The Renowned Shangri-La Resort on Grand
Lake in Northeast Oklahoma was recently the setting for the
2002 AMCA American Motorcycle Centennial Run. Sponsored by
the Sunflower Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America,
this event was held from June 16th through the 19th and featured
participants who sported an array of vintage bikes representing
several makes and models.
The Centennial Road Run followed the famed “Route
66,” and the scenery was spectacular throughout including
a stop by a landmark that is truly incredible—the world’s
largest coal shovel!. Event organizer, Scott Hall, told us
that the main purpose of the rally was fellowship and camaraderie,
and there was plenty of that on hand. And by the way, did
we mention the motorcycles? Scott told us that the group focused
on bikes that were thirty-five years old or older, and the
rarer the better! There was a fantastic assortment of vintage
Vincents, Indians, Triumphs, Excelsiors, and BMWs on the lot,
not to mention a stunning representation of Harley-Davidsons!
While we were there, Brian had a chance to speak with some
of the owners who participated in this “rolling museum,”
and they were eager to talk about their bikes. First of all
there was Peter Gulden’s 1950 Vincent Touring Rapid.
Painted “Chinese Red,” there were only 106 of
these bikes produced. Peter told us that he restored the bike
to be a trailer queen but after riding it he just couldn’t
leave it alone. In fact, he put 4,000 miles on the bike in
the first year! Next, we found Scott Ottaway and his 1939
John Deere? Wait a minute….that’s no John Deere!
Scott told us that it was a `39 Moto Guzzi military model
and that to him it just resembled a tractor! So, with a little
ingenuity, a John Deere “look-alike” was born!
This one even came with handlebars for the “back seat
driver!” Another great bike, and a prime example of
a vintage Harley, was Ray Schlee’s 1932 Model V. This
seventy-year-old beauty still was running with the original
pistons! Ray has owned this 74 cubic inch ride for the last
twenty years and rides it approximately 4,000 miles per year!
Finally, we talked to Jeanie Tidwell and she gave us a look
at a 1955 Vincent Black Shadow D owned by Jeanie and her husband.
1955 was the last year for Vincent motorcycles, and she mentioned
that these bikes were guaranteed to run 125 miles per hour
right off the showroom floor!
To return to our visit with Scott Hall, he noted that the
organization attempted to choose scenic landscapes for their
rallies and this ride was no exception. We curved through
the classic Route 66 and even took a trip across the last
remaining concrete arch bridge left on this historic highway.
As these bikes crossed this art-deco landmark it truly seemed
to be a step back in time.
Our trip ended with Brian’s having the opportunity
to ride a really rare bike—a fully restored 1939 Brough
Superior! This bike is only one of four now in existence from
the 1939 production run. And as he crossed upon what may be
America’s most historic roadway on this superb example
of motorcycle history, his thoughts turned reflective and
profound as he looked into the camera and sentimentally proclaimed,
“Dennis Gage, eat your heart out!” Oh well, guys
will be guys! That’s it for this trip as we truly did
“get our kicks on Route 66,” and if you would
like more information on the Antique Motorcycle Club of America,
give them a visit on the web at www.antiquemotorcycle.org.
Back to Episode CRN0007
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