Tom Rose Journalist: Riding Into History 2016

The 2001 BSA gathers attention, a great motorcycle and a
great story!

Riding Into History –

America

’s Premier Motorcycle Event

Riding Into History is America’s premier motorcycle event. The format has changed very little over the 17 years since its inception in 1999. You can’t argue with success. It is basically a one day event, the Concours d’Elegance, featuring over 300 antique, vintage, classic and custom motorcycles on display along a ½ mile walkway encircling the lake and fountains at the center of the World Golf Village. It is a World Class event, always the same and always different enough that you never get tired of coming back year after year. There are some other great activities tied into Saturday’s main event. The Grand Marshal’s Historic Ride is held on Friday prior to the show. The ride is led by the current years Grand Marshall, traveling at a leisurely pace on the back roads of North Central Florida, some 50 miles for lunch at one of the area's great restaurants. Saturday evening the Concours d’Elegance is followed by the Grand Marshall’s Dinner. It is a whole lot of motorcycling packed into a few hours.

Alan Berras of Leeds,

is riding his 1932 Triumph CD 500

What is truly remarkable about all of this is that the Ride into History was begun and continues to be operated by a bunch of motorcycle guys, all volunteers, no paid professionals. All of the proceeds go to the charity of choice, the K9s for Warriors. Since inception the Ride into History has contributed over $400,000 dollars to charities! Many legendary icons of motorcycling have participated in past events and many remain a part of Riding Into History by serving on the advisory board. These include journalist Dave Despain, master tuner Nobby Clark, and Hall of Fame racers Kevin Schwantz and Mert Lawill. This years Grand Marshal is Malcolm Smith, living motorcycling legend and star of the movie, "On Any Sunday".

The world renowned motorsport artist Don Bradley passed away earlier this year. However, his art work from past events as well as this years poster print continue as a feature of the event.

1956 BSA Goldstar 500ccOHV single
original art by Don Bradley

Author visits with Hall of Fame racing champion David Aldana. David served as the Grand Marshal for the 2015 Riding Into History

Riding into History is traditionally held in May each year at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, FL. This years date is Saturday May 21, 2016. It should be a must do on your motorsports calendar. For full event info check the web site: http://www.ridingintohistory.org/home/