I missed the two week road trip this year due to a detached retina but I have been determined to make it to the 2018 International Norton Owners Association (INOA) Rally in Elma, WA this year. And it begins on Monday.
It was difficult to decide which of my my two 1974 Norton Commandos, both of which have been restored by Ron Baillie, Commando restorer extraordinaire, But eventually I decided to leave the red roadster at home and take the green Interstate at home despite being told by many Norton owners on the INOA and Norton Motorcycles Facebook pages, that I should bring them both. Other contributors suggested that I take one and leave the other at home with the keys and a full tank of gas and they would help me out by riding it for me. I have respectfully declined all offers.
Take this one?
Or this one?
The decision is made.
I drove to Victoria, BC, yesterday and visited with my daughter for the evening before arising early this morning and driving back to Duncan for the Duncan Days Motorcycle Show & Shine. I took the red roadster last year and won the Best Restoration trophy so I was hoping to win in the Best British category. The Interstate had already won the Best British Bike award at the Wheelies' show in Victoria at the end of May so my hopes were high.
It was an very hot day today and being in the sun for five and a half hours is not easy However, I had the opportunity to speak to many people, some of whom were taken with the colour and I asked many of them to consider voting for my bike as the People's Choice. My daughter Rachel and he friend, Dion came to the show and voted for my bike so I was off to a good start. I have to admit that I was shameless in asking people to vote for the bike but you never know what people will do. There is a good chance though if you ask them.
1969 Triumph Trident with my Commando
Another 1974 Norton Commando
Royal Enfield Bullet
A very beautiful pair of 1971 Honda 750 Fours
1940 Harley Davidson with sidecar
1974 Norton Commando
When the prizes were announced the Best British went to a 1955 Triton (Norton featherbed frome & Triumph engine) which was immaculate. The owner didn't know he had won because he hadn't heard his name being called so he was ecstatic when I told him that his bike had won. The show was better organized this year and there were six categories including the aforementioned best British, Best Harley, Best Italian, Best Vintage, Best Metric, Best Classic (I believe).
1955 Triton. Best British Winner
There were many more bikes, some quite extraordinary including a beautiful pair of 1971 red Honda 750 Fours. They didn't win.but I though that they were the best looking metric bikes there.
Finally, the last prize, People's Choice was awarded and it went to the 1974 Norton Commando. My bike. I was surprised and very happy. Apparently many of the people that I had shamelessly asked to vote for my bike had done so. After all, I am a politician, even if it is only a Board of Education trustee so it didn't bother me to do so. For some, People's Choice is the ultimate prize at a show and, because I didn't win in my category, I'm going with that.
Another one for the trophy shelf
Tomorrow it will be up early, drive to the Black Ball Ferry terminal, get off at Port Angeles and drive to Olympia where I'll spend Sunday night with my friends Steve & Bette before leaving early Monday morning for the rally in Elma. I'm really stoked to be going and if things work out right I'll camp next to my friend Clint Campbell from just outside of Edmonton.
So, there won't be much blogworthy stuff happening until Monday. The weather is supposed to be very hot so we'll be able to ride and not worry about rain. It's a great way to start a rally.
