Posted by: Danielle Danger Quinn
I couldn't sleep Friday night; I was like a five-year-old the night before Disney Land. The ride was so much fun last year, and both my uncle James and I have been working hard to get the word out for the second-annual event. We told everyone to show up between 8:00 and 8:30, I got there at 7:40 and there was already about fifteen bikes, a good sign. The bikes kept pouring in and by the 9:00am riders meeting people were spilling out into the street...



Not sure the exact number but all the estimates I heard were between 250 and 300 riders, almost too many if you ask me. All kinds of bikes lined the street in Old Town Moorpark, there were BSAs, Nortons, BMWs, Vincents, Triumphs, two-strokes, Moto Guzzis and all kinds of other priceless bikes gearing up for the run. Some of the riders even wore matching vintage moto gear, too cool! There was a buzz in the air, most were anxious to tell everyone about their ride and check out what others brought. There was even a production crew from VCS Wheels to do a piece on the ride. Here is a link to some great photos of the classic bikes in attendance.





The purpose of the event was for people who usually display their bikes to actually get out and ride them and for motivation for anyone with an old bike lying around to get it running just in time, as was the case of my brother and his 1985 Ninja 600, which he had been working on for months, managing to bring it back to life just a few days before the ride, and yes that is a Jack Daniels bottle holding the Radiator Fluid.



We also wanted to introduce the name sake of the event, my grandpa, Harry Quinn. We named it after him because he is the reason we all ride, he taught my pops how to ride, and my pops taught me. He lives for vintage motorbikes, when we take him to classic shows he always points out the rare pieces and says, "I used to have one like that!" The ride's intention was not only to honor him, but also to honor anyone who ever inspired any of the participants to get out there on two wheels.

We had all kinds of bikes and all kinds of riders, a lot of people came from Monterey, Pismo, San Diego.  I was shocked to hear that one rider, Harry Klem, came all the way from Arizona to show off his Norton. At the end of the ride he told me it was one of the best rides he's ever been on and if we do it again next year, he wouldn't miss it.



After the riders meeting we started out on the first leg of the ride up Grimes Canyon. About two miles in one guy decided to turn right in to the Moorpark Country Club, and about thirty bikes decided to follow him. Needless to say I turned around and directed the rest of the bikes on. I have to tell you, getting all those bikes to all go in one direction was a little like herding cats, except louder and more dangerous. I got back on the road and immediately noticed sprinkles on my face sheild.....CRAP!! A huge concern came over me regarding all the riders’ safety, but the sprinkles let up and soon enough I had caught up to a familiar bike in the huge crowd. It was my uncle Dave, for a while I rode next to him, it was the first point in the day when the stress of organizing lifted and I simply enjoyed the event, it seemed like any other Saturday out riding with the fam.



We stopped just south of the 126 Freeway in Santa Paula to make sure we had everyone, there is a great inlet there that was just big enough for the gang, or as my uncle described it, army of bikes. I saw my pops walk by with a handful of tools that he later told me were for an old Triumph that needed some minor wrenching before the next leg.



We carried on through winding HWY 150 a two -and in some cases- one lane road. We had a little traffic which was good to slow the bikes down a little and keep the roads safe. Watching all of the antique bikes on the back country roads was a real throw-back. I saw a few people come to the edge of their farm properties to watch us pass by, one kid was holding up fingers as if to count the passing bikes.



Once at the museum bikes billowed out of the parking lot, they were all over the streets and even in the dirt along the side of the museum. I have to admit, I was a little scared to see what the owners’ reaction would be to such a big crowd, but they greeted us with smiles and instantaneously opened up the building to let the masses in. It is an impressive collection, a lot of cars, bikes, and people...so much so, that it was difficult to snap a good photo without something or someone getting in the frame. For more on the bikes that were on display please see tomorrow's posting titled "British Wing."



After the museum those that wanted lunch stopped at Boccali's Cafe, others just left for home. All in all, it was a great day. I was thoroughly impressed at the etiquette and caution exercised by all the riders, to my relief we had no major incidents, and with a group that big, that is really saying something! Thanks to all in attendance and to everyone for the positive feedback and emails.

Special thanks to:
-Guy Webster and Mike Taggert
-EVERYONE that posted our fliers in their shops and on their sites
-Chase truck captains
-Ventura County Star, especially to Matthew and Lance for coming out to film
-The entire Quinn family for all their tremendous help and mobilization, especially Uncle James



Left to right: Chris, Dave, Harry, Dave, John, Julie, James, Danielle
Photo Links:



Harry Quinn Ride Picassa Album

Mr Frank's Photobucket

USA 2 Strokers Forum Thread

Harry Quinn Ride 2009 Flickr Set




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