VINTAGE BIKE OC NEWS

Huntington Beach, Calif. - Cool overcast weather, the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach and David Mann Chopper Fest going on today but that didn't stop us from having a great meet. 66 people came out to Beach Burgers to enjoy the afternoon.

We had a wide variety of bikes today including three former Bike of the Month winners, Eric Biley with his 1954 Royal Enfield Ensign, Dave Zamiska with his 1954 BSA A7-500 and Perry Edwards with his 1974 Honda CB-750. Three very cool Yamaha bobbers showed up too, but unfortunately they sped off before I had a chance to get some details.

New Sponsor
You may have noticed we have a new sponsor. Huntington Beach Honda www.hbhonda.com, just up Beach Blvd has become a sponsor. The Bike of the Month contest winner today had a choice between a Beach Burgers gift certificate or a Huntington Beach Honda gift card. HB Honda recognizes the value of our group and wants to support us. The Beach Burgers gift certificate was provided by Beach Burgers and The Scooter Solution. Please patronize our sponsors, they recognize and support our group.

Bike of the Month Contest
Finally Larry Horn of Huntington Beach won Bike of the Month with his 1950/52 Norvin. I say finally because I've been running this meet since 2007 and the Norvin has always been one of my top favorites. Larry won back in May with his 1955 Velocette MSS and his Norvin has placed in the top three many times. Usually Larry has to leave before the vote is counted. Today he was able to hang out for the vote and easily took first place. Larry chose the Beach Burgers prize so we'll have the Honda gift card for next month.

Second place went to Bob McAlister of Mission Viejo for his 1969 Triumph Trident with the "Beauty Kit". This 750cc Triple shares much of it's technology with last month's winner the BSA Rocket 3. According to Bob, when the Trident was introduced, the styling didn't catch on with the American market. In late 1969 the Beauty Kit was introduced which dramatically changed the styling of the bike. This bike has been in Bob's family since 1974. Originally owned by his Father-in-law who rode it from 1974 until 2000. After being stored for seven years, Bob rode it for two years and the began a 27 month restoration.

Today was the day for British bikes. Third place went to Brandon Wildvank of Huntington Beach with his wild custom 1959 Triumph TR6. Brandon has owned his bike for three years and has turned it into a very cool ride. When he bought it, it had been customized in the 1960's. The very cool paint job on the tank was Brandon's design, but was painted in Chicago. This bike was worlds away from Larry's Norvin, but in every way just as cool.

Thanks to everyone for showing up and making this another great event and a special thanks to Debbie and Tom Hopkins for helping with the voting ballots. Mark your calendars for our next meet on January 8, 2012.

Keep On Ridin',
Joe Kagerer