Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/693447
12 nJuly 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Felicia Morgan CARMEL VALLEY CALIF., MAY 14—There's something inherently wrong about tromping around on a perfectly manicured golf course to scope out motorcycles. It just isn't done, you know. Leaky old machines, no matter how well behaved, aren't normally found resting near sand traps or lounging on their laurels on the meticulously maintained greens of a world class, championship golf course. The two simply do not mix. So it was with great glee that some 3,000 looky- loos in sensible footwear broke all the rules and took to the Quail Lodge's 71-par course to enjoy a full display of remarkable machines while sipping at Louis Roederer champagne and traipsing across the putting greens on a recent warm May day. The juxtaposi- tion was mind-boggling and made for an interesting day. The prestigious Quail Motorcycle Gathering, which is an eclectic hybrid of high-end art show crossed with upper-crust motorcycle meet, kicked off its eighth iteration on Friday with a 109-mile ride through the Carmel Valley wine country. Riders embraced their inner speed demon and took a lap on the nearby Laguna Seca racetrack before zipping their way through some beautiful scenery along narrow coun- try roads. Riders ponied up $345 for that privilege, which included lunch, and were thrilled for the opportunity. Saturday morning's event started early with a tour of the area hosted by Cycle World, which ended back at the Quail just in time for a catered gourmet barbecue lunch. For regular attendees, the $75 day ticket also came with that same barbecue and allowed access to the lawns that were decked out with a dazzling display of remarkable two- wheeled wonders, including a class of beyond-the-ordinary bicycles. Nestled in between the Monterey Moto Collection of 1973–'74 Harley- Davidson minibikes and the pre-1916 display of antique machines was a chopper category that stirred up the rebellious teenager in us with the recalled memories of our fi rst bikes, but it was a sure bet that every attendee could fi nd something that provided a grin of familiarity and a glimpse at never-seen-before collec- tions as well. Almost 400 vintage or classic motorcycles sat sprawled across the lawn, making it impossible to not be impressed. From ancient marques like Pope and Thor, to machines like racer Wayne Rainey's Kawasaki, and on to the modern electric bikes like the Energica SBK, there was something for everyone. The Italian-made Energica was unveiled after TV personality Bill LeVasseur rode the electric sportbike up from Los Angeles and he explained the pros and cons of the plug-in pow- ered bike to the gathered curious. Just 20 minutes after plugging in you have an 80% charge on the lithium battery and can go about 100 miles (depending on your speed) on a single full charg e. LeVasseur rode 350 miles in one day but we were never told how many times he had to pull over for power. He reported that there is no such thing as engine braking with the bike or downshifting to get up to speed since there is no clutch and twisting the throttle is an immediate increase of power. With the down- loading of an app you can fi nd plug-in locations along your planned route. They started up the bike for the crowd and the engine noise from the bike is virtually nonexistent but sounded somewhat mechanical at low speed. Engineers designed it with a bit of a whining gear noise at higher speeds. The bike, available in either blue or green, is already being shipped to American dealers. Tucked in amongst premier motorcycle-themed vendors like Corbin seats, Clearwater Lights, and Alpinestars apparel were racing leg- ends Mert Lawwill and Don Emde who gave interviews and autographs to those who took the time to stop by their booths to visit. Several other personalities were in attendance and were part of the program, such as English born racer Reg Pridmore and 84-year-old Dave Ekins, who sat for a public chat with motorcycle historian and emcee for the day, Paul d'Orleans. As brother of the famous stuntman Bud Ekins, Dave has plenty of stories to share about times with his brother and hanging out and riding with actor Steve McQueen, but his own adven- tures as an off-road racer was the day's THE 8TH ANNUAL QUAIL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING A high-toned day on the links Mixing motorcycles and champagne Clifford Vaughs, designer of the bikes from the movie Easy Riders, poses with his lady Daniella and their friend Pau d'Orleans. Vaughs was impressed with the vast array of motorcycles that were on display at the Quail Lodge. Quail Gathering founder Gordon McCall shakes Lifetime Achievement Award winner Craig Vetter's hand as Paul d'Orleans and Mert Lawwill look on. Vetter is still healing from a close encounter with a deer while on his motorcycle but took the stage to express his grati- tude for the award and for being alive.