Bill's Blog

Dave Palm's Photo Album

2009-07-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

BMWNEF member and ace photographer Dave Palm has posted some of his RIH photos. They really do a good job of capturing the feel of the event, and you can view them here.

Congratulations to the Winners!

2009-05-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mike Crone

Best in Show

Thunder Blue, 1950 Triumph Thunderbird

Dick Greene

Best American

1905 Marsh

Dale Axelrod

Chairman's Choice

1926 Harley Davidson JD-Cutdown

Robert De Moss

Preservation

Army Green 1946 Moto Guzzi Superalce

Gene Bevilacqua

AA - American Antique

Red, 1937 Indian Chief

John S. Duss

AC - American Classic

Hi-Fi Burgundy 1968 Harley Davidson Electra Glide

Michael Angotti

AM-American Modern

Silver and Black, 2003 Harley Davidson Road King Classic

Robert Conomon

AS-American Special

Black, 1951 Harley Davidson Panhead

Lee Mullins

AV - American Vintage

1956 Harley Davidson Hummer 125cc

Thomas Kerr

BA-British Antique

Red & Chrome, 1934 Ariel NH

Jim Meetze

BC-British Classic

White 1975 Norton Commando

Robert P. Warner

BM-British Modern

2002 Royal Enfield

Ted Erickson

BS-British Special

Red and Gold 1953 Ariel SQ4

Kathy Siller

BV-British Vintage

Silver 1953 BSA Goldstar

Mark Sawicki

BX-British Vintage 2

Black 1970 BSA A65T

Antonio Alvarnaz

CI-International Custom

1969 Honda Custom 49cc Hand Made

Joe Palermo

CU-American Custom

Orange, 2009 World Class Custom Softail

Taylor Knight

EA-European Antique

Green and Black, 1948 Husqvarna Pacer

Don Hastings

EC-European Classic

Black and Red 1974 Jawa 501 - 250 CC Californian

John Zawicki

EM-European Modern

Red, White and Green, 1994 Bimota DB2

Pat Mooney

ES-European Special

Silver 2002 Ducati MH900E

John Walsh

EV-European Vintage

Blue 1962 Ducati Sport 48cc

Ron Ritchie

JM-Japanese Modern

Red 1993 Yamaha GTS

Jim Cooper

JS-Japanese Special

1973 Kawasaki Z1R-2000

Arthur W. Bensheimer, Jr.

JV-Japanese Vintage

Blue 1961 Honda CS 77

JC-Japanese Classic

Red 1970 Kawasaki HI

Greg & Janet Wrisberg

RA-Competition Antique

Black, 1949 Indian Scout

Stan Keyes

RC-Competition Classic

Yellow 1972 Norton 750 Commando

Peter W. Hampton

RM-Competition Modern

Black and Red 2008 Buell XB12R

Royal W. Sherbet

RO-Competition Off Road

Red and White 1978 Bultaco Astro

William Perri

RV-Competition Vintage

Black 1959 Matchless G2CS

Kent Koelz

SA-Scooter Antique

1947 Cushman Road King

10th Annual RIH Photo Album

2009-05-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our friend Neil Rashba took a number of excellent photos at this year's Riding Into History and at the Biker's Ball. To see his photos go to: Neil's RIH Album.

He also produced a summary of the event with his observations and quotes from Dennis Gage. To take a look go to: Neil's Summary.

10th Riding Into History Breaks All Records!

2009-05-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Support for the 10th Annual Riding Into History was tremendous, and records were broken in virtually all areas. While we don't have the exact final totals yet, it appears that we had about 350 motorcycles on display, around 4000 spectators and 250 Charity Ride participants. Dennis Gage and Craig Vetter handed out nearly 100 awards, including Best in Show, Preservation Award, Chairman's Choice, Best American Motorcycle and two awards in the new Vetter Class.

All this means that we will achieve our goal of breaking the $200,000 mark in money awarded to the Buddy Check 12 breast cancer charity in our last six events. This was made possible by the hard work of 150+ volunteers from BMW Motorcycle Owners of Northeast Florida, the Historic Motorcycle Society, the Chrome Divas and others.

We'll publish a list of all the class winners in the near future, as soon as we recover from an amazing weekend of work and fun!

Following Dennis & Crew to Riding Into History

2009-05-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the blogs on MotorcycleClassics.com

They are following Dennis Gage, his son Sam and their friend Neil Bayly as they make their way from Evansville to Riding Into History. All of this will be part of "Trippin' Back in Time", a program Dennis is producing for Speed TV.

You Can Still Go On the Jacksonville or St. Augustine Rides

2009-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Preregistration is closed for the rides, but you can still go by signing up the morning of the event. For the St. Augustine ride, go to Harley-Davidson of St. Augustine, and for the Jacksonville ride go to Jacksonville PowerSports. Plan to be there between 8:30 and 9:00 AM on Saturday.

Either is just $15 ($5 for a passenger), and includes the police-escorted ride, VIP parking at the World Golf Village and admission into the Concours. It's a great day benefitting a great cause.

Concours Preregistration is Closed

2009-05-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

If you are going to enter your antique or vintage motorcycle in the Riding Into History Concours d'Elegance, you'll have to do it the morning of the event. Come to the World Golf Village between 7:30 and 8:30 AM on May 16th to register your bike. We are expecting 300-400 motorcycles in the show, so the earlier you get here the better. It's going to be an amazing event!

Great Links!

2009-05-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

We have been very fortunate this year to have Riding Into History featured on numerous websites. These sites do a great job of spreading the word and also furnishing great back-stories on our event. Here are just a few that have been of great support to us. Check 'em out and see what we mean!

Biggest Riding Into History Ever?

2009-05-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

All indications are that this will be the biggest Riding Into History we have ever had. Registrations of motorcycles in the Concours to date are well ahead of any past year, and we will be certain to have 300-400 bikes in the show. The rides are also filling up, and by the number of phone calls and emails we are receiving, it appears that we are headed for a record number of spectators. What's the reason for this record-breaking outlook? When you combine the 10th Anniversary with Craig Vetter, Dennis Gage, exhibitors, entertainment, clubs food and seminars, you get quite a spectacular event!

Dennis & Crew Gear up for Riding Into History

2009-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

If you would like to read about Dennis Gage's plans for attending Riding Into History, there is a great story about his trip and the resulting TV show that will become part of his "Trippin' on Two Wheels" series at the Motorcycle Classics website. Check it out!

Enter Your Motorcycle Now!

2009-05-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Time is running out for entries into the Concours d'Elegance. Your entry form must be received in Jacksonville no later than Wednesday, May 13, for preregistration. While we will accept a limited number of entrants the day of the event, the process will take you longer if you are not preregistered. Also, we reserve the right to deny entry to any motorcycles that we believe are not appropriate for the show. Get your form here, and send in your entry today!

RIH Artist Don Bradley Featured in Article

2009-04-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

The amazingly talented artist behind the wildly popular Riding Into History posters and T-shirts is featured currently in Ed Youngblood's Motohistory. Don Bradley has painted the beautiful works of art that have been the face of Riding Into History for the past six years.

Be sure to click on the link above to read Ed's article, view more of Don's work and learn about the man who combines an intimate knowledge of motorcycles with the gift of a very unique artist. He seems to know a bit about how to capture the essence of a beautiful woman as well...

Super Entertainment at the Concours

2009-04-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

There is always lots to see at the Concours, but this year there will be lots to hear as well. Harry Leeds of Harry & Sally will play the keyboard and sing as only Harry can. Nick & Michelle of Shell Game will take things up tempo with a variety of current hits and rock classics. We may even see Billy Aldrich, founder of Riding Into History, sit in on base and vocals with one or more of the acts. Don't miss the show!

Riding Into Harry's

2009-04-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our popular Historic Ride on the morning of May 17 is shaping up to be a very special event. First, we have an outstanding destination. We will be dining in the Harry's courtyard in St. Augustine, just across the street from the bay. The brunch menu sounds incredible, with nine entree selections from pancakes with applewood bacon and fruit to shrimp & grits to blackened redfish with red beans and rice, Yum! You can even get a cheeseburger and fries, if you like.

You must have entered a motorcycle in the Concours to participate. The ride, including VIP parking at the restaurant, plus the brunch is just $20 including drink, tax and tip. Rumor has it that there might be some free mud pie involved. It looks like we may have special guests like Craig & Carol Vetter and Dennis Gage and his son Sam.

For more information and a application, go to: ridingintohistory.org/forms/entryform.pdf

Painter John to Pinstripe for Charity

2009-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Pinstripe artist Painter John will once again donate his time and talents to Riding Into History and Buddy Check 12. He has graciously volunteered to pinstripe bikes for a minimum donation of $100, about half of his normal rate. Best of all, 100% of his income will be donated to Buddy Check 12. Painter John's mother was a victim of breast cancer, and he contributes his work in her memory.

He will be located at the entrance to the Concours, and will begin painting at 9 AM, continuing throughout the day. The mini chopper shown in the photos, which was built and donated by Chopper City USA, was pinstriped by Painter John as another contribution to Riding Into History. It will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to Buddy Check 12. Bids will be taken at the Concours and at the Biker's Ball. To see a video of Painter John in action, go to: Painter John Video.

BMW Daytona Donates New BMW G650 XMoto!

2009-04-11T09:54:00.001-07:00

Bill Peretti, owner of BMW Motorcycles of Daytona and BMW Motorcycles of Orlando, has generously donated this beautiful new 2007 BMW G650 XMoto to Riding Into History. We will display the motorcycle at the Concours and at the Biker's Ball, and it will go to the lucky high bidder. There is NO RESERVE on the bike. The list price is $9575, but some lucky bidder is going to get a great deal on this amazing motorcycle. Best of all, proceeds from the sale of the bike will go to the Buddy Check 12 breast cancer charity. Don't miss this unique oportunity to get a great buy on a sensational BMW and fight breast cancer at the same time!

Vetter Designs His Own Posters!

2009-04-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about having a world-class designer for a seminar speaker is that he does his own poster design! Check out Craig holding the posters that he designed for his Concours seminars. In the morning at 10:30 he'll have a presentation on Classic American Design, and in the afternoon at 1:30 his topic will be the History of the American Motorscooter.

Both seminars will be free with your $10 admission into the Concours. What a deal! Also, go to Craig's website to to learn how you can enter your Vetter designed or Vetter equipped motorcycle in the Concours.

The First Annual Dusty Miller Award for Generosity

2009-04-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Riding Into History will honor the memory of Dusty Miller of Miller BMW Motorcycles of Tallahassee with the first annual Dusty Miller Award for Generosity. Dusty passed away earlier this month after a lengthy and courageous battle with liver disease. The creation of the award was announced at Dusty's memorial services in Tallahassee on April 8th. The award recipient will be announced at the Biker's Ball.

The award will recognize an individual or an organization that has made a considerable difference to RIH through exceptional generosity. Dusty was the epitome of giving, having contributed five motorcycles, thousands of dollars and a great deal of motorcycle gear to RIH and the Biker's Ball.

Fortunately, there are numerous nominees for this award, as RIH has had many charitable friends over the years. Selection of a recipient from this generous group will be a difficult task. Although we cannot replace Dusty, we can certainly honor him.

Special Vetter Class in the Concours

2009-04-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you have a Craig Vetter designed motorcycle, such as the Triumph Hurricane, or if you have a motorcycle with Vetter accessories, such as a Windjammer fairing, you are elegible for the Vetter Class. Craig will select class winners and personally present the special awards.

To enter, simply click in this link to the Vetter Class application. Remember, there is no charge to enter your motorcycle in the Concours. Here is a great chance to show off your bike with its Vetter designs, and to meet one of the icons in the motorcycle industry.

Saddle Up for the Biker's Ball!

2009-04-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

This year's Biker's Ball will be extra special as we head way out West with our "Ride 'em Biker Cowboys" theme. Ball Chairperson Millie Stevenson and her crew will transform the Renaissance Ballroom into something right out of the Wild West, complete with a delicious bar-b-que dinner. Music will be provided by the sensational Cowboy Orchestra, and Craig Vetter & Dennis Gage will liven up the proceedings with their tales of bikes and rides.

You'll also be able to round up great deals on all types of motorcycle gear, dinners, artwork and lots more at the super Silent Auction. It's a great way to bring home a bargain and help out the Buddy Check 12 breast cancer charity.

So put on you cowboy wear, biker gear, formal wear or a combination of all three, and head on out to the Biker's Ball. For ticket information and all the details go to the Ball page on our website or click here for the Ball form. See you there, partner!

Craig Vetter to Host Free Seminars

2009-03-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

Some of the most popular features of the 2008 Riding Into History were the seminars presented by Motorcycle Hall of Fame member Craig Vetter. His hour-long talks, complete with an extensive PowerPoint slide show, detailed how he came to design the legendary Triumph Hurricane. Not only is he one of our Grand Marshals this year, but he has kindly agreed to host two more seminars. They will be presented at 10:30 am and again at 1:30 pm at the Concours. Patrons will not be charged any additional fee for the seminars, which come with the $10 entry donation. Craig's topics this year? In the one session he will present The American Motorscooter Story, and the other will be Vetter: Classic American Design. You won't want to miss Craig's outstanding seminars!

Signed Posters Going Fast!

2009-03-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that about half of the 100 signed and numbered 10th Anniversary posters have been sold. When these are gone, there will be no more. Almost every week we get requests for signed past event posters, but they are sold out. Don't miss this opportunity to get one of Don Bradley's finest posters, for just $25, including shipping. Click on this poster link to order.

Hotels in St. Augustine

2009-03-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Through April 17th, we are offering an attractive hotel package deal at the Renaissance Resort at the World Golf Village for those wishing to attend the Biker's Ball and stay overnight. Go to the "Hotels" or "Biker's Ball" pages on our website. For those wishing to stay in St. Augustine, I'm passing along the information below, sent to me by an enterprising Front Desk Manager:

Hi,
I am a front desk manager for the Rodeway Inn, in St. Augustine. I am also a biker and saw this on your site. I would love to throw my hat in the ring as the BIKER FRIENDLY HOTEL in the area.

Located in historic St. Augustine, with over 30 years of southern hospitality waiting to serve you. We are a 120 room 2 diamond AAA rated hotel. We feature affordable clean rooms and ample pakring for trucks, trailers and bikes.

Feel free to call about SPECIAL RATES...

Thanks,

Sue Benfield
Front Desk Manager
Rodeway Inn
904-829-6581

Dennis Gage Plans RIH Video

2009-03-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

This just in! Dennis Gage is making plans to film a video of his ride down to Riding Into History with his friend Neale and son Sam. The working title is "Trippin' Back in Time." Not many details available yet, but this is certainly exciting news. You can view the last RIH video Dennis produced on RIH by clicking on this link.

Here are photos of the bikes Dennis, Neale and Sam plan to ride down. Quite a nice collection. More news as plans develop.

Eustis and Deland Shows Boost Riding Into History

2009-03-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

We had great success with our booths at the AMCA Sunshine Chapter show at Eustis and the Bator Auction at Deland. Not only did we sell over $1000 in t-shirts and posters, but we met a good numbers of collectors and restorers who were eager to learn about RIH. Some of our friends and supporters on hand included Jack Wells, Terry Garbig, Dale Walksler, Dale Axelrod, John Langstrom, Don Bradley, Jack Forrester, Harris & Arliss Turner, Jim and Dee Thomas, Troyce Walls, Mike Crone, Marty Megregian and many others too numerous to name.

We would like to give special thanks to Deni and Glenn Bator who not only donated $150 worth of booth space to our event, but auctioned off a Bell Helmet and an On Any Sunday DVD, both autographed by famous racers, and contributed the $360 in proceeds to RIH! We really appreciate their support.

Alan, Larry, Neil, Cotton, Bob, Andrew, Walt, Bill W. and many other BMWNEF and HMS members did a great job of manning the booth and helping us spread the word. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

You can own a Mini-Chopper!

2009-03-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Bill's Blog. This is the place to get all the latest news about Riding Into History.

Today's big news is that Chopper City USA in Orange Park, FL has donated a custom RIH-themed Mini-Chopper to our Silent Auction! This ultra cool bike has a 4-speed transmission with an automatic clutch, a 150cc motor and a top speed of about a mile a minute. Check out the springer forks and the bobbed rear fender.

Everywhere we have shown the bike it draws big crowds. And it can be yours! Just place you bid at the Concours or Biker's Ball. There's no reserve, and someone is going to get a one-of-a-kind very special bike, with all proceeds going to the Buddy Check 12 breast cancer charity. Come and place your bid on May 16!