Detroit has a strong vintage motorcycle presence. There are local clubs celebrating virtually any classic marque one could imagine. And twice a year, these enthusiasts with their rolling pieces of art converge on the small, sleepy, bedroom community of Holly, MI. This is actually a relatively new event, which was spawned from a private party held at the farmhouse of a woman named Suzie.
Suzie is an officer of the Michigan Norton Owner’s Club. I don’t recall her exact title… maybe a past President, regardless, she threw one hell of a bash at her home, known simply as "Suzie's Party", at which hundreds of SE Michigan motorcyclists would attend. As I understand it, it got so big that Suzie finally had to put an end to it at her home, and the gathering moved to downtown Holly. I’m being generous using the term Downtown, as the commercial district is about a city block long made-up of mostly antique stores, a couple of restaurants and a cool little hobby shop with slot car racing.
So twice a year, on the first Sunday in May and October, the sound of classic motorcycles and the smell of burnt Castrol 50wt permeate the air. The machinery that shows up for this event is the biggest attraction to me. Odd stuff; old Brit bikes with names like Ariel, BSA, Matchless, Norton and Velocette. Classic Japanese bikes such as Honda GB500s and Suzuki Water Buffalos. Airhead boxer Beemers and even an old Vespa or two. The contemporary V-Twins show-up too… I guess there is no avoiding that.I don’t have anything against the V-Twin crowd, being part of the horde myself on occasion. They seemed well behaved and for the most part are quite appreciative of the classic machinery. One fellow on an orange Softtail did irk me a bit. I got to Holly early just so I could stakeout my favorite corner to park. The city had their Halloween street decorations out, including corn stalks around lamp posts and bales of hay on the sidewalk. So I grabbed a couple bales of hay and placed them in the street by my bike so as to reserve some space for my Ton-Up Club friends to park next to me. This idea started out OK until the Harley rider decided that a hay bale in the street was no reason for him no to park there. Oh well, no harm, no foul.
Tannis, Todd, Fred and Brad of the (hopefully) soon to be official Michigan Ton-Up Club chapter did make it to the event which was great. Most of my buddies from the Metro Triumph Riders and the Detroit RAT Pack were in attendance as well which is always a pleasure for me. On the ride home, I was able to reflect on the day’s events and once again the realization that my enjoyment of motorcycling is much more than just the riding experience came to mind. Sharing my passion with friends and even the strangers I met today so much enhances the total experience. Next May can not come too soon for me.
posted by RaceDweeb @ 10:27 PM
