BBC Rally and Ride in Show Returns for Its 40th Motorcycle Event

Al Hendrick’s immaculate 1953 Sunbeam S8 topped the Old Stock Class.
Al Hendrick’s immaculate 1953 Sunbeam S8 topped the Old Stock Class.

Best Quote Overheard at the Rally: “Now that I’m not riding the Norton so much, I don’t have to carry so many tools!”

After replacing the annual Rally and Ride-in Show with a very low-key informal gathering in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members of the British Biker Cooperative (BBC) returned to the Rally for 2021 with great results—even the weather was warm and sunny all weekend.

Held at its long-time home at the Eagle Cave Resort near Blue River in Richland County, Wisc., the event is small, but brings out some great bikes, affords some great roads to ride, has complete facilities, and showcases the great good nature of the folks in the BBC.

Mike Crane brought one of his latest rare bike projects—a 1921 McKenzie (London, UK). Does it run? Like new—and Crane rode it around the parking lot to prove it! It won the Antique Class in the Bike Show.
Mike Crane brought one of his latest rare bike projects—a 1921 McKenzie (London, UK). Does it run? Like new—and Crane rode it around the parking lot to prove it! It won the Antique Class in the Bike Show.

The Rally kicked off on Friday, July 16th with the sale of BBC swag and memorabilia, bike games, and a welcome gathering in the BBC tent with music and movies.

Saturday featured a long-distance group ride, individual road rides as you like, the Ride-in Bike Show, a great Wisconsin dinner prepared by Eagle Cave staff in the recreation hall, award of bike show honors, poker run winners, and door prizes followed by live music by Highway 414 in the BBC tent.

Glen Winkel’s custom Honda mini-bike won the non-British class.
Glen Winkel’s custom Honda mini-bike won the non-British class.

Here are the results of the People’s Choice Bike Show (courtesy Pat Hanson & Bill Pluess of the BBC):

Class Place Participant Motorcycle
Best Of Show Jason Kesting 1966 Triumph Bonneville
Antique 1 Mike Crane 1919 McKenzie Lady’s Model
Old Stock 1 Al Hendrick 1953 Sunbeam S8
Late Stock 1 Dale Matteson 1973 Triumph TR5T
2 Bill Pluess 1971 Norton 750 Commando
Retro Modern 1 Steve Vink 2020 Triumph Bonneville Street Twin
2 Kyle Winkels 2002 Triumph Bonneville
Modern Stock 1 Anna Farrell 2019 Triumph Scrambler XE
2 Doug Aretz 2020 Triumph Speedmaster
Custom 1 Leland Wager 1969 Triumph Bonneville
2 Riley Hansen 2007 Triumph America
Radical 1 Jason Kesting 1966 Triumph Bonneville
2 Ted Kukla 1971 Triumph Bonneville
Rat 1 Jeff Hardin 1965 Triumph Bonneville
Non-British 1 Glen Winkel 2006 Honda Mini Bike
2 Chris Barbier 1987 Harley Softail Custom

For more on the BBC and its Rallies, see: