Story and photos by: Nick Mankey
It was yet another slice of vintage motorcycle heaven at this year’s Lake Cachuma British Bike Rally. Folks of all ages and backgrounds came out to enjoy the three full days of pure fun up at the beautiful Live Oak Campground in Santa Ynez, California, hosted by Eddie and Jodi Mulder!
Rally attendees revel in the quality and variety of British machines at the rally
From the moment you arrive to the beautiful campground on Friday, you learn very quickly to be aware of how much you’re drooling over all the outrageously cool classic bikes, and the incredible food provided by Los Padres Outfitters. Three delicious meals every day ensure that you have nothing to worry about except having a good time with your new friends.
Luscious Santa Maria style BBQ and fixin’s was just one of the meals served
And when you’re done, hop on one of a dozen pre-plotted routes with your riding buddies from a map found over at Ride Central, brought to you by ‘Cozmic’ Joe Filardi. Take off the for the day, or an hour. Stay on your own ride or try out one of two new Triumph of America’s demo bikes on hand for the campers enjoyment. Keep an eye out for markers Cozmic planted on various routes! Find one, bring it back and redeem for a special prize! There’s a ride for everyone, and they’re all fantastic. In a nutshell, the surrounding area is like a theme park, except for motorcycles!
Cozmic Joe mans Ride Central
By about 3pm on Saturday, before any dust has a chance to harm these sweet machines, they’re all put on display for the classic bike show! If you brought something with an engine, you qualify. Come on down! The judges won’t bite. There is a class for everyone. Best of Show award went to John Sides. People’s Choice was won by Scott Dunlavey.
Lots of amazing machines to look at during the bike show
Awards for this year’s bike show are as follows. Nice job, everyone!
Best Triumph
1st Place: Jim Wagnon
2nd Place: Bob Smith
3rd Place: Steve Ortiz
Best BSA
1st Place: Craig Gebhauer
2nd Place: Dan Gehrs
3rd Place: Dan Gehrs
Other
1st, 2nd, 3rd: Kevin Sisterson (he brought some killer stuff!)
Best Off Road
1st Place: Dave Miller
2nd Place: Johnny Brown
3rd Place: Jessy Krohn
Best Street
1st Place: Jeff Molinari
2nd Place: Jeff Jackson
3rd Place: Tony Martin
Other
1st Place: Herb Wolff
2nd Place: Bob Lyons
3rd Place: Dave Miller
People’s Choice
Scott Dunlavy
Best of Show
John Sides
John Sides accepts his custom “Best of Show” trophy made by Cozmic Joe from the skilled judges: Bill Getty, Bob Felter and Bob Raber
What’s more? Field events! We don’t just look at these classic machines, we put ‘em through their paces with obstacle courses and the legendary ‘slow race’. Everything from balancing a ping pong ball on a spoon in your mouth while riding through cones to playing a game of cornhole while piloting your bike in a circle without putting your feet down, it’s an absolute blast of a Sunday. First through are the adults. One or two up, you decide. After lunch, the kids run their races on bicycles or motorcycles. Fun had by all!
Fun and games on two wheels. Good times!
You won’t go unnoticed if you do well, too! Later that night, dozens of awards are given out to those that brave the challenge. Awards for this year’s field events are as follows. You guys rock!
Field Events – Adults
6th Place: David Madigan
5th Place: Dominic Froesch
4th Place: Dave Miller
3rd Place: Charlie Caspary
2nd Place: Mike Nadeker
1st Place: Randy Frint (Defending champion!)
Randy Frint defends his title in the Field Meet organized by Steve Ortiz
Field Events – Kids
5th Place: Colton Vidmar
4th Place: Mairen Wagnon
3rd Place: Hugo Goodfield
2nd Place: Darlah Goodfield
1st Place: Mick Breslin
Free Medals
Oliver & Lulu
Mick Breslin takes home first place in the kids Field Meet
See photos of all the winners and MUCH more here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nQAGqVftVti8GMFo2
But like all goods things, they must come to an end at some point. At least, until next year rolls around. If you missed out this year, be sure to stay in touch and ready to pounce on tickets when they’re announced! Possibly early October 2019. Follow the rally on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCachumaVintageBritishMotorcycleRally/
See the full recap video of the 2018 Cachuma Rally here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDIZnPgt5ok&feature=youtu.be
A big Thank You goes out to the rally sponsors: Coventry Spares, JRC Engineering, Rabers Parts Mart, Mark and Randy Zimmerman, Rod Lake Racing, Barnett Clutches and Cables, Motion Pro, British Customs, Triumph Motorcycles America, Maxima Racing Oils, Todays Cycle Coverage.com, Banke Performance
