Rhinebeck Vintage Meet Celebrates History

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

One of the highlights of every riding season is the annual Rhinebeck Grand National Meet at the Duchess County Fairgrounds in New York. Despite the persistent raindrops on Saturday, this weekend’s show truly sparkled thanks to the dozens of rare antique bikes in the growing Time Line display that was moved inside an exhibit hall to keep the bikes dry.

Ever heard of an Emblem? Neither had RIDE-CT. Two made it to the meet. One was spotted parked on the grounds (above picture) and raised the question: How do you ride it? With side-by-side seats instead of a traditional saddle as well as opposing seats in the rear for pint-sized passengers, it certainly looked to be a challenge to operate.

Emblem motorcycles were built in Angola, NY between 1909 and 1925, and the company was one of hundreds in the early 20th century that built bikes. No details on the blue Emblem outside were provided, but a black 1909 Emblem with a single cylinder motor and two-gallon gas tank was the first bike in the Time Line.

Two bikes away was another example of a long-forgotten brand, a 1912 Flanders.

While so many brands have disappeared over the years, two names still exist today – Indian and Harley-Davidson. A 1929 Indian 101 Scout was noteworthy for its original paint and patina.

More eye-catching, though, because of its flashy paint scheme was a 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH.

Among the more unique bikes was a German-built 1976 Hercules with a Wankel engine.

Also getting some looks – double takes, actually – was a 1970 Honda CB750 with sidecar. Notice how the motor has been offset.

Max Stratton, owner of Max BMW, brought three restored bikes to display – a 1965 R69S, a 1971 R75/5 and a 1981 R80GS Paris Dakar. While the R69S has more cache, RIDE-CT preferred the R75/5.

Part of the fun of attending the Rhinebeck show each year are seeing familiar faces, learning about motorcycling’s past and seeing all the vendor displays. RIDE-CT’s spending was limited to forking over $5 for three bandanas. It may have been a damp ride over and back, but the trip was – as always – well worth it.