corralled alongside Brown’s SS-80 Brough and ’52 Vincent Black Lightning, I find his 1961 BSA Goldstar to have the Vincent in its tank! What owner Brown will later tell me, the BSA has only one original mile on its clock. Discovering more details on more bikes, I prowl the range of alluring machines with the curiosity of a kid in a magical land.

Ahead of its time 100 years ago, the charismatic 1911 Flying Merkel built in Pottstown PA was powered by this 980cc V-twin with belt drive. The owner's handbook cautions against running with open muffler because it "scares horses." A period saying was, "If it passes you it's a Flying Merkel."
Ahead of its time 100 years ago, the charismatic 1911 Flying Merkel built in Pottstown PA was powered by this 980cc V-twin with belt drive. The owner’s handbook cautions against running with open muffler because it “scares horses.” A period saying was, “If it passes you it’s a Flying Merkel.”
We can only imagine what the boy thinks of this century-old Indian Big Twin that made all of seven horsepower. The 1911 motorcycle was built in Springfield MA the same year Indian bikes scored a 1-2-3 sweep at the Isle of Man TT races. This machine is owned by Fred Johansen.
We can only imagine what the boy thinks of this century-old Indian Big Twin that made all of seven horsepower. The 1911 motorcycle was built in Springfield MA the same year Indian bikes scored a 1-2-3 sweep at the Isle of Man TT races. This machine is owned by Fred Johansen.
This beautifully turned out Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide Super Sport Solo captures the attention of a young girl who has her own means of transport. Also impressed were older judges, who picked this 1960 Harley to win The Quail's American Through 1978 class for owner Paul Pardini.
This beautifully turned out Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide Super Sport Solo captures the attention of a young girl who has her own means of transport. Also impressed were older judges, who picked this 1960 Harley to win American Through 1978 class for owner Paul Pardini.
Gene Brown's 1961 BSA Goldstar gas tank appropriately reflects Brown's 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. This BSA is ultra-special in that, since new, it's been ridden only one mile!
Gene Brown’s 1961 BSA Goldstar gas tank appropriately reflects Brown’s 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. This BSA is ultra-special in that, since new, it’s been ridden only one mile!

In bikes, I’ve always found irresistible the mix of old and new, and so stand staring at a BSA pair, always a favorite British make while never having owned one—Triumphs, Ariels, and the JEL, yes. I study how Budd Schwab’s 1921 BSA, a striking example of Sammy Miller restoration, differs from a nearby Bonhams auction bike, also a BSA, though 36 years newer and powerful Beezer statement in form of a Daytona Beach Special racing Goldstar.

In 1921, BSA built this 557cc long-stroke sidevalve single Model H with strong frame to accommodate a sidecar. This brilliant example was restored at the famed Sammy Miller Museum in New Milton, Hampshire, England. Owner Budd Schwab brought it to The Quail for all to see.
In 1921, BSA built this 557cc long-stroke sidevalve single Model H with strong frame to accommodate a sidecar. This brilliant example was restored at the famed Sammy Miller Museum in New Milton, Hampshire, England. Owner Budd Schwab brought it to The Quail for all to see.
This 1957 BSA Goldstar Daytona Beach Special offered for auction through Bonhams & Butterfields likes to be seen outdoors rather than inside. It has great racing history.
This 1957 BSA Goldstar Daytona Beach Special offered for auction through Bonhams & Butterfields likes to be seen outdoors rather than inside. It has great racing history.

This number 12 plate ex-factory Goldstar has period Dayton racing history, coming second under Albert “Slidin’ Al” Gunter to Joe Leonard’s Harley-Davidson in the 1957 Daytona 200. Bobby Sirkegian rode it as a Daytona rookie in ‘58, also racing it later at Riverside and Ascot. In his seventies, Sirkegian still owns this big tank former Daytona pole sitter. But how long can I spend thinking of those speed duels on the sand? With almost 200 bikes at The Quail, I kept moving.

The Pierce Cycle Company, after branching off from the famous Pierce-Arrow automobiles, produced this pricey 4-cylinder motorcycle in 1910 that won The Quail's Antique Through 1940 class for owner C. C. Kasik.
The Pierce Cycle Company, after branching off from the famous Pierce-Arrow automobiles, produced this pricey 4-cylinder motorcycle in 1910 that won The Quail’s Antique Through 1940 class for owner C. C. Kasik.
Always an eye-catcher, this 1939 Indian Sport Scout is an exceptional example of period American motorcycle design. These lightweight "45-inch" Scouts were famed for their speed. One won the first Daytona 200 in 1937 ridden on the old 3.2-mile sand beach race course by "Ironman" Ed Kretz. Rollie Free also rode a Scout at Daytona for a class speed record.
Always an eye-catcher, this 1939 Indian Sport Scout is an exceptional example of period American motorcycle design. These lightweight “45-inch” Scouts were famed for their speed. One won the first Daytona 200 in 1937 ridden on the old 3.2-mile sand beach race course by “Ironman” Ed Kretz. Rollie Free also rode a Scout at Daytona for a class speed record.
A prime example of Harley-Davidson's cooperative venture with an Italian aircraft manufacturer is this 1967 250H 4-stroke horizontal single "Sprint" model that was hot stuff back then and still pleases. Owner Frank Jerant was awarded 2nd place for it in The Quail's American Through 1978 judged class.
A prime example of Harley-Davidson’s cooperative venture with an Italian aircraft manufacturer is this 1967 250H 4-stroke horizontal single “Sprint” model that was hot stuff back then and still pleases. Owner Frank Jerant was awarded 2nd place for it in The Quail’s American Through 1978 judged class.
This 1967 Moto Guzzi and nearby '67 Norton (right) are entered by David E. Neal, both being great bikes in an eclectic field of many other exceptional motorcycles at The Quail.
This 1967 Moto Guzzi and nearby ’67 Norton (right) are entered by David E. Neal, both being great bikes in an eclectic field of many other exceptional motorcycles at The Quail.

