Vintage Iron Invades Iowa Davenport, Iowa - September 2 By Gordon Lunde
T
he Chief Blackhawk chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America presented its 40th annual national meet over the Labor Day weekend at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, IA. It was a celebration of anything and everything in antique and vintage motorcycling. The show boasts beautiful examples of motorcycles from many years ago; the lost manufacturers of America’s prime motorcycle years. Harleys, Indians, Popes, Excelsiors and brands I never heard of were shined and displayed in grand form. Great viewing for the enthusiasts. As well as the show, there is a huge swap meet that includes everything from the beautiful restored bikes to piles of rusted parts. Only the true vintage enthusiast would have any idea what some of these things belonged to originally. Along with that are all of the paraphernalia that goes with it such as old brochures, magazines, clothing, toys and about anything else you can think of for vintage motorcycles. Some vendors boasted new replacement parts for the old machines. Beautifully hand crafted frames, gas tanks, and wheels and more were displayed to help the vintage builder complete their projects. Over 500 vendors attend this event every year. But what brings me to this event? Racing! This is one of the best shows you’ll see of antique and vintage flat track motorcycles in
Kris Thompson and his Indian board tracker.
A beautiful Indian racer. Checking out all the old bikes is part of what makes this event special.
action. The newest bikes on track are the ‘80’s singles and twins. The oldest are the board trackers out of the teens and twenties. And race they do. This isn’t just a demonstration of bikes riding around the track, the riders are pushing and going for the win in every turn! Great vintage flat track racing by some young and vintage aged riders as well. The board trackers are my favorites. Single cylinder machines built in the early 1900’s, and still running great today. Popping and snarling, clouds of smoke from the total loss oiling systems make them crowd pleasers. The front runners were doing laps times equal to a lot of the newer equipment on the track. If old bikes make your day, make the trip to Davenport next Labor Day weekend. It’s a journey you’ll not soon forget. CYCLE USA, November 2011
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