So I had the pleasure of attending the 73rd annual Trailblazers banquet over the weekend, an event that brings together a virtual who’s-who in motorcycling and honors those who have made legendary contributions to the motorcycling lifestyle. Along with the ceremonies, great food & drink, and the annual Hall of Fame inductions there’s a bike show like no other where the legends in motorcycling bring out their prized machines and compete for bragging rights as “best in show” at this prestigious event. For those who have attended this event, the best way I can describe the experience is sensory overload. Here are few highlights…
The Tom Cates Memorial Bike Show…70 of the most iconic machines in the motorcycle world – each with a VERY unique story and history.
Yet another beautiful vintage XL
Speaking of Maicos…. Old Maico Riders tend to converge at such events…here, I discuss bad decisions and jetting with Super Hunky. Conversation went something like this: Me: Hi Rick, I’m a big fan – you’ve been my literary hero for most of my life! Rick: Oh God – you didn’t actually buy into any of it did you?…did you ever buy a Maico? Me: Yes – Alpha 490. Still have it. Rick: Sit down, we need to talk.
Ran into Moto Film Director/Producer legend Peter Starr. He discussed his latest project with me. We also discussed his long term field testing of the shock I tuned for him on his V-Strom.
Some bikes tell their story at a glance…

Here I am with Trailblazer Hall of Fame inductee Norm McDonald…we go back some 30 years. Truly a motorsport legend in so many ways. As co-founder of K&N Engineering he has helped countless racers in all aspects of motor racing. K&N cycles was the first US importer and distributor of Yamaha motorcycles. At that shop, he hired a young racer named Malcolm Smith and sat him on a path to a legendary career of his own. As a Racer, Norm was a hole-shot master. My favorite quote from the evening was when Malcolm told the story of Norm’s hole-shot skills, Malcolm said “So I asked Norm how he always got the hole-shot and Norm said “I start the starter – don’t wait for the flag to drop, make him drop it””
The show was awesome, and the crowd even more so – the stories…the bench-racing…the memories…all epic.
But it was time to make our way into the Banquet hall for the ceremonies. There were 75 tables at the sold out event – each with one or more racing & industry legend sitting at it. The MC duties were shared by Don Emde and Keith Mashburn, with some help from Tom White. I didn’t take many pictures during the proceedings as it not only didn’t seem appropriate, there were professional pictures being taken. So I’m betting you can find those on the Trailblazers website (link at beginning of the story). All I can say is if you’re a motorcyclist and you have an opportunity to attend this event – DO IT!