5th Annual Paso Robles (California) Vintage Sidecar & Motorcycle Rendezvous

The town of Paso Robles is best known for the vineyards that surround it, the many tasting rooms, and for the numerous wine-related events in summer and fall that bring free-spending crowds to the the area.  However, in the spring life can be a bit dull, as the grapevines are just beginning to show their promise.  A few years back the people in the city government whose job it is to lure in tourists hit upon the idea of a crafts fair in April, which would be held in the park smack in the middle of town.  Very convenient, very popular, very well attended.  And Karyl Lammers, who along with her husband owns a small after-market motorcycle shop in town, noted that while there were dozens of vendors the east side of the park was not filled up.  In 2008 she and Mr. Sidecar, Doug Bingham of Los Angeles, suggested to the council that a sidecar gathering be organized and held in the park along with the sale of crafts and “recycled treasures.”  The council agreed, and that first year some two dozen rigs showed up, along with a lot of motorcycle-riding spectators.  Who not only admired the machinery but also bought food from the vendors and even purchased things like hand-knitted potholders and hand-carved tchotchkes (knick-knacks) from the crafts vendors.

Each year the event has grown, and this year was open to vintage solo bikes as well, with attendees coming from the local area, and from Los Angeles and San Francisco.  The owners bring their bikes just to show them off, to natter with other owners, not for any prizes.  It is the purest kind of rally, motorcyclists of all persuasions getting together because they like to hang out with like-minded people.  On a beautiful sunny spring day some 50 outfits were on display, along with a number of solos.   Maybe the most fun is to watch the people who came for the crafts fair, not knowing anything about motorcycles, wander over and stare wide-eyed at these wonderful machines.  Perhaps a few converts are made.  The event will happen again next year.

For this 5th Rendezvous some 50 sidecar outfits and a dozen solos filled the space under the oak trees; Paso Robles translates as Pass of the Oaks.
For this 5th Rendezvous some 50 sidecar outfits and a dozen solos filled the space under the oak trees; Paso Robles translates as Pass of the Oaks.
Here is an innovative approach to building old Indians; the engine is a 1938 Sport Scout 45-incher bolted into a mildly modified 1949 Scout frame.
Here is an innovative approach to building old Indians; the engine is a 1938 Sport Scout 45-incher bolted into a mildly modified 1949 Scout frame.
Here is an innovative approach to building old Indians; the engine is a 1938 Sport Scout 45-incher bolted into a mildly modified 1949 Scout frame.
Here is an innovative approach to building old Indians; the engine is a 1938 Sport Scout 45-incher bolted into a mildly modified 1949 Scout frame.
Peter Dean of Los Angeles is standing beside his 1960 Watsonian Monza sidecar, hooked up to a 1979 Honda CB750.
Peter Dean of Los Angeles is standing beside his 1960 Watsonian Monza sidecar, hooked up to a 1979 Honda CB750.
This 1960 Harley-Davidson Topper outfit did not have to come far, as owner Chett Myers lives in Paso Robles.
This 1960 Harley-Davidson Topper outfit did not have to come far, as owner Chett Myers lives in Paso Robles.
Jennifer Presley, of Hesperia, California, thinks that riding her 2007 Ural outfit is the best medicine anybody could wish for.
Jennifer Presley, of Hesperia, California, thinks that riding her 2007 Ural outfit is the best medicine anybody could wish for.
The poster advertising the show.
The poster advertising the show.
The two people who first organized this event five years ago are Doug (Mr. Sidecar) Bingham of Los Angeles, and Karyl Lammers of Paso Robles.
The two people who first organized this event five years ago are Doug (Mr. Sidecar) Bingham of Los Angeles, and Karyl Lammers of Paso Robles.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Yep my wife loves the Ural Retro and we had a blast at this gathering. I have met lots of neat riders since getting a hack rig.

  2. I recently purchased a sidecar rig and would like to participate in the next rally. Please send me info on registration and dates.

  3. I’m late to see this but,,,,I came across this show 2 years ago and loved it. Great folks. I’m born and raised there and happen to be visiting on that weekend. I will see everyone next year, it’s on the calender.

  4. Hello everyone , last year I finally got my sidecar rig , a 06 Honda vtx w/hannagan conti , Please email me info for any and all sidecar events 2015 in California or ? We live in Galt ca. We Wanta Go Thanks Tom Wage

  5. Hello! how are you, I’m from Peru and I need your help with this bike are selling me.

    I know that the front and rear are not original. The chassis Indian tell me it’s another year … but then I wonder what else is not original? The chassis, the tank?

    Pd: I can not attach pictures, to which mail can write?

    I help a lot.
    Thank you!

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