The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 28th Annual All-Italian Bike Rally

Coming up on 18 September in Sturbridge, MA, is the 28th Italian Motorcycle Owners Club All-Italian Motorcycle Rally. A passion for motorcycles is all you need to attend. Directly from the announcement:

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) will be holding its 28th Annual all-Italian motorcycle Rally on Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The IMOC Rally is the biggest and longest-running Italian motorcycle event in America. If the weather cooperates, it's not uncommon to have some 400 Italian bikes and 1,000 spectators on hand.

As usual, the Rally is held at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566...from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Judging begins at Noon.

Admission is still only $5, per person. ALL proceeds in excess of expenses are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.). Dealer Flea Market and Club spaces available. Refreshments and a food concession available
on-site.

This year's feature is the original, small-Block Ducati Pantah (500, 600, 650, 750)...such as the SL, TL, F1, Paso, Indiana, 750 Sport, etc., along with the Cagiva Allazzurra and Elefant.

All Italian motorcycles and scooters are welcome. No open pipes or pets, please.

Directions: from the Mass. Pike take exit 9, Rte. 20 West. Go 1/2-mile to New Boston Road, follow signs to Gun Club...which is a left turn onto Hamilton Road. From I-84, take exit 3B to Rte. 20 West...then proceed as above.

For more information and coverage of past IMOC Rallies visit www.imocusa.com.

Steven
Rossi
IMOC Rally Co-Chair
(860) 873-2999 Home
(248) 470-5788
Cell
SLDMRossi@aol. com

MCN (UK) Blog at 2010 Isle of Man TT

This is a shameless plug, but not for myself...it is for the MCN blog written by Gary Pinchin while he gets to experience the annual madness that is the Isle of Man TT. It is more than just a race, and there are activities for just about everyone there. The population swells, though, so you must be ready for crowds at almost any venue. Simply grab a good place to stay, get your food and alcohol regimen locked in, and then let yourself enjoy every moment...try not to stress. If you are participating, that advice is useless - just ride your own TT! Take a look at this blog and check back often for updates on the linked site.

http://tinyurl.com/3x5xr8d

BMW Canada Summerfest 2010

BMW will again bring the Canadian (and other) riding public the Summerfest event - for the fourth time - which will be held at Mosport International Raceway from 9 - 11 July 2010. As usual, there will be tons of vendors, stunt shows, several seminars with very knowledgeable speakers, training sessions, the Summerfest Feast and so much more. If you live nearby or are traveling towards the area, you really owe it to yourself to attend this incredible festival brought to you by BMW of Canada!


http://tinyurl.com/ydelama


http://tinyurl.com/ya4k9zt

International Female Ride Day & Hungarian MotoGP Officially Cancelled

International Female Ride Day is scheduled for 7 May 2010. The special day has been accepted by many countries around the world and many more are joining up. The day is the brainchild of Vicki Gray, a longtime motorcyclist and advocate for women riders. Momentum has built up and many of the member countries will be hosting special events for women riders. To see what all of the fuss is about, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhydau3

With all the problems building the Hungarian Balatoning circuit - finance issues, political issues, etc. - the FIM has decided to cancel the MotoGP race which was on the calendar for 2010. Now Spain will have four rounds this season with the new race to be held at Motorland Aragon. What an interesting turn of events...

http://tinyurl.com/ykzy9h9

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - R&G Racing and BMW & Triumph 20th Anniversary

Crash protection specialists R&G Racing will be providing the crash protection for Keith Code's California Superbike School's BMW S1000RR machines. Each of the bikes will be outfitted with just about every piece of protection you can get from R&G for the S1000RR. It's a press release, so feel free to take the link and have a read.

http://tinyurl.com/yahzje4

Well, it's the 20th anniversary of the re-born Triumph on 18 September 2010 and it will be celebrated in proper style at Mallory Park. The call it Triumph Live and tickets are already on sale. They will also open the doors of the Triumph factory, which is only eight miles (~13 Km) away from the circuit. Also, bring some money as they will have a huge 'megastore' of Triumph gear and accessories at discount prices. Take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/yaxvpfy

More Afternoon Moto News - Super-Superbikes & Daytona Review

MotorcycleUSA has done a special motorcycle comparo between a non-modified Aprilia RSV-4, a well-modified Suzuki GSX-R1000 and a US$70K Ducati 1098R. The results were predictable with the Ducati being fastest, the Suzuki in second and the Aprilia at the back. However, you could buy three-and-a-half Aprilia RSV-4 bikes for the one of the Ducati machines, so imagine if you bought the RSV-4 and used the US$50K to turn it into a true SUPERbike. Read the article and have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/ycdpkry

Did you miss the Daytona Bike Week event this past week? If so, you might want to catch up on the events, happenings, racing and other parts of the experience when traveling to this annual rally. Simply take the link below and you can read about what went on and see some of the notable events of the Daytona Bike Week experience!

http://tinyurl.com/yd9cbvm

Some photos from the AMA: http://tinyurl.com/ybpe42a

Tuesday Night Moto News - Daytona Bike Week News

There will be many more of these this week, though you may only see a few more here. That is because Daytona Bike Week is the largest festival of its kind in the US. It has the most activities in the shortest time of any rally that I have seen (or known of). So, if you are not able to attend, please take some time and see what you are missing. You may find there is much more to it than the 'Spring Break' type party you may have imagined. The racing alone is worth the trip...Take some of the following links to see if it is worthwhile for your vacation time next year...

http://tinyurl.com/y9fofbz

Suzuki-related: http://tinyurl.com/ykjp4ny

Rockstar Makita Suzuki & Yoshimura: http://tinyurl.com/yg98tka

MORE Morning Moto News - Haiti Relief Continues!

The linked story just popped up this morning and, in the interest of showing how motorcyclists care and to keep the focus on the disaster, I figured it would be a good idea to post this story on Haiti relief. This one takes place in Los Angeles and you have read about it before - Ride 4 Haiti - which starts out at Glendale Harley-Davidson on 27 February 2010. For all the people involved and the story behind all of this, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yf6d7gr

Wednesday Evening Moto News - Brett McCormick & Ride for Haiti

2009 Canadian Superbike Champion Brett McCormick will be racing with the Picotte Performance team, riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000, in the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship for 2010. His team in Canada was just hit too hard by the economy to be able to support him in his home nation. So, he has decided to race in the US with his own money and some help from his new team. Let's wish him well!

http://tinyurl.com/ygwovtx

Out in Los Angeles, Jimmy Jean-Louis (someone in NBC’s TV show "Heroes"), and several other organizations are bringing a Ride for Haiti event to the city on 27 February 2010 - just a over a week away. The event will kick off from Glendale Harley Davidson. There is a plethora of information about the ride, the people involved and the people who will be helping Haiti with your donations. Please take the link and do something to help; the people of Haiti need whatever we can get to them...

http://tinyurl.com/yafakwd

MORE Morning Moto News - Andrew Pitt & Wanganui Rally

Australian and World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt recently got the chance to take to the skies in a BAC 167 1000km/h Strikemaster MK88 Jet Fighter. Rodney Hall, a NZ businessman and celebrated pilot - and a huge Pitt fan - was responsible for taking him up in the jet fighter. It was an experience that Pitt will never forget...now, if only he can get a pilot's license himself!

http://tinyurl.com/yavxzav

In New Zealand on 5 - 7 March 2010, the Wanganui Classic Motorcycle Rally will be held. I have only found a message board post, so the details are scant. However, the post links to the website which is run by the organizers, so you should be able to get all the details there. All pre-1986 motorcycles are welcome to enter for judging in various categories. Also, there will be some vintage motocross held in conjunction with the event.

http://tinyurl.com/yc4ymzb

Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - NZ Battle of the Streets & Sturgis Eternal Combustion

It is actually known as the Yamaha Battle of the Streets and it will take place in Paeroa, New Zealand. Several well-known local racers will be in the competition along with many unknowns from the club racing and track day ranks. It is run on a real roads course through the town. Other attractions include demo rides, BMW's S1000RR on display and many other vendors will be present. For more information, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yzwjo25

At the Sturgis rally this year a photographer well-known in the custom world, Michael Lichter, will be putting on a show at the Buffalo Chip Campground; he calls it the Eternal Combustion 30 in the Wind. There will be 30 custom bikes on display from the nations best builders, and a huge selection of Lichter's photographs will also be displayed. To be fair, there are some great bikes in this group - not as many repli-choppers as you might expect - so take the time to stop by and enjoy the views...

http://tinyurl.com/yk8cfve

Friday Evening Moto News - Daytona Bike Week

First up under this category is the AMA's call to all AMA motorcycle racers to be getting ready for Daytona Bike Week. At the event, one of the largest in the world, there will be plenty of racing in almost every class excepting ice-racing, there will be bike shows, custom bike shows, partying, music, dance...just about anything you can find to entertain you. However, if you are there to race, you had better begin focusing on the work ahead - Daytona International Speedway is nasty to tires, so be ready!

http://tinyurl.com/yj84jsq

Also, it seems that the less-than-stellar powers-that-be at the Daytona Motorsports Group \ AMA Pro Racing have come to some sort of sense and are increasing the purses for the various series participating at Daytona Bike Week. Honestly, I think that they just do not want to look like idiots if only some 25 racers or so show up for the events; thus, they are buying some participation. The sad part, though, is that the payouts are still relatively low compared to many other similar series...and probably always will be at a for-profit race company.

http://tinyurl.com/ygj9fol

Remember that the festivities will run 27 February (my birthday, also Colin Edwards) through 7 March 2010.

More Afternoon Moto News - Motorcycle Cannonball & Honda VFR1200F

There is even more to read on the upcoming Motorcycle Cannonball...it is a race across the US with pre-1918 motorcycles. It does sound a bit insane - even if you are a rider of such machines - but it is going to be something worth participating in if you have the means. After all, it is high adventure and it will be a part of you for the rest of your life - you will NEVER forget it!

http://tinyurl.com/y876otu

And, someone at Motorcyclist has managed to put a brand new 2010 Honda VFR1200F on a dyno. It was not an easy task as there are so many electronic rider aids which must be turned off to do a proper run on the HP measuring system. In the end, they found it had 142 hp and 81.4 ft-lb of torque at the rear wheel. With all of the controversy surrounding this bike now, some might actually be put to rest with these results.

http://tinyurl.com/yby2nle

Thursday Afernoon Moto News - MCN London M/C Show & Motorcycles vs. Scooters

The MCN London Motorcycle Show will not only feature some of the great motorcycles which the attendees will certainly want to see - it will also feature some of the United Kingdom's best motorcycle road racers. John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Conor Cummins, and Ian Hutchinson. They will be there to promote their racing series and to hang out with the fans...get your tickets soon!

http://tinyurl.com/yh9za99

In Dallas, Texas (USA), there are shades of post-war England taking to the streets. This is the annual Rockers versus Mods event in the city and it attracts all sorts of riders on all sorts of bikes and scooters. In fact, if you attend the 28 - 30 March 2010 event, you are likely to feel like you have fallen back in time...The event has been getting larger every year and this is the third year, so expect some huge crowds, some lovely cafe racers from times past and the present, and some very well-decorated scooters. Try it out, you might just like it!

http://tinyurl.com/yem5bwk

Sunday Afternoon Diversions - Blue Ridge Parkway Turns 75!

The Blue Ridge Parkway's first pavement was laid on 11 September 1935; it's 469-mile length started at the Cumberland Knob right next to the North Carolina and Virginia border region. Many local events will be held in honor of this milestone including the Blue Ridge Bike Fest, 9 - 11 April 2010, and the Wheels Through Time Museum will hold an exhibit entitled “Motoring the Blue Ridge Parkway." It would be a great ride for your summer trip. For more details, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb3fkm9

Myrtle Beach City Council Learns a Lesson and a Classic Triumph TR5

The city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, cancelled the 2009 Myrtle Beach Bike Week for what they said were excessive, noise, traffic congestion and other related issues. Well, they found out that the event brings in huge sums of money for many businesses located in the city. The Myrtle Beach City Council and its mayor John Rhodes have now figured out how important this event is to the city and its citizens. Yes, the members of the Council and that idiot mayor Rhodes are ignorant and very unqualified for their jobs, and they will likely be re-elected even though (American voters are not all that bright). So, the 2010 Myrtle Beach Bike Week is back on and it runs from either 7 or 11 - 16 May 2010. So, check the link and learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/ybj4etg

And, now a blast from the past in the form of a 1956 Triumph TR5. This machine was built at a time when the English factory was making some of the best motorcycle in the world. If you get a chance to take one out for a ride, you will know why. No, it is not as powerful or athletic as a modern motorcycle, but it certainly has it own charms...and I would be a very proud owner if I had one - so you you!

http://tinyurl.com/ya8rksw

Late Monday Moto News - Classic Motorcycle Festival and GSX-R750

The 31st Annual New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Festival will be held in Pukekohe during 6 - 7 February 2010. Over 250 riders and over 350 motorcycles of various vintage all in one place for only two days! Where do I get my tickets? Unfortunately, it is a long way from me, but you might be able to make it. Paul Smart and Stan Woods will definitely be in attendance - not to mention the famous Rudge, very popular pre-World War II marque in NZ. Just take the link; too much to write here.

http://tinyurl.com/y99ynt6

And, it is now getting close to time for you to put in your reservation for the 25th Anniversary version of the venerable Suzuki GSX-R750. It is a nice - and interesting looking - paint scheme plus some minor mods, but only 25 will be made by Suzuki GB. Get there early or don't get one. It is the first in a line of limited edition motorcycles coming out from the U.K. subsidiary due out to celebrate the...can you guess...25th anniversary of the GSX-R series. Have a peek...

http://tinyurl.com/yldmwf6

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - RFK, Sturgis and TTXGP

A new press release from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Ride for Kids lets us know that even the tough economy did not keep the generous spirit of motorcyclists from doing what they do best - earning money for the cause. In 2009, the charity raised over US$4.4 million. They have also added another event for 2010. To learn more, click the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ygcvozg

The Sturgis Rally will turn 70 years old in 2010 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is getting ready for the celebration. So, take the link and learn about what to expect if you are heading to the event in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yl5otw6

There is news that another team has signed up to ride in the 2010 TTXGP series - 666 Road Racing Limited. They will be campaigning a Mavizen TTX02 eSuperbike with co-founder Nick Potts piloting the machine. They have even provided a video for your viewing pleasure.

http://tinyurl.com/y8rmxza

Sunday Morning Rally Dakar Update - Rest Day News

So, yesterday was the rest day at the Rally Dakar, thus we only have some news from the event in South America. The usual suspects are in the lead at the half-way point, so nothing new there. Well, except for Marc Coma's penalty, which may have dropped him from the competition altogether (he will certainly not win now). And, Cyril Despres is in a commanding lead while all the other riders are now fighting for second and third behind him.

http://tinyurl.com/ydfguxr - Some truck and car news as well.

http://tinyurl.com/yeb8dpu

http://tinyurl.com/yb8syh4 - The President of the Republic of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, visited the bivouac during the rest day.

Rally Dakar Update from Stage 7 in Chile - Marc Coma Penalized

KTM rider Coma was assessed a 6 hour penalty by the organizers for what they say was an illegal tire change during Stage 7. Moto course director Marc Ducrocq has stated that they have photos of him changing his wheel behind a house along the route. Coma is claiming innocence and says that the organizers cannot prove anything at this point. Either way, he will suffer for the 6 hour addition to his time and that leaves KTM rider Cyril Despres more likely to take victory.

http://tinyurl.com/ylovxj6