Summer Motorcycle Events

by John Stumpner

Some schoolteachers ask their students to write an essay about what they did over summer vacation when school starts back up in fall. If you get such an assignment, wouldn’t it be fun if you could write about some motorcycle related or ABATE of Wisconsin activity you were at. Almost certainly, you and your parents or ABATE sponsor could be attending some sort of motorcycle related event this summer, if you haven’t already.

One of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world is Royal Enfield. Originally made in England, now in India, they have their North American headquarters right here in Wisconsin. In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, many bikers that couldn’t afford Harley Davidsons would ride British made motorcycles, in particular Triumphs, BSAs and Nortons. In the late 1950’s, a so-called 1% motorcycle club was started on the East Coast of the United States. Some of the founding members rode British bikes, primarily Triumphs.

What do British bikes have to do with things to do during the summer? In 1977, a group called the British Biker Cooperative was started in the United States. This group, made up of owners and riders of British motorcycles, has a rally every year right here in Wisconsin. This year’s rally, on July 15 to July 17, is at Eagle Cave Park near Blue River, Wisconsin. While this event features British made motorcycles, any biker on any motorcycle can attend. The rally also has a reputation for being family friendly. You can see pictures of past rallies at their web site: britishbiker.net.

ABATE of Wisconsin members get together every August at ABATE Acres for a family camp out. This weekend is not only family friendly but is a time for families to enjoy ABATE Acres together. ABATE members will be providing games, contests and prizes for both children and adults. ABATE members and their families are encouraged to come out for a few hours, for a day or for the whole weekend. We will be getting together this year, as every year, on the second weekend in August, August 12 – 14.

These are just two of the many motorcycle related things families can be doing this summer. ABATE of Wisconsin of course works to make sure that, now and when you get older, you will always be able to attend the motorcycle events you want to.

John