The 12th Annual Riding Into History returns to the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Fla., May 20-21, 2011. 1993 World GP Motorcycle Champion and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz will be this year’s grand marshal, following in the footsteps of a string of motorcycling luminaries such as Kel Carruthers, Mert Lawwill, Peter Egan, Dennis Gage and Clement Salvadori.
Friday’s schedule includes a lunch ride with Schwantz, followed by the annual black tie Grand Marshal’s Dinner later that night, with Schwantz entertaining the crowd. Group rides on Saturday will raise money for RIH’s charity, the Wounded Warrior Project. The annual Concours d’Elegance will be held on Saturday, and acclaimed designer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter will also be on hand, holding two Saturday seminars at the “Vetter Theater.”
Expect 300 to 400 first-rate classic motorcycles from across the country at the show, which this year spotlights European motorcycles. You can also expect the usual throng of thousands at RIH, which by all accounts gets better and better every year. Admission is only $10, a bargain for the variety and quality of motorcycles sure to be on hand.
After listening to everybody else brag about it for years, I’m finally going to make my first visit to this now legendary show. I’ve bought my plane ticket and booked my motel room, now I’m just waiting for May 20 when I’ll wing my way to Florida and the 12th Annual RIH. Most excellent, as my friend Ralph would say. More info: www.ridingintohistory.org, or e-mail info@ridingintohistory.org – Richard Backus