The summer of 2010 may be written into history as one of most active years for motorcycle rallies and shows when it wraps up in a few months. Just take for example that you have a Concours d’Elegance in at least twelve different locales, Americade, MotoGiro East and West, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the Barber Vintage Festival, and many, many more. These events are going on all over the US – and much of the world – and they comprise everything from swap meets and vintage bike racing to adventure rides and bike auctions. One rally which may have gone un-noticed in the past, but has really come into its own over the last few years, is the Heart of America Motorcycle Bike Show and Rally. The 19th version of this esteemed event will take place at the Airline History Museum at the Downtown Wheeler Airport in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday 6 June 2010 from 10 AM to 4 PM.
The event is sponsored, organized and staffed by the Heart of America Enthusiasts Club, a motorcycle club which was organized back in the 1980’s by a small group of aficionados in the American Midwest. The first rally they hosted was held in 1992 and it eventually became an AMA sanctioned event. As the crowds and participants grew and grew, the club had to move the event to new locations. The first base for the rally was at Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. Four years ago they moved it to a fairground and then to a new NASCAR track. In 2009, it finally found its current home at the Airline History Museum in Kansas City.
If you lucky enough to attend, you will have the chance to put your own antique, classic or vintage motorcycle in the show – all it takes is some machine pedigree and $10 to enter. Show bikes will compete in Antique, Vintage, Classic, Competition, Café, Scooters and, yes, Mini-bike classes! Also on hand will be new bike and gear displays, restoration specialists, technical demos and a selection of some very fine food. Along with the entry to the event, your $5 will get you into the museum housing the show as well. On display there are a Lockheed Constellation Super G (whose 18-cylinder rotary Wright engine will be fired up during the rally), a DC-3, a Martin 404, and many other interesting and lovely modes of air transport from the Commemorative Air Force. Historic bikes and vintage airplanes together in one show…what more do you need to get your rear-end on your ride and to this show?
They call it the “best vintage bike rally in the Midwest,” and it is tough to contradict them. If you plan on finding out for yourself, get your best antique, vintage, or mini-bike ready and take a look at www.hoame.com for all the information you need!
