The best motorcycle show in the world is sitting out 2009. Jared Zaugg and Brooke Roner, organizers of the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance, have decided to postpone the next event until May 2010. A number of factors have contributed to this decision, chief among them the disastrous economic situation which developed last Fall. Several major sponsors of the event either went out of business entirely (ie, Men'sVogue magazine), or felt the need to substantially reduce their commitment to the Legends and other charitable causes. As the event costs nearly $1,000,000 to produce, the organizers felt that it was better to take a year to formalize new sponsorship deals and organize a new venue, than to produce anything other than a first-rate event.
Major changes had been afoot with the proposed move to Torrey Pines Resort in La Jolla, CA, which has taken longer to sort out than expected, due to both the complications of negotiating with the new resort, plus starting anew with the hundred thousand details it takes to deliver a truly epic event over 3 days; from the parking controls and motorcycle delivery, to security, layout, banquets, rooms, coffee, gifts, prizes, etc, etc. It took well over a year to organize the first Legend of the Motorcycle Concours in Half Moon Bay, and given the events of this year, it's no surprise that that it proved impossible to easily transfer such a massive show.
In the 'now it can be told' category, the Ritz in HMB proved desirable primarily as a photo-op location, with dramatic ocean backdrops and bikes parked on rolling green grass - every magazine editor's dream layout, and it was indeed the 'shot seen round the world'. But, the Ritz certainly had 'issues'; parking was very limited and off-site, the weather was very iffy, access for loading motorcycles was difficult, and ultimately the Ritz was, shall we say, a less-than-enthusiastic partner in the event. They also made an embarrassing blunder last year by double-booking the banquet room for the $250/plate charity dinner; hence we had dinner in the hallway, and in two adjoining rooms, making opportunities to speak to the assembled guests, impossible.
I look forward to hearing more from Brooke and Jared, and will certainly let you know any developments as soon as I'm allowed to reveal them! And long live the Legend of the Motorcycