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Arkansas Diamond Chapter Vintage Bikes In The Park Annual Event another Huge Success!
The Diamond Chapter of Aerkansas held its annual Vintage Bikes In The Park bike show event on September 7th. President Mike Thomson and his members could not have done a more excellent job than what we witnessed this year. The event is held each year at the same time that a three day motorcycle rally is held in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is an excellent destination for riding any motorcycle, modern or vintage and it seemed that for 4 days one could not get away from the roar of exhaust anywhere in the region. The Convention Center is home base for the non-AMCA event registration, vendors hall, bike show, poker run and other normal rally events. The Indian Motorcycle Company had its semi-trailer load of new 2014 models on site that the general public could demo ride and very good concerts were held on two consecutive evenings. The City of Hot Springs does a great job in filling up their hotels, restaurants and businesses with people for this event. No issues with law enforcement were witnessed and it was obvious that this small city has its collective civic act together and knows how to cater to motorcycle enthusiasts.
The Diamond Chapter has always held it's "Vintage Motorcycles In The Park" on the Saturday of this event. Although there is no affiliation, both promoters agree it is good for both organizations. The Vintage Bike Show is held in beautiful Historic Downtown Hot Sorings in a small tree lined parking lot adjacent to the Convention and Visitors Bureau office and just in front of one of the many ornately carved stone 4 or 5 story 1920's Bath Houses that line that street. Mike and his members arrive at 6:00 am Saturday morning an unload trailers full of bikes, set up barricades, tents and signage. I believe this year there were 108 or 111? machines on display total. Marques range the entire spectrum from 1908 - late 60's? and included BSA, Cushman, HD, Husqvarna, Indian, NeraCar, Penton, Simplex, Triumph, and many others. An entire row of pristinely restored Simplexs and another collection of Cushmans got alot of attention. There were vintage motocross bikes, VL bobbers, a vintage HD dragster, Indian Fours, Flatheads, Knucks, Panheads, a WWII WLA and Euro twins all sharing the partially shaded historic site. Buck Carson from Livingston TX arrived with his Cannonball BSA and was warmly recieved by the local Hot Springs Sentinel newspaper and an entire article was written about him in the Saturday edition. Hot Springs was a Cannonball stop in the last road run and they remembered Buck, now 21, from that former event.
A contingent of Cherokee Chapter Members from Texas all trekked to Hot Springs with their trailers loaded to help support our Sister Chapter to the East and another contingent of Confederate Chapter Members trailered bikes from the West. The Diamond Chapter hosted a large BBQ on Thursday evening before the show for all of the Chapter members. Just a great way to meet everyone and get enthused for the Saturday event. All Chapters worked together setting up for, showing the bikes, talking to the thousands of rally goers and other normal traveling visitors to the region to show support for our entire vintage sport. Steve Klein brought 6 Century singles representing HD, Indian, Excelsior and Reading Standard. He even started and rode his 1912 HD single belt drive up and down the historic street dueing the day to rev up the crowds more to attend our show. Al had a great time and our sport got alot of attention and exposure. His 1908 Thor Model 7 garnered much attention as well.
The Confederate and Cherokee Chapters wish to sincerely thank Mike Thomson, Susie and all members of The Diamond Chapter for inviting us, making us all feel welcome and treating all of us like family while we were there. I would highly recommend to all AMCA members to schedule yourself for the first weekend of September 2014 to attend this event. The High Lake Country twisty, tree canopied roads are wonderful and the hospitality is unmatched.
Congratulations on a Fine Event and Thank You All!
1.jpgArkansas Roads.jpgArkansas Scenery.jpgBuddies in HS.jpg
The Diamond Chapter has always held it's "Vintage Motorcycles In The Park" on the Saturday of this event. Although there is no affiliation, both promoters agree it is good for both organizations. The Vintage Bike Show is held in beautiful Historic Downtown Hot Sorings in a small tree lined parking lot adjacent to the Convention and Visitors Bureau office and just in front of one of the many ornately carved stone 4 or 5 story 1920's Bath Houses that line that street. Mike and his members arrive at 6:00 am Saturday morning an unload trailers full of bikes, set up barricades, tents and signage. I believe this year there were 108 or 111? machines on display total. Marques range the entire spectrum from 1908 - late 60's? and included BSA, Cushman, HD, Husqvarna, Indian, NeraCar, Penton, Simplex, Triumph, and many others. An entire row of pristinely restored Simplexs and another collection of Cushmans got alot of attention. There were vintage motocross bikes, VL bobbers, a vintage HD dragster, Indian Fours, Flatheads, Knucks, Panheads, a WWII WLA and Euro twins all sharing the partially shaded historic site. Buck Carson from Livingston TX arrived with his Cannonball BSA and was warmly recieved by the local Hot Springs Sentinel newspaper and an entire article was written about him in the Saturday edition. Hot Springs was a Cannonball stop in the last road run and they remembered Buck, now 21, from that former event.
A contingent of Cherokee Chapter Members from Texas all trekked to Hot Springs with their trailers loaded to help support our Sister Chapter to the East and another contingent of Confederate Chapter Members trailered bikes from the West. The Diamond Chapter hosted a large BBQ on Thursday evening before the show for all of the Chapter members. Just a great way to meet everyone and get enthused for the Saturday event. All Chapters worked together setting up for, showing the bikes, talking to the thousands of rally goers and other normal traveling visitors to the region to show support for our entire vintage sport. Steve Klein brought 6 Century singles representing HD, Indian, Excelsior and Reading Standard. He even started and rode his 1912 HD single belt drive up and down the historic street dueing the day to rev up the crowds more to attend our show. Al had a great time and our sport got alot of attention and exposure. His 1908 Thor Model 7 garnered much attention as well.
The Confederate and Cherokee Chapters wish to sincerely thank Mike Thomson, Susie and all members of The Diamond Chapter for inviting us, making us all feel welcome and treating all of us like family while we were there. I would highly recommend to all AMCA members to schedule yourself for the first weekend of September 2014 to attend this event. The High Lake Country twisty, tree canopied roads are wonderful and the hospitality is unmatched.
Congratulations on a Fine Event and Thank You All!
1.jpgArkansas Roads.jpgArkansas Scenery.jpgBuddies in HS.jpg