MidOhio 08’
VJMC Members, Chip Miller, (Suzuki) Mike Crane, (NSU) Walt Sorenson and Mike Blackburn (XS 650 Yamahas) attended this years event. The bikes were trailered down in two separate vehicles.
Mid Ohio is approx 13 hours driving time from the Twin Cities if you take the direct freeway routes, or add a few of hours if you take in the countryside through the middle of Indiana. Tickets for the day are $25.00 or $40.oo for all 3 days. Hotels are booked early and camping on site is available, with showers.
The swap meet area is huge. Hundreds of vendors selling parts from Ace to Zundapp. Bargains abound. ( Old style Biker jackets, new, $35.oo. ) Complete bikes or a rolling chassis could be haggled. A M20 BSA that looked complete sold for $400.oo… XS650 Yamahas ranged from barn fresh rusty $300.oo to $6500.oo. Baby Ducks, (160, 175 and 250) most in sad condition, were in the $1800-2400.oo area. Restoration Companies representing most of the Japanese brands were on hand.
The event host vintage (AHRMA) motocross, road race, sidecars and trials. Free seminars are offered hosted by the likes of Craig Vetter, Celment Salvadori, (Rider Magazine),Ted Simons (Jupiter’s Travels), “ How to Build a Café Bike” and others. Walking through the road race pits you’ll soon discover the rich history of motorcycle racing. From Jay Springsteens Harley to “ Joe Someone “ with his homebuilt 350 Honda. Tridents entered harms way along side Bonneville’s. BMW sidecars battled XS650 Yamaha sidecars. ( Yamaha won) One lunger Enfield’s chased one lunger Ducati’s while both were passed by one lunger Manx Nortons. The sights and the sounds were a treat. The sound of the old machines as they twisted and shifted was worth the price of admission.
Other events are ongoing. Vintage bike show…new and old Triumph show, Laverda show, the local VJMC show, Café Bike Show, M/c auction, trill shows, demo rides, Friday night ride to a local flat track race. The event is spread out over a large area and a shuttle service is provided. Attention is a must. One girl was hit by a young kid riding around which required the medics.
Walt and Mike visited the AMA Museum in Pickerington, Ohio (approx 50 miles south) and the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa on the way home. Both expressed the opinion that the Anamosa museum offered a better selection and number of machines on display.
Photos submitted by Mike Blackburn
Photos submitted by Chip Miller
