California’s Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Club Extravaganza

1971 Bultaco Pursang 250
AMA Hall of Famer Eddie Mulder gives the Best of Show award to John Forsmire for the immaculate restoration of his 1971 Bultaco Pursang 250.

The popularity of riding, and occasionally restoring, older motorcycles is on the rise. Which prompts interested parties to organize events where the owners can show off their machines. Get a map of California, locate Santa Maria, then Paso Robles, and the area between them is called the Central Coast, where a very active “classics” club recently put on four days of rides and shows. It started on a Thursday evening at the San Luis Obispo weekly farmers’ market, where the Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Club (CCCMC) got a street to themselves. About 50 bikes showed up for informal viewing that evening, from a 1947 Servi-Cycle to Nortons and Ducatis from the ‘70s, with movies like “On Any Sunday” being shown on a convenient white wall.

Slow race
Getting set for the slow race; do take note of the protective gear that was required for this event.

Next afternoon was a ride up the coast, followed by a bonfire on the beach at Avila and a catered dinner, with riders exaggerating tales of derring-do. Saturday was the big day, as CCCMC had set up a show and swap-meet in a big parking area high up on a hill. Great weather, and some 70 spit-polished machines showed up for the judging. Along with several dozen vendors selling everything from old cylinder heads to old books and magazines.

Every year there is a featured marque, and for 2011 it was Triumph, with the host of the show being Eddie Mulder, famed Triumph racer and AMA Hall of Famer. He was strolling around, making himself available for autographs and photographs. While the judging was going on, games were being played, like the slow ride, piston toss, tire roll and others. The show was to benefit a local animal shelter, and some 900 people paid $10 at the gate; the cats and dogs were very grateful.

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In mid-afternoon Mulder handed out the bike awards in six categories, with the best of show going to a very tasty 1971 Bultaco Pursang 250. A post-event gathering was held at the local Marriott hotel. Sunday, a morning ride was organized to a celebrated cowboy restaurant out in the country. And a good time was had by all.

For more information on the Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Club, visit www.centralcoastclassicmc.com.

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