Closing Out 2008

Message from the President, Rocky Halter - Winter 2008

I just got back from the SoCal Chapter regional road run, also known as the Max Bubeck Death Valley Run. Max was there, still riding at age 91—we can only hope to do as well.

Two days before Death Valley, I was across the country, at the Chesapeake Chapter meet in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, where we had a very nice turnout.

Those two events closed out a busy summer for me. I did miss two road runs and two meets, but there never seems to be enough time in a summer to hit them all.

A couple of the meets I attended this year were put on by multiple chapters. That’s a growing trend within the AMCA, and it sure is nice to see everyone working together to make these meets bigger and better.

Speaking of chapters, we approved three new ones during 2008—the Yellowstone Chapter in Montana, the Two Rivers Chapter in Iowa and the Wolverine Chapter in Michigan. You’ll see the new chapters listed on the chapter map.

I thought that the high fuel prices and bad economy this year might result in a slowdown in attendance at our meets and road runs. Surprisingly, that has not been the case. At the Davenport meet in late August, we did not see as many motorcycles on display, but the crowd seemed every bit as big as ever. I guess some people chose to drive their economy cars instead of their bike-haulers, but they still came out to the meets.

If you missed it, the flat-track racing at the Davenport and Wauseon meets was great! It’s really special to see these old motorcycles blasting around.

Come to think of it, this entire year has been pretty special, highlighted by the new AMCA Museum Gallery, located inside the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum at Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our first exhibit is getting great reviews from motorcycle and car enthusiasts alike, and I hope you get a chance to see it this winter.

Of course, that new exhibit also brings with it new responsibilities to maintain our corner of this impressive museum. Since the exhibit opened in June, we have been relying on AACA volunteers to care for and watch over the motorcycle collection. While they have been extremely helpful, having a number of true motorcycle collectors and riders would really help the AMCA and enrich the experience for visitors.. If you live in the Hershey area and have some time to volunteer, please contact the AMCA business development manager, Geoff Ringlé, at (609) 369-5744 or email geoffamca@aol.com

While I’m begging for help, I might as well ask for assistance with the club's new promotional trailer. Our plan is to use this trailer to promote the AMCA at our major meets and other large motorcycle gatherings throughout the year. We’ll use it to sign up members, sell merchandise and represent the hobby.

We will need help staffing the AMCA display at meets and events, especially Daytona Bike Week. If you can volunteer, please contact Geoff.

That trailer also will serve as the focal point for another new project for 2009—the AMCA Raffle Bike. Our plan is to purchase a desirable antique motorcycle and sell tickets all year for a drawing in which one lucky winner will go home with a classic. And to help raise the maximum money for your club, we’re asking for your help in sponsoring the raffle bike.

The National Board Meeting that was held during the Davenport meet. You can get all the details in the winter issue of The Antique Motorcycle, but I will list a few of the main items here.

In the election of Board officers, I was given the responsibility of serving as president, while Scott Hall was elected vice president and Raymond Dhue was elected treasurer. Geoff Ringlé was hired as business development manager, Del Schumacher will take over as director of chapters from Scott Hall, and Robert Terdeman will take over judging pre-registration and trophies.

The board also reduced its size from 15 to 11, recognizing that we will be transferring some of the work previously handled by board members to Geoff and to the board of the AMCA Foundation.

Steve Blancard announced that he is stepping down as technical editor. Steve has been a board member for 10 years and he is also retiring his regular column “Blood, Sweat, and Gears.” You can find his final column in the winter issue. Red Fred Johansen has stepped up to be both technical editor and advisor for the AMCA. His first column in that new role will appear in the spring issue. Thank you, Steve, and good luck, Fred.

Happy Holidays, Rocky Halter