Riding Into History
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Riding Into History is a non-profit vintage motorcycle event founded in 2000 by Billy Aldrich.[1] It was created in order to celebrate the heritage and history of motorcycles, and also to raise money for breast cancer charities. It has now become one of America’s premier motorcycle events and the attendance figures have increased every year.
History
Billy Aldrich is the founder of a vintage motorcycle club in Northeast Florida. His wife, Jacky, survived breast cancer, and inspired him to create the event. The event was named Riding Into History by William Robinson, a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, noting that the name implies a trip into the past history of the motorcycles.
Since its inception, Riding Into History has been held at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida. It has received widespread coverage and articles have been written about it all over the world. It was also nationally featured on the Speed Channel.
The proceeds go to Buddy Check 12, a partnership between Baptist Health and First Coast News [disambiguation needed]. This organization creates a link between women who call each other on each 12th of every month to verify that their partner has done her self-breast check thus enabling early detection of the disease. More than half a million women in the country are participating in the program. The event, featured on WTLV in Jacksonville, was originated by Jeannie Blaylock, the news anchor for First Coast News.
Activities
Riding Into History is held every year on the 3rd Saturday in May. The organization is independent and run by volunteers from BMWNEF (BMW Motorcycle Owners of North East Florida), and the Historic Motorcycle Society. Other area motorcycle clubs, such as the Chrome Divas have also given their support to the event. Riding Into History has several facits, including:
Concours d'Elegance
This competition attracts between 300 and 400 antique and vintage motorcycles each year. Collectors from all over America bring their motorcycles to the show, and they are displayed around the lake which forms the centerpiece of the World Golf Village. There are numerous exhibitors at the Concours, as well as representatives from several motorcycle clubs. Ample food is on hand, and seminars such as "The Triumph Hurricane Story" presented in person by Craig Vetter, were added in 2008.
Charity Rides
These are for any motorcycle riders who wish to visit the event and enjoy a pleasant morning ride in North Florida. They ride from either Jacksonville or St. Augustine to the World Golf Village to see the Concours. VIP parking is provided, along with tickets to the Concours.
Bikers' Ball
This ball takes place the evening of the Concours and it includes live music, silent auctions and a guest speaker. The latter are always celebrities in the field. Craig Vetter was the 2004 Grand Marshal of the event; he is a famous motorcycle designer and author, Dennis Gage (2005) is the Television producer and host of TV shows on the Speed Channel, Peter Egan (2006) is an author and columnist for Cycle World Magazine, Kel Carruthers (2007) is a former world champion motorcycle road racer, and Mert Lawwill (2008) was Grand Nationa Champion and starred with Steve McQueen in "On Any Sunday."
Historic Ride
This event from the year is held on the Sunday morning. The participants, who entered their motorcycles in the Concours, take their own motorcycles from the World Golf Village to downtown St. Augustine, for a brunch. The goal is to present the antique and vintage bikes to the public and to enjoy riding into history.
See also
References
- ^ Vicki Smith (September/October 2010). "Riding into History: A World Class Concours d'Elegance Without the Fuss". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
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