2012 Quail Motorcycle Gathering
Since its inception in 2009, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has featured machines that more than tip the historical scales, including last year’s Best of Show winner, a 1938 Brough Superior SS-80, and the John Edgar Lightning, star of the renowned “Bathing Suit Bike” photograph, shot at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1948.
And for 2012’s event, which occurs Saturday, May 5, at the Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, Calif., two iconic motorcycles will be on display at the day-long event – Marty Dickerson’s “Blue Bike” and Dan Gurney’s “Alligator Bike.”
Here’s some background on these two machines:
- Marty Dickerson’s 1948 Vincent Rapide Racer (known as The Blue Bike) – An integral part of a lengthy chapter of Speed Week history at the Bonneville Salt Flats, this iconic Bonneville record-breaker is a stunning piece of motorcycling history that is claimed to be in “as last raced” condition, with all timekeepers’ seals intact.
- Dan Gurney’s All American Racers Gurney Alligator Motorcycle – The legendary race car driver and builder’s revolutionary Alligator design is a highly innovative concept that features a low center of gravity and feet-forward design for more than conventional stability.
Every year has a theme, and this year’s fourth annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering will pay tribute to the Evolution of Motorcycle featuring Indian Motorcycles, while also showcasing “legendary motorcycles from the past, present and concepts for the future.”
Gordon McCall (Cofounder of the Quail) says: “We are thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing collectors and enthusiasts from around the world together in Carmel for a day-long celebration of some of the most iconic and innovative motorcycles in history.
“With The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, we’re able to not only showcase legendary motorcycles of the past, but also spotlight new motorcycle designs and engineering innovations. For motorcycle lovers, it will be a feast for the eyes.”
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a celebration of motorcycling heritage and performance, will offer attendees a rare opportunity to view the world’s finest pre- and post-war sports and racing bikes as well as the latest products from leading motorcycle manufacturers, dealerships, accessories and lifestyle brands.
For the first time, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will feature a Superbike Class that will highlight famous GP racers of the past and present, paying tribute to the history of the motorcycle and celebrating innovative designs. The event will also feature bikes in classic Concours Classes. Complementing the extensive showcase of bikes will be an All-American barbeque picnic lunch and live musical entertainment that’s fun for the entire family.
To kick off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, guests are invited to hit the road with their fellow enthusiasts and join in The Quail Ride on Friday, May 4, 2012. Limited to 70 participants, the one-day ride will wind through 100 miles of Carmel and Salinas Valley back roads and conclude with a private dinner.
The fee to participate in The Quail Ride is $295 per rider, and includes a gift bag, lunch, parade laps at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and admission to an intimate dinner reception featuring special guest speakers. Ride participants will also receive a ticket to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and an invitation to display their motorcycle as an entrant.
Tickets to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering are $65 per person, $15 for children 12 and under, and include lunch and live musical entertainment. To purchase event tickets, please visit quaillodgetickets.com.
Also, check out the Quail Motorcycle Gathering on Facebook.