If anything will stop me in my tracks, it’s David E. Neal’s 700cc red-tank 1967 Moto Guzzi “V-7” and his same-year yellow 850cc P-11 café racer hybrid that started life as a dirt bike with Norton Atlas engine in a Matchless frame. And then, moving on again, it was more Beemers. Old ones placed here and there like sparse poetry.

Darryl Richman's 1928 BMW R52 is another of the prewar Bayerische Motoren Werke "airhead boxer" twins that you can't walk past without stopping to admire its simply stated beauty in form and function.
Darryl Richman’s 1928 BMW R52 is another of the prewar Bayerische Motoren Werke “airhead boxer” twins that you can’t walk past without stopping to admire its simply stated beauty in form and function.
Gary Wasserman's '68 Rennsport Cafe racer is another Beemer that reaches out and grabs your full attention. Try not to want to throw a leg over it.
Gary Wasserman’s ’68 Rennsport Cafe racer is another Beemer that reaches out and grabs your full attention. Try not to want to throw a leg over it.

Gary Wasserman brought out his BMW Renn Sport Café Racer created from a 1968 R60/2 by modifying its fame and doing high performance work on the original 600cc boxer twin through lighter flywheel and crank and oversize pistons. The huge tank is period Hoske and rear sets are custom, as are the bike’s headers and exhaust. The racing front end is handmade, the brake an Italian Grimeca, and alloy fenders feature a Domi racer taillight. That shrinking red glow might be all you’d see of this bike on a dark night.

Where's the lady gone? Must be coming back with a helmet to make off with this sexy 750 Super Sport Ducati from 1974 that belongs to Peter Richardson. I've always thought these 750s are like riding a Bengal tiger bareback.
Where’s the lady gone? Must be coming back with a helmet to make off with this sexy 750 Super Sport Ducati from 1974 that belongs to Peter Richardson. I’ve always thought these 750s are like riding a Bengal tiger bareback.
The woman who owns this loveliest of BSA-based sidecars is Theresa Worsch, and what a very special thing it is from those proper days of 1932 England.
The woman who owns this loveliest of BSA-based sidecars is Theresa Worsch, and what a very special thing it is from those proper days of 1932 England.

There’s something about a sidecar that stirs romantic visions of flight and fancy. Ideal for an English summer’s narrow lanes is Theresa Worsch’s immaculately turned out 1932 BSA W32-6, complete with luncheon wicker for that genteel pause in a motorcycling day’s escape from the mundane. Intended for sidecar use, this Brit “Beeza” and its 499cc side-valve single with tank-mounted hand shifter epitomizes the height of a prewar sidecar craze in the British Isles.

It hard to have too many sidecars at a motorcycle field show, and The Quail's got a rewarding selection. BMW built this R69S with attached Steib in 1963. Owner Brent Hansen, a San Anselmo CA BMW repair and restoration specialist, loves to use it.
It hard to have too many sidecars at a motorcycle field show, and The Quail’s got a rewarding selection. BMW built this R69S with attached Steib in 1963. Owner Brent Hansen, a San Anselmo CA BMW repair and restoration specialist, loves to use it.
And this is what Hansen's R69S looks like going away. Picture yourself and mate on board, headed out for a sidecar adventure.
And this is what Hansen’s R69S looks like going away. Picture yourself and mate on board, headed out for a sidecar adventure.

Thirty years on, postwar Germany’s BMW 1963 R69S carried this 2-tone Steib sidecar in swifter, but still elegant, passage. I was expecting to see a sidecar class at The Quail, but found it regrettably missing, at least for this year’s edition. A treat to behold, as well as other sidecars present, is Brent Hansen’s black and green chariot bred for the road to adventure.

And then there is “The Creamer”—the Harris Vincent Gallery red delight that’s motored about by a Vincent Touring Rapide, both dressed for the ride in matched cream upholstery and all-together unbearably enticing. In his company’s esteemed span of restoring Vincents, Harris has done two Red Rapides before, and this third one here, he says, “is conceived with flair.”

If you go for red paint and cream upholstery, like my wife and I do, here's the one! Further enticement is the Vincent Touring Rapide and Blacknell sidecar, brought to you by the perfection of Herb Harris' Harris Vincent Gallery in Austin TX.
If you go for red paint and cream upholstery, like my wife and I do, here’s the one! Further enticement is the Vincent Touring Rapide and Blacknell sidecar, brought to you by the perfection of Herb Harris’ Harris Vincent Gallery in Austin TX.
Here's the sidecar side of The Creamer. That's Herb Harris in his HGV company's red jacket, a big man of great Vincent knowledge in the hobby. Holding a clipboard is Arthur Coldwells, president and publisher of Ultimate Motorcycling. The other Vincent seen is a Harris-restored Black Shadow.
Here’s the sidecar side of The Creamer. That’s Herb Harris in his HGV company’s red jacket, a big man of great Vincent knowledge in the hobby. Holding a clipboard is Arthur Coldwells, president and publisher of Ultimate Motorcycling. The other Vincent seen is a Harris-restored Black Shadow.

Situated at the hub of The Quail’s lush show field, “The Herb Harris Camp”—as I take liberty to call it—is a sort of theater proscenium in itself. I ask Harris about the red Vincent and sidecar and, as usual, his gracious response is rich in detail.

“I ran across this Blacknell Bullet sidecar and bought it,” Harris says. “Vincent made some bikes, not a lot, in red, a very powerful bright red. They also made a few bikes, not many at all, with a cream sort of upholstery. I thought the combination of those two would be perfect. They were stock Vincent colors, so we set out to restore a Touring Rapide with this Blacknell. When we got into it, we found a serial number off of a Vincent Black Shadow on the Blacknell, so this sidecar was originally installed at the Vincent factory on one of their bikes, listed in their catalogue as a ‘sports option’.”

The sidecar restoration was intimidating, but worth it. Says Harris, “It has an extensive wooden frame in it, and every joint was loose, so it was like a bundle of sticks rattling around inside a sheet metal can, and this sidecar took almost as much time as the motorcycle did to restore. Vincent never made a red bike with cream upholstery and a sidecar, but on the other hand it’s all spec correct. It’s a numbers matching Rapide. We went down to the crankshaft and replaced all of that, and we’ve never had an engine failure on one of our bikes. It all came together well, and it says something that I like to say about our company.”

Talk about awesome sectioned engines, and I've seen a few, this Vincent cutaway in the Harris collection beats them all. (Look at the smile on this Beemer guy!)
Talk about awesome sectioned engines, and I’ve seen a few, this Vincent cutaway in the Harris collection beats them all. (Look at the smile on this Beemer guy!)

Ever looked inside a Vincent’s heart? Not likely. But here you have it—in Harris’ Series “C” Black Shadow Works Sectioned Engine. He tells me about this “King of Cutaways”—assuredly the best one of only three V-twin Vincent sectioned engines ever built, this one being the only example in private hands. Another, belonging to the Monarchy, resides in the British Museum, and the third is kept in cherished respect by the Vincent Owner’s Club in England.

“The amount of sectioning is spectacular,” says Harris about this rarity among motorcycling jewels. “It’s cut all the way down into the very epicenter of the engine and the paint is the original British stove enamel.” Built for 1950’s All British Car & Motor Cycle Exposition in New York, Philip Vincent personally brought the engine to the U.S. After trading hands at high levels, Harris eventually acquired the distinguished cutaway. “I take good care of it,” he says, “and make certain that it’s treated with respect.”

And there’s more to see that Harris has brought to the show. It is, as I say, theater, and this stage is his.

Here we go with another Harris Vincent, a one-of-a-kind 1952 Black Shadow with factory racing engine that will get you down the road at a true 140 mph on its jumbo Smiths Chronometric Speedometer.
Here we go with another Harris Vincent, a one-of-a-kind 1952 Black Shadow with factory racing engine that will get you down the road at a true 140 mph on its jumbo Smiths Chronometric Speedometer.
Further into my stop at the Harris Vincent Camp, Herb is about to demo what his Black Shadow with tuned straight pipes sounds like when the throttle is turned. How sweet, and deafening, it will be!
Further into my stop at the Harris Vincent Camp, Herb is about to demo what his Black Shadow with tuned straight pipes sounds like when the throttle is turned. How sweet, and deafening, it will be!

“This is a very special Black Shadow,” says Harris, about to start the straight-piped V-twin liter bike for a gathering crowd. “It was made from the racing engine built at the factory in 1952 as a spare engine for their world record breaking Vincents.” Herewith an intriguing story unfolds. “This bike and engine then went to Vietnam in the 1960s,” he says, “and got traded to an American pilot by a blackmarketeer. I saw it on eBay as a bitsa and I did the research on the engine and found out what it was. Nobody knew.” Moving around the bike, Harris says, “Look at the carburetors hanging off of it! They look gigantic! It’s an original Vincent racing engine and we only put in new valve springs, and piston rings.”

Harris isn’t going to foot crank this steadfast Shadow—no way. He’s put an electric starter in it. “I’m glad I did,” he says, his decision based on intimate knowledge of these HRDs. “People love to see Vincent motorcycles not start,” he adds with a laugh. “They get a big kick out of that. My customers don’t like to be ridiculed, and that’s why I do the electric starter, so they can get on with the fun and not be the center of attention for a bike that won’t start.” Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrah, it goes with its tuned 2-inch straights!

Heading for The Quail’s BBQ lunch, all part of admission, I find another Red Rapide, sans sidecar, then again come across Gene Brown’s Black Lightning, that at least tames an appetite for ribs and chicken. Brown doesn’t fire up his Vincent, but tells me about when the sound of it almost landed him in jail for a weekend.

No sidecar on this red 1951 Rapide Touring Vincent, Michael Begley's dramatic HRD will stand on its own two wheels in any show and out on the road.
No sidecar on this red 1951 Rapide Touring Vincent, Michael Begley’s dramatic HRD will stand on its own two wheels in any show and out on the road.
Revisiting Gene Brown's bikes, here's his 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, one of only 31 Lightnings ever built. Made in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, these 1000cc Lightnings were, in the day, the fastest production motorcycles in the world.
Revisiting Gene Brown’s bikes, here’s his 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, one of only 31 Lightnings ever built. Made in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, these 1000cc Lightnings were, in the day, the fastest production motorcycles in the world.
The Quail's BBQ lunch seriously drew show attendees to these tables for good food, quenching drinks, and loads of motorcycle and car talk.
The Quail’s BBQ lunch seriously drew show attendees to these tables for good food, quenching drinks, and loads of motorcycle and car talk.

Biker food galore is the self-serve delight of those 1500 or so present, a figure that includes over 150 Checkered Flag members that Club Chairman Bruce Meyer brought along from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. “Pal” to so many enthusiasts from car and bike worlds alike, Meyer is “The Man” here nearly everyone knows.

“We’re converting them to motorcycle lovin’ guys and gals,” Meyer says of his Checkered Flag car bunch, “and this is fantastic! Car collectors now are looking very hard at the collectability of motorcycles. It’s the way we all started, with hot rods or bikes, Doodlebugs and Whizzers.” Hooked on everything with wheels, Meyer’s annual Father’s Day Rodeo Drive Concours June 19th in Beverly Hills is this time all about Italian cars and motorcycles—to be reported on here in Sports Car Digest by yours truly.

This is on the other side of the show field, and more of the same BBQ lunch in proximity to a utilitarian sidecar suited in cool desert tan.
This is on the other side of the show field, and more of the same BBQ lunch in proximity to a utilitarian sidecar suited in cool desert tan.
We who saw him ride, from local dirt to international pavement, know there have been few to match the racing talent and gentlemanly manner of Wayne Rainey, seen here again at the 2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering.
We who saw him ride, from local dirt to international pavement, know there have been few to match the racing talent and gentlemanly manner of Wayne Rainey, seen here again at the 2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

Coming across twice AMA Superbike—and three-time World Motorcycle—Champion Wayne Rainey over by the custom bikes, I ask him about what he sees and feels here at The Quail. “You look at all of these bikes,” Rainey says, “and you notice the passion for motorcycling and all the different styles of bikes from all the eras—you get it all. Every year it’s like I’m coming to a motorcycle show for the first time, and it’s well worth the effort to get here.”

What Rainey points out is particularly true with new custom and one-off bikes that make their debut, or hold their stand, on The Quail show field.

Streetmaster has developed a "street-tracker" motorcycle in a style harking back to flat track racing bikes of the original Triumph Bonneville era. I'm informed new production versions of this one will soon be available.
Streetmaster has developed a “street-tracker” motorcycle in a style harking back to flat track racing bikes of the original Triumph Bonneville era. I’m informed new production versions of this one will soon be available.

It couldn’t be more graphically illustrated that cars and motorcycles are DNA-connected, today more so than ever before. Unveiled next to the SO-CAL Speed Shop’s cool hot rod roadster is the equally cool, and hot, new 2-wheel creation called the “Miler”—as in a dirt track’s mile oval. The 865cc, 78 horsepower Triumph Bonneville-motored bike in lightweight frame, reminiscent of flat-track Triumph racers of the ‘60s and ‘70s, drew crowds all day long at The Quail. Says the bike’s associated Terry Karges, “The Miler is street legal, that’s the intention, and we’re excited. We are So-Cal Speed Shop, Mule Motorcycles, and Streetmaster Motorcycles, and are selling under the umbrella of So-Cal Motorsport, a new company we have set up to take these three brands to market—special edition bikes with a whole parts program for them.” Take a look.

There is, in fact, a wide developing world of custom and modified motorcycles on display at The Quail that hark back to bikes loved years ago.

SO-CAL Speed Shop states that its first 2-wheel creation - The "Miler" - is a modernized fusion of function and nostalgia. Add to that "great looking."
SO-CAL Speed Shop states that its first 2-wheel creation – The “Miler” – is a modernized fusion of function and nostalgia. Add to that “great looking.”
Caught lookin'! Car-and-bike pal Bruce Meyer (tan suede jacket) hangs with company-shirted SO-CAL Speed Shop guys to talk about the Miler's 78 hp Triumph Bonneville motor and superlight frame package ... and how cool it is.
Caught lookin’! Car-and-bike pal Bruce Meyer (tan suede jacket) hangs with company-shirted SO-CAL Speed Shop guys to talk about the Miler’s 78 hp Triumph Bonneville motor and superlight frame package … and how cool it is.
Here's one that Harley-Davidson built, a 1964 factory outlaw XLR-TT in works racing livery and very much suggesting serious performance. Love those treads!
1964 Harley-Davidson factory outlaw XLR-TT in works racing livery and very much suggesting serious performance. Love those treads!
Out amongst individual entrants again, this is motorcycle restorer Ron Peck's street-tracker that's custom built from a 1966 Triumph.
Out amongst individual entrants again, this is motorcycle restorer Ron Peck’s street-tracker that’s custom built from a 1966 Triumph.
Inspired by the nostalgia and style of early '60s cafe racers, this bike from Mule Motorcycles comes outfitted with custom painted and polished Streetmaster seat, tank and side panels. Its 780cc Bonneville twin delivers 74 hp.
Inspired by the nostalgia and style of early ’60s cafe racers, this bike from Mule Motorcycles comes outfitted with custom painted and polished Streetmaster seat, tank and side panels. Its 780cc Bonneville twin delivers 74 hp.
Mert Lawwill and his own Lawwill Street Tracker built and numbered specifically for legendary Danny Sullivan, who did his famous "spin and win" leading to victory at the Indy 500.
Mert Lawwill and his own Lawwill Street Tracker built and numbered specifically for legendary Danny Sullivan, who did his famous “spin and win” leading to victory at the Indy 500.

Everybody knows Mert Lawwill, 1969 AMA Grand National Champion and co-star with Steve McQueen and Malcolm Smith in that be-all end-all of motorcycle movies, On Any Sunday. Here’s Lawwill at The Quail—with his Mert Lawwill Concepts “Street Tracker” he’s custom designed and built to recall Harley-Davidson’s TT race bike. Of the limited edition 19 examples Lawwill built by hand, this one was specifically made for Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan as a birthday present from Sullivan’s wife Brenda. Powered by Harley’s 1200cc Sportster V-twin, the Lawwill bike features Buell forks, along with dual swingarms of Mert’s own design based on his innovative mountain bicycles. Go hard on the throttle with this stormer and the back end goes up, not down, movin’ on out. Lawwill’s dirt-bred Tracker carves canyon pavement in dazzling style.

The loud side of Lawwill's Street Tracker shows off its stainless steel SuperTrapps and Mert's meticulously altered details on this street legal bike hand-built for sport riding.
The loud side of Lawwill’s Street Tracker shows off its stainless steel SuperTrapps and Mert’s meticulously altered details on this street legal bike hand-built for sport riding.

A conceptual master, Mert Lawwill has also developed prosthetic throttle hands, and is now working on a prosthetic elbow, for handicapped riders.

Because they are smaller than cars, motorcycles fit easier and more economically into the broad spectrum of what can be done with a wheeled machine to make it infinitely special. Here again is the 1952 Vincent Black Shadow-powered “Black Falcon” creation designed and engineered by Ian Barry, met earlier with Falcon business partner Amaryllis Knight.

Where to begin on something this fabulous? “It all starts with a beautiful engine,” Barry tells me. “When you see it, you almost figure that this would have been a drawing or schematic of some mad scientist that never got built because of the expense, but they made it! But I didn’t want this to be just a Vincent tribute bike. I wanted something that I could make from all areas of my imagination that exemplified what we know now.”

Amaryllis Knight, Ian Barry, and Black Falcon. It's a year's work, and all here at The Quail.
Amaryllis Knight, Ian Barry, and Black Falcon. It’s a year’s work, and all here at The Quail.
The Ian Barry-designed "Black Falcon" one-off with its beautifully groomed Vincent Black Shadow engine almost defies word description. I see it more as a blend of sculpture and canvas art. You see it, you feel it, and you know what the artist wants it to say. If it were music, it would be Gustav Mahler's.
The Ian Barry-designed “Black Falcon” one-off with its beautifully groomed Vincent Black Shadow engine almost defies word description. I see it more as a blend of sculpture and canvas art. You see it, you feel it, and you know what the artist wants it to say. If it were music, it would be Gustav Mahler’s.
What would Philip Vincent and Phil Irving say? My guess is, "Fine job, Barry. We think you might have got into our dreams."
What would Philip Vincent and Phil Irving say? My guess is, “Fine job, Barry. We think you might have got into our dreams.”

Knight, bringing her lithe English accent from London, has her own take on what Ian’s and her work is, and has become, through their paired focused efforts. “We work with what was originally there,” she says, “and take those elements as far as we possibly can, as far as our imagination allows while honoring the soul of where it came from. It’s a passion, and it’s an obsession, but it’s also great great fun.”

Barry and Knight work on one Falcon motorcycle at a time. Of their three at The Quail, I learn that each took about a year to build. Collector, historian and worldly wise motorcycle connoisseur, Paul d’Orleans, astride this Triumph-based one-off, has insight into these Falcon customs. “Ian has a series of motorcycles he calls ‘The Concept Ten’ that are all based on British engines,” says d’Orleans, at home in both Paris and San Francisco, and here at The Quail. “He waits until he has a customer, then he starts building. I think the next one they will do is based on the Brough Superior engine. He’s a motorcycle fabricator first, but the sky’s the limit. It’s really impossible to convey how much detail there is, how much clever thought has gone into re-making everything on these bikes. I tell people, it’s like something that’s familiar but has re-emerged through a parallel universe where they’ve had a lot more time to do things.”

Paul d'Orleans with the two previous Falcon Motorcycles that Ian Barry has designed and built. Paul sits "The Kestrel" that features a 1970 Triumph Bonneville motor that was cut in half and re-engineered by Falcon. The other, with a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird engine, is "The Bullet" created to reflect what a Triumph board-tracker might have looked like in time warp. All three Falcons have been sold.
Paul d’Orleans with the two previous Falcon Motorcycles that Ian Barry has designed and built. Paul sits “The Kestrel” that features a 1970 Triumph Bonneville motor that was cut in half and re-engineered by Falcon. The other, with a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird engine, is “The Bullet” created to reflect what a Triumph board-tracker might have looked like in time warp. All three Falcons have been sold.

Could there possibly be more to see here at The Quail? How about some of these other custom bikes?

Here's Chris Flechtner's 2010 Speed Shop Design "Beezerker" into which fits a 1965 BSA A65 motor with headers entering the lower frame tubes to exhaust out back. All parts are free-style machined out of aluminum or stainless steel.
Here’s Chris Flechtner’s 2010 Speed Shop Design “Beezerker” into which fits a 1965 BSA A65 motor with headers entering the lower frame tubes to exhaust out back. All parts are free-style machined out of aluminum or stainless steel.
Northern California's TPJ Customs created this fenderless trio of radical machines with given names (clockwise from bottom) Hazel, Consuela, and Domino. Beyond more conventional rides bask on The Quail's show field.
Northern California’s TPJ Customs created this fenderless trio of radical machines with given names (clockwise from bottom) Hazel, Consuela, and Domino. Beyond more conventional rides bask on The Quail’s show field.
From AFT Customs in Jackson CA, this Championship Metric "Er Hed" is built around a 2004 air-cooled 1700cc Yamaha twin in daring strokes of bold elegance. Entered by AFT's Jim Giuffra, needless to say it attracted second, third and fourth looks, probably more.
From AFT Customs in Jackson CA, this Championship Metric “Er Hed” is built around a 2004 air-cooled 1700cc Yamaha twin in daring strokes of bold elegance. Entered by AFT’s Jim Giuffra, needless to say it attracted second, third and fourth looks, probably more.

Now we come to what could be called a leading manufacture’s custom, Ducati’s brand new Diavel Carbon Testastre II that David Stone brought to Carmel from Wisconsin. The Italian street beast is a power cruiser with sports handling genes and switchable engine mapping that offers its rider a choice of either 100 or 162 horsepower. Better believe it before turning the handle.

The Diavel, Ducati's new muscle cruiser, is, as one writer notes, "light, fast, sophisticated and fun". This one, sporting a Wisconsin license plate, is entered by David Stone.
The Diavel, Ducati’s new muscle cruiser, is, as one writer notes, “light, fast, sophisticated and fun”. This one, sporting a Wisconsin license plate, is entered by David Stone.

Continuing an association with The Quail, Bonhams & Butterfields is here with its “Exceptional Motorcycles and Related Memorabilia” auction that includes fashionably classic BMWs to kick-ass Steve McQueen Husqvarna Motocross bike. What caught my eye before even stepping inside the Quail’s Club House Ballroom auction was this Valentino Rossi replica, the champ’s bedazzled vision of a YZF-R1 Yamaha.

Up close and personal, this is the nose of a "Rossi Replica" Yamaha YZF-R1 in the Bonhams & Butterfield auction at The Quail.
Up close and personal, this is the nose of a “Rossi Replica” Yamaha YZF-R1.
Here's the loud end of the "Rossi Replica" YZF-R1 ... now quietly waiting for bidders.
Here’s the loud end of the “Rossi Replica” YZF-R1 … now quietly waiting for bidders.
And here's the whole YZF-R1, with full spectrum Valentino Rossi touch. Just beyond those windows the auction is already underway.
And here’s the whole YZF-R1, with full spectrum Valentino Rossi touch. Just beyond those windows the auction is already underway.

By contrast, indoors is the marked seriousness of item lots, auctioneer, and the infectious pondering of a next, possibly winning, bid. Bikes of profound collector interest, and others appealing to the capricious gamut of imagination, either find new homes or remain with present custodians. Being there and surrounded by this see-saw sense of anticipation and disappointment triggered in me a reaction akin to vertigo.

The Bonhams Lot Number 132 bike, a 1952 BMW R51/3, sold for a predictable $19,890. The foreground 1925 BMW R32, the motorcycle model first produced by BMW under the BMW name, went for considerably more, though a tad less than expected, at $139,000.
The Bonhams Lot Number 132 bike, a 1952 BMW R51/3, sold for a predictable $19,890. The foreground 1925 BMW R32, the motorcycle model first produced by BMW under the BMW name, went for considerably more, though a tad less than expected, at $139,000.
While the far left bike did not sell, the other two did for more than anticipated. The middle Harley chopper is a recreation 1963 "Captain America" (think Peter Fonda in Easy Rider) built in 1993 for Otis Chandler that sold here for $52,650. The other Chandler recreation (Dennis Hopper) "Billy Bike" traded owners for $24,570.
While the far left bike did not sell, the other two did for more than anticipated. The middle Harley chopper is a recreation 1963 “Captain America” (think Peter Fonda in Easy Rider) built in 1993 for Otis Chandler that sold here for $52,650. The other Chandler recreation (Dennis Hopper) “Billy Bike” traded owners for $24,570.
This 1956 Norton 500cc Twin Daytona Road Racer, even with "extensive period AFM race history" failed to sell with an estimated $30K to $40K range.
This 1956 Norton 500cc Twin Daytona Road Racer, even with “extensive period AFM race history” failed to sell with an estimated $30K to $40K range.
Comes now the auction's show-stopper, with this 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross "Ex-Steve McQueen from the 1984 Estate Auction". Offered without reserve with an estimated $50K to $70K range, bidding ended with a winner willing to go $144,500 for this 40-year old dirt bike.
Comes now the auction’s show-stopper, with this 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross “Ex-Steve McQueen from the 1984 Estate Auction”. Offered without reserve with an estimated $50K to $70K range, bidding ended with a winner willing to go $144,500 for this 40-year old dirt bike.

An impressive figure was paid at the Bonhams auction for this cool McQueen machine “understood to be the very motorcycle featured on the front cover of the August [23] 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated” that in photograph showed the muscular, bare-chested 41-year movie idol riding hell-bent on his pegs, front wheel lifted, an unforgettable image of the man and the marque.

Just below, outside on the grassy grounds of The Quail, something else was happening with motorcycles and entrants in this Carmel Valley afternoon fortuitously passing from overcast to sunshine. And in some inexplicable way, the nonchalance of this four-legged attendee brought me back to the reality of the show field where class winners were already bringing bikes to the ramp to receive their awards.

"I wonder what the big fuss is about when all anybody really needs is a bowl of chow, er, food, and lovin' care from that 2-legged ilk!" Well spoken, er, woofed.
“I wonder what the big fuss is about when all anybody really needs is a bowl of chow, er, food, and lovin’ care from that 2-legged ilk!” Well spoken, er, woofed.
Gordon McCall (far right) is ready with the Tiffany prize as Paul d'Orleans announces the arrival of Robert Jordan on his 1957 Triumph TR6 for having won his European Through 1978 class in The Quail's new option for voluntary judging.
Gordon McCall (far right) is ready with the Tiffany prize as Paul d’Orleans announces the arrival of Robert Jordan on his 1957 Triumph TR6 for having won his European Through 1978 class in The Quail’s new option for voluntary judging.
Robert Jordan's class winning 1957 Triumph TR6 was restored by Jonnie Green. The judged classes at The Quail proved to be enjoyed by all.
Robert Jordan’s class winning 1957 Triumph TR6 was restored by Jonnie Green. The judged classes at The Quail proved to be enjoyed by all.
Michael A. Polkobla's 1968 Honda CL175 here is awarded second place in the Competition Through 1978 class, which was won by a 1961 Bultaco TSS 125 Factory Prototype owned by Randolf Reed.
Michael A. Polkobla’s 1968 Honda CL175 here is awarded second place in the Competition Through 1978 class, which was won by a 1961 Bultaco TSS 125 Factory Prototype owned by Randolf Reed.

Of course, we anticipate the announcement of Best of Show winner, and a cheer comes up when Gene Brown, a collector of seven outstanding bikes, rides his Brough Superior SS-80 up the ramp to accept his prize from the event co-founder of both the Motorcycle and Motorsports Gatherings at The Quail, Gordon McCall. “Our goal,” he says, “is to stay on track, and stay focused with producing a very high-quality motorcycle show.”

The Best of Show award is selected by The Quail Motorsports Council, showcasing the most significant bike on the field in terms of presentation and historical significance.

Gene Brown makes sure his Best of Show winning 1938 Brough Superior SS-80 is in neutral before savoring The Quail Motorcycle Gathering's top award for 2011.
Gene Brown makes sure his Best of Show winning 1938 Brough Superior SS-80 is in neutral before savoring The Quail Motorcycle Gathering’s top award for 2011.
Event co-founder Gordon McCall announces Gene Brown and his 1938 Brough Superior SS-80 as winner of The Quail's Best of Show Award.
Event co-founder Gordon McCall announces Gene Brown and his 1938 Brough Superior SS-80 as winner of The Quail’s Best of Show Award.
It's nearly impossible to imagine that a production motorcycle, from any era, could look better than Gene Brown's Best of Show winning 1938 Brough Superior SS-80.
It’s nearly impossible to imagine that a production motorcycle, from any era, could look better than Gene Brown’s Best of Show winning 1938 Brough Superior SS-80.

What Gene Brown has to tell me of his Brough Superior is hard to believe, but true. “It was a parts bike,” he says, while also making it clear that this SS-80 was a numbers matching frame and engine bike. From something once cannibalized that became Best of Show winner at The Quail, the outcome is largely due to the work of Brough restoration expert Vic Olson of Vermont, a three-year task while this motorcycle was still owned by Herb Harris.

Winding down the day, there are a few more memories of what an excellent time it was here at The Quail with bike people and their motorcycles.

Star motorcycles at The Quail unite when the 2011 Black Falcon (left) is parked with the 1948 John Edgar Lightning speed-record Vincent. Herb Harris talks about the Vincent that was his for 15 years until selling it last December.
Star motorcycles at The Quail unite when the 2011 Black Falcon (left) is parked with the 1948 John Edgar Lightning speed-record Vincent. Herb Harris talks about the Vincent that was his for 15 years until selling it last December.
Jeff Decker's bronze reflects the famous image of Rollie Free riding the John Edgar Lightning at Bonneville 63 years ago. The bike, restored to Bonneville trim by Herb Harris, is geared to reach 100 mph in first and 150 mph in fourth. For the Salt Flats speed runs, the alcohol-burning engine produced 108 hp. After setting the 150.313 mph record, the bike was returned to street set-up and de-tuned for owner John Edgar to run on gasoline and Benzol for pleasure rides. Fond memories of riding this Vincent are recalled by Edgar's journalist son, William Edgar, a former owner of this history-making bike.
Jeff Decker’s bronze reflects the famous image of Rollie Free riding the John Edgar Lightning at Bonneville 63 years ago. The bike, restored to Bonneville trim by Herb Harris, is geared to reach 100 mph in first and 150 mph in fourth. For the Salt Flats speed runs, the alcohol-burning engine produced 108 hp. After setting the 150.313 mph record, the bike was returned to street set-up and de-tuned for owner John Edgar to run on gasoline and Benzol for pleasure rides. Fond memories of riding this Vincent are recalled by Edgar’s journalist son, William Edgar, a former owner of this history-making bike.
Late in the afternoon, with The Quail Motorcycle Gathering show field all but cleared, Ian Barry and Amaryllis Knight pose with their Black Falcon for media.
Late in the afternoon, with The Quail Motorcycle Gathering show field all but cleared, Ian Barry and Amaryllis Knight pose with their Black Falcon for media.

Something about The Quail Motorcycle Gathering that Gordon McCall spoke of sticks with me now after the event is over. “I love diversity,” he said, “and how the different levels of interest in different brands are so deep in the motorcycle world. The idea of bringing all of that together is a little daunting, but it actually works really well at this show. On paper, with these different mindsets, it shouldn’t work, but in the end everyone’s the same. You see Mert Lawwill chatting with Ian Barry, and I absolutely love that.”

The common denominator is where McCall, and I for that matter, have always thought of motorcycles as being just as important as cars. In fact, they co-exist, even on occasion one within the other.

Show's over and time to get going. Close to 200 top bikes from the past, present and future were at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering attended this year by over 1500 enthusiasts.
Show’s over and time to get going. Close to 200 top bikes from the past, present and future were at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering attended this year by over 1500 enthusiasts.

Lest we forget, this Saturday Quail Motorcycle event essentially began on Friday the day before, with the extra-ticket attraction of “The Quail Ride”—a group motorcycle jaunt on scenic roads of the Monterey Peninsula, ending at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for picnic lunch and lap go-round, along with later reception dinner and guest speakers, plus preview of the Bonhams auction. It’s the same way the Motorcycle Gathering kicks-off again at The Quail in May 2012. Says the never-tiring Gordon McCall, “I was already planning next year’s event a week before today’s began.”

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering began with The Quail Ride the day before, the same way it will begin again next year for the fourth annual edition of this prestigious show and concours. (The Quail Ride photo: Maurice Q. Lainge)
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering began with The Quail Ride the day before, the same way it will begin again next year for the fourth annual edition of this prestigious show and concours. (The Quail Ride photo: Maurice Q. Lainge)

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2011 – Class Winners and Special Awards

Antique Through 1940: C.C. Kasik, 1910 Pierce Arrow 4-Cylinder.
Japanese Through 1978: Albert Catelani, 1977 Honda GL1000.
European Through 1978: Robert Jordan, 1957 Triumph TR6
Competition Through 1978: Randolf Reed, 1961 Bultaco TSS 125 Factory Prototype.
American Through 1978: Paul Pardini, 1960 Harley Davidson Duo-Glide Super Sport Solo.
Custom/Modified Through 2011: Chad Findley, Falcon Motorcycles “Black Falcon” with 1952 Vincent Black Shadow engine. Designer/Engineer: Ian Barry.
Off Road Through 1978: Blair Beck, 1972 Penton Six-Day 125cc.
Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge Winner: Fred Hayes, 2010 Hayes Diesel MD690R1.
Cycle World Award: Richard Varner, 1966 Velocette Thruxton.
Isle of Man Award: Paul Hudson, 1925 New Hudson Factory Racing.
Innovation Award: Treven Baker, 1990 DNEPR Diesel.
Competition Sport Award: Don Emde, 1948 Indian 648 B16 Base Scout.
Design and Style Award: Frank and Elizabeth Recoder, 1966 Velocette Thruxton.
Custom Award: Terry Karges, 2011 SO-CAL “Miler”.
Best of Show: Gene Brown, 1938 Brough Superior SS-80.

[Source: photo credit: William Edgar, www.edgarmotorsport.com]