Motorcycle gumbo: scenes from Vintage Motorcycle Days

AMA Vintage Motorcycle DaysOne motorcycle event I hit just about every year is AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. That’s partly because it’s close to home for me, but it’s also because it offers more two-wheeled diversity than any race, rally, bike show, bike night, swap meet or other motorcycle event. Because it incorporates every one of those elements into one weekend.

Some come to compete in the vintage racing, some come in search of the holy grail part that will complete their restoration project back at home. Some bring show bikes, and some bring ratty old tiddlers that wouldn’t earn a second glance in more polite (or typical) company, but will get a nod of respect here, if only because someone will come up and say, “I had one of those back in the day.”

It’s a spicy stew. Here are a few photos from VMD in recent years.

Munch

You may see something in the bike show that you’ve heard about but have never before seen in person, like this Munch Mammut.

Racing

Sam Williams brought a full lineup of race bikes to decorate the paddock. Some are for show, and some are for go.

sidecar racing

Vintage competition includes motocross, trials, flat-track and road-racing. Anything on two wheels. And a few things on three.

swap meet

You might find just about anything in the huge swap meet. Often, the real challenge is figuring out exactly what you have found.

swap meet

If the “Hillbilly Heaven” bike doesn’t catch your eye, how about your own stoplight?

old and new

VMD is one place where old and new mix, but it’s all cool

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