This clever bit just came to us from vintage bike collector and friend of the magazine Burt Richmond. Burt's note read : "Just a tad bit late or really, really early for Dec. 24, 2012!" It's too good not to share. Enjoy, and best wishes to everyone during the holiday season! -- Richard Backus

The Night Before Christmas By Kathy Gehrhardt

T'was the night before Christmas at the motorcycle store.
The salesclerks were gone; they'd locked up the door.
Back in service, the tools were hung with great care,
The floors had been swept, the workbenches bare.
Sales had been brisk, filling staff with elation
As they headed down south for their winter vacation.
The new shiny sportbikes had all been sold out,
And all that was left was an Indian Scout,
A Norton Commando, a Rudge Multi too,
And a black BMW R32,
A Vincent, a Matchless, and a Velocette,
And a drippy old Brough that wouldn't start on a bet.
"This stinks," said the Norton. "We're just as fine
As those Japanese bikes the kids buy all the time."
"You're right," said the Vincent as he grew agitated.
"All I need is to get my back tire inflated,
Then I could compete with the best of `em yet."
"Me, too! I'm still fast," cried the old Velocette.
"If someone was handy, somebody smart,
They'd know how to fix us and get us to start."
And so while they grumbled and whined and complained,
They didn't notice a visitor came.
He was dressed all in leather, black head to toe,
And his helmet had reflective stickers that brightly glowed.
His beard was snow-white. It reached to his chest.
How he got in the door was anyone's guess.
He looked them all over. "Merry Christmas!" he said.
"Are you fellows available to pull my big sled?"
"Who, us?" laughed the Matchless. "We're rusty and old.
Nobody wants us, that's why we're not sold.
Kids want electric, not our old kickstarts.
These young punks think we're just bikes for old farts."
"My Lucas headlight hasn't worked well in years,"
Said the Rudge. "And my gearbox is missing some gears.
I'd be much obliged if you'd look at my choke.
And the earthing brush in my magneto is broke."
"My mix is too rich, I think," said the Beemer.
"Does anyone know how to set the carb leaner?"
Then Santa said, "Hey, stop the whining, you guys.
You're legends and history in many men's eyes.
So what if you're rusty and don't look brand new?
Hypermotards and `Busas wouldn't be here without you."
Then the vintage bikes lights started glowing with pride.
And the Norton Commando said, "Let's take a ride!"
"I'm ready, let's go, come on!" said the Brough.
"Let's get it in gear and show `em our stuff."
They took to the road, their pipes roared like thunder.
And Santa sat back in his sled, filled with wonder.
And he said as he watched them race into the night,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a safe ride." 

  
Lee Hartung's unrestored 1913 Flying Merkel sold for $201,250 at Auctions America's Hartung Collection auction Nov. 3-5, 2011. 

Auctions America Explores Classic Motorcycle Market Trends at Las Vegas Auction  

A group of the world’s leading experts in collectible motorcycles, including two members of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hall of Fame, will share their wisdom at an exclusive market seminar presented by Auctions America by RM its debut Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle event, Jan. 12–14, 2012.  

Hosted by well-known motorcycle guru and SPEED commentator Dave Despain, the one-hour seminar will be held in the main auction arena at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m. PDT. A continuing part of Auctions America’s educational series, the panel discussion will focus on the passion that drives the motorcycle hobby, including the continuing popularity of motorcycles as collectibles, as well as explore market trends and predictions for the 2012 auction season. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A with the audience.  

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Dave Despain and our special guest panelists to Vegas as we work to provide an unforgettable event experience for motorcycle enthusiasts,” says Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America by RM. “Despain and each of our four panelists are among the best in their fields. The seminar promises an interesting and lively discussion, while providing a wealth of information about the collector motorcycle hobby. It’s a perfect way to launch our first Las Vegas motorcycle sale.”  

The panel includes:   
*Dave Despain, a 40-year broadcaster; Despain has been called the best-known TV personality in the history of motorcycling and is a member of the AMA Hall of Fame; 
*Mark Hoyer, lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and editor-in-chief of Cycle World magazine; 
*Doug Mitchel, regular Motorcycle Classics contributor and noted motorcycle photographer and author; Mitchel published his first book in 1994 and has since created more than 30 titles; 
*Buzz Walneck, founder of Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader and AMA Hall of Fame member; and 
*Joe Bortz, prominent classic car and vintage motorcycle collector; Bortz’s motorcycles have been featured in multiple magazines, including Motorcycle Classics. 

 “The collector motorcycle hobby continues to evolve,” adds Despain. “Auctions America’s panel discussion will allow us to share personal anecdotes and stories about motorcycles that have touched or changed our lives. It’s  a wonderful opportunity for both serious and amateur enthusiasts to learn more about the current state and future outlook for the hobby. I hope everyone rides away with a new understanding and appreciation for collectible motorcycles.”   

Attendees will be treated to a complimentary hot breakfast at 8:30 a.m. prior to the start of the seminar, while an autograph signing session will follow the event, providing an opportunity for guests to meet each of the panelists in person.  

The seminar acts as a prelude to Saturday’s auction program, featuring the sale of the historic 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle.  The second of just two steam-powered motorcycles built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts, the 117-year-old motorcycle is expected to establish a new world record for a motorcycle sold at auction. In total, some 400 collectible motorcycles are expected to be offered during the multi-day event.  

Entry to the seminar is included as part of general admission. Enthusiasts can attend the three-day auction by purchasing a full-event pass for $50 or a single-day pass for $20. Children under 12 years of age receive free admission when accompanied by an adult.   

For complete event, consignment, and bidding information about the Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction, visit www.auctionsamerica.com or call toll free 877-906-2437 (or +1 260-927-9797 outside North America).  

About Auctions America by RM  
Auctions America by RM was formed in July 2010 as a subsidiary of the world’s largest collector car auction house, RM Auctions. It is headquartered in Auburn, Indiana, at its 235-acre Auburn Auction Park and will host six multi-day events in 2012. The Auctions America by RM team, led by collector car expert Donnie Gould, specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs, and collectible motorcycles. To learn more about Auctions America by RM and its calendar of events, please visit www.auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auctionsamerica, or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.