The Meet at ACM – Vintage Motorcycle Festival (Aug. 24 and 25) will include a Saturday appearance by the legendary Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team as part of the entertainment during the annual motorcycle event in Tacoma, Wash.
Riding vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles (circa 1930-1949), the Cossacks have been displaying their precise riding abilities for more than 70 years, and even appeared on the television show “America’s Got Talent.” Formed in Washington, the group does 20-30 shows a year throughout the region.
“This will be a real treat for everyone attending The MEET at ACM, especially since the Seattle Cossacks do their tricks on vintage motorcycles,” said Scot Keller, chief communications officer for LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM), which hosts the event. “This is a perfect form of entertainment for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, and I’ll bet some of the Cossacks themselves will enjoy checking out the hundreds of bikes on our show field, too.”
The Seattle Cossacks were formed in 1938 when a group of Seattle racers, riders, delivery personnel and businessmen decided “to entertain and promote the positive image of motorcycling.” They’ve been performing their stunts, handstands and acrobatics ever since. Today, the Seattle Cossacks place an emphasis on promoting motorcycle safety, presenting it through their stunts and riding demonstrations.
The troupe is named for Russia’s longtime cavalry, the Cossacks, who were known for their masterful horsemanship. Since bikes were often called “Iron Horses” in the 1930s, the name “Seattle Cossacks” was coined.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, more than 300 vintage motorcycles are expected to participate in The MEET, divided into classes with judges awarding trophies for first, second and third prize in each category, as well as an overall Best of Show award. The MEET at ACM will also include a swap meet, trials motorcycle demonstrations, speed-tuning panel discussions and music.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, a scenic loop motorcycle ride launches from ACM’s plaza, travels along Pacific Northwest roads and returns to the Haub Family field for an early afternoon barbeque lunch.
The Meet at ACM – Vintage Motorcycle Festival is one of the annual signature events at the 165,000 square-foot Tacoma museum. Along with the listed classes, other motorcycles from famous makers will include Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Indian and Triumph, plus several European marques. The inaugural event in 2012 attracted more than 200 motorcycles and 2,000 enthusiasts to ACM’s Haub Family Field. Last year’s Best of Show winner, a 1963 Norton Atlas owned by Ron Rumbolz of Fife, Wash., is currently on display at the museum.
More details about The MEET at ACM – Vintage Motorcycle Festival are available on the museum’s website at www.lemaymuseum.org.
About America’s Car Museum (www.lemaymuseum.org)
State Farm Presents LeMay – America’s Car Museum, which opened June 2, 2012 in downtown Tacoma, Wash., explores how the automobile has fulfilled a distinctive role at the core of the American experience and shaped our society. The spacious Museum with rotating exhibits is designed to be the centerpiece for automotive history as well as an educational center and library. The campus, located adjacent to the Tacoma Dome, contains a 3.5-acre show field, theatre, café, banquet hall and meeting facilities. For more information on museum hours, becoming an ACM member, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit www.lemaymuseum.org.
