Every story needs a picture (or several) to go with it, and RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland took thousands of photos in 2015. Here are some that stood out:
January
Is there a riskier business than owning a restaurant? Last January, RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland touted a barbecue spot in Springfield, MA called Q, which touted “Smokin’ Good Food.” It was located across the street from what had once been the original Indian factory and even had an Indian on display inside.
Alas, Q later went out of business! Original story.
February
It’s always a pleasure to visit the Motorcyclepedia motorcycle museum in Newburgh, NY and a trip in February was well-timed as vintage restorer Bruce Linsday of Chagrin Falls, OH was unloading a 1914 Indian “Two-Speed” after spending eight months rebuilding it.
What a beauty! Original story.
Another February highlight was getting to see the collection of Paul Mancinone of Suffield, CT, which included a rare 1999 Ducati Monster 900 Cromo.
Only about 80 were ever built! Original story.
March
Our Bob Rosen took a 240-mile round trip drive in March to the fifth Modern Classics show at Martin Moto in Boyertown, PA. It was worth the effort as there was a diverse assortment of bikes, including this custom Triumph.
This year’s show will be held March 4-5, 2016. Original story.
April
It was said in the old days before Interstate highways that truckers knew the best places to eat. Now, it’s the motorcyclists who do, and it was on a chilly April morn that RIDE-CT & Ride-NewEngland paid a first visit to the Whistle Stop Cafe in Deep River, CT to meet some Moto Guzzi owners.
It was worth the ride. The food was delicious and the company entertaining! Original story.
May
It’s called the Tiddler’s Tour. A group of riders take on 100-mile tour on paved and dirt roads, riding pre-1969, 305cc and smaller motorcycles. Dave Roper of Hicksville, NY (in yellow), who holds the distinction of being the first American to win at the Isle of Man TT, rode a 1954 Moto Guzzi Airone.
Neat machine! Original story.
June
The annual Rhinebeck Grand National Meet at the Duchess County Fairgrounds in NY attracted the usual crowd of vintage lovers, including Pat Murphy of Marcellus, NY and his 1919 Henderson “Z” model.
The Rhinebeck show is always a good time! Original story.
JULY
As always, Indian day at the Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA had some stellar classics.
Original story.
August
It was at Brit Jam at the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds in Haddam Neck, CT that spectators got to enjoy a 1914 Excelsior. Original story.
Also getting gawked at was a 1924 Douglas SW24 owned by Mark Turkington of Bolton, CT.
Another beauty! Original story.
September
Bob Wills of Rhinecliff, NY brought his 1975 Benelli Tornado S to the annual IMOC rally in Sturbridge, MA and got loads of attention.
Original story.
October
Only on RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland could you find a story about a Vespa-loving, Harley-Davidson-riding, accordion-playing barber. Joe Bordiere of Bethlehem, CT showed off his collection in October.
This was perhaps the most fun assignment of the year. Original story.
November
The weather stayed warm and bikes stayed on the road. It was even possible to ride into Kent, CT in shirt sleeves on Black Friday.
Original story.
December
It was at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York City, during an interview with Dominique Cheraki, CEO of Ducati North America, that Bob Rosen’s attention strayed while snapping pictures.
A great way to end the year! Original story.