This weekend was the National meeting of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. This is the second time I entered my bike for judging, first time it earned "junior first", which is 90 points or higher in the restored category. This qualifies for "senior" category, 95 points or higher, with more stringent criteria. The restored category is tough, because the bikes are judged against how the bike appeared as new....down to every nut and bolt. I knew going it that I wouldn't get a perfect score, but should be close. I got dinged for tires (expected as I'm running modern tires) over polished engine covers and fork legs,(clear coat gone) and a couple of minor details, such as the front hub finish had yellowed a bit, as had the rear brake cover. But, I passed, and qualify for the final phase "Winner's circle" next year. Some I suppose can't see the point in all this, but I am competitive to a fault (when the doctor said my blood pressure was too high, I asked "what's the record?) but I've had fun, cleaning, polishing, searching for parts. Sometimes, it's just the solitude, me, my bike, and for a short period here and there, no worries or problems. I know I can't keep this thing forever, and someday, I'll pass it along to a new owner ...which bike would you buy, one with an unknown history, etc. or one that has been gone over by a panel of qualified, knowledgeable judges? But, today...I'm a happy camper.
