The Antique Motorcycle Fall 2003 page 4

Wheels in Motion

By the time you read this, your Board of Directors will have voted on that contentious 25 year rule. I'm fairly confindent that it will be voted out of existence, and the cutoff date will remain at 35 years, as that appears to be the wish of the majority of you out there. Thanks for your interest and input, the AMCA is your club.

I hope everyone likes the new colorful look of the magazine. A lot of work has gone into it. Thanks to our editor's dedication, we have the best publication of its type in North America. The magazine is the glue that holds us all together. Another new attendance record was set by the Highlands Chapter Run in Virginia. The Chapter did a bang up job, and picked some of the best roads I have seen on a National. I was fortunate enough to ride a beautiful 'S1 "Rainbow" Chief loaned by Rocky Halter. I cruised along scenic by-ways on the Chief, following Rocky and his friends, who rode quickly, but not accurately, getting lost quite a few times. As a result, I had ample opportunity to practice tight foot-clutch u, turns, and got pretty good at it by the end of the second day. Thanks again, Rocky.

Our club and our hobby continues to grow by leaps and bounds, as demonstrated by the growth in road run attendance in Virginia and Borrego Springs. The same is true of some, but not all, of out national meets. A few meets are actually drawing fewer vendors and attendees than they did a few years back, and judging participation is dropping here and there as well. Should we be putting a bit more variety in these events? Do we have too many in some areas? Flat track racing at Davenport draws a big crowd, and perhaps similar attractions at other meets would go over well. Maybe a vintage hill. climb, a "wall of death" attraction, or a decent length road run on the Sunday, with a lunch stop. I've had day dreams of board track racing on a real board track but someone would have to donate a lot of lumber! Any ideas would be appreciated, particularly with volunteer backup.

With the wonders of computers and e-mail, your board of directors are able to make a few decisions in between scheduled board meetings. One significant one which has been passed is "The Buc Catlett Rule." Bud has recently given up motorcycling. When I first met him, he rode a fast pre-16 Pope. After turning 80, he rode a newer BMW on pre-16 runs in California, and finished his career on a little Japanese single with electric start Being able to ride these other bikes gave him several extra years of enjoyment with his friends. Who can argue with that? From now on, any rider over 80 years of age, can ride whatever they like on AMCA runs. (Even bikes 35 years old.) It's a pleasure to see those senior members enjoying themselves, but we want them to feel safe.

The AMA holds elections soon. Dal Smilie, who is a long term AMCA member, and a good friend of our club, is running for director again. Those of you who are AMA members living in the Northwest, give Dal your vote, as he's a pretty good guy. Also, if you haven't already done so, visit the AMHF Museum and Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio and see their "Heroes of Harley-Davidson" exhibit. It's well worthwhile, and you'll see a few AMCA members' bikes there. This exhibit will be there through 2004.

Speaking of 2004, don't forget it's the 50th anniversary of the AMCA!

Cheers,
Pete Gagan
National President, AMCA