All of the different marques were well represented by private sellers and many aftermarket and reproduction manufactures who came out to show their support and score on the many needy passerby's. Jerry Greer owner of Greer's Engineering and Mike Tomas owner of Kiwi Manufacturing had all of their great items available for the Indian's, and Mike Smith from Antique Motorcycle Works was there to supply the rare tidbits that he manufactures for the early Harley Davidson. Rod Wheeler "The Triumph Guy" was there to offer many hard to find items for the Brittifiles and the guys and gals who bleed the proverbial lime juice.
Seventy-nine of the rarest and most exquisitely restored vintage motorcycles graced the show that was held on the southern portion of the College's one mile long raised parking structure. Many of these bikes had never seen the light of day on this side of the Pacific ocean. Mike Harper-Smith of Tarzana Cal. brought out three very rare Moto Guzzi factory racers including a 1951 Bicilinderica that was awarded the coveted Sponsors Choice trophy. Jerry DeMille showed up with a very tasty 1902 Franklin and a 1911 Sears. Best of show award went to Bob Mitchell's 1940 perfectly restored Indian-4 cylinder.
All of the show entrants and their fine motorcycles were greatly admired by one and all and without their support this event would not be the success that it is. I personally want to say "thank you and keep up the great work"
There was an area front and center set aside for the motorcycles sales corral, here you could find a variety of really cool bikes that would fit your rear end and your pocket book perfectly. A 1969 Norton Commando was parked next to a 1966 Harley Davidson XLCH, and a 1970 Triumph T120 next to a 1970 Bultaco Bandido, and a 1957 Cushman Eagle sat next to a Kawasaki H1 (you get the idea). Forty-seven bikes in all "at great swap meet prices" were available to pick and choose from.
As the promoter I was greeted through out the day by many very happy people, thanking me for resurrecting this So. Cal institution. This show originated twenty-seven years ago by a group of enthusiast by the likes of Chuck Vernon, John Eagles and other pioneering legends, they wanted a place to gather and swap knowledge, a few parts, and mostly BS stories that got better with age. The event was handed down to Wil Dickey and then onto Jim and Paula McClure of Lompoc California. The McClures ran this show and the Hanford event for over six years until Jim, being an actual Rocket Scientist working for our government two years ago had to step aside for obvious reasons. The next in line for El Camino was the Los Angeles chapter of the AMCA . The LA. Chapter being newly established, fumbled the ball for the 1999 show, and due to the above, there was no carry over for the year 2000. I was born and raised in Southern California and felt the need to step forward and resurrect this great show and swap meet. For many years I have taken from it on an annual basis. I felt that it was time that I gave back to these institutions, and carry on the cause.
This show, like all others does not belong to the promoters, yes there will always be the controlling body that is taking on the financial responsibilities, but without your support, be it a vendor, show bike participant, or just the person that pays his or her few dollars to come through the gate to enjoy the day, (and possibly find an item or two for your bike), these shows will not continue. Next year make sure that you bring your kids, your younger siblings or even your neighbor and expose them to our way of life, in doing so, this will insure that the El Camino Historic Motorcycle Event and the Hanford Classic Motorcycle rally will live on for years to come. I will look forward to seeing you at the El Camino Show, and in Hanford in 2002!
PS. Many thanks to all of the volunteers and show judges that unselfishly gave up their free day to make this a very smooth and well ran event. I especially want to thank my lovely wife "Deni" for performing an excellent job of organizing all of the administrative work and for putting up with me.
"Deni, Happy Fifth Anniversary!"
Best Regards to all,
Glenn Bator
Quick Stats:
Vendors: 246
Bikes in Show: 64
Bikes in Sales Corral: 16
Spectators or Gate: 1400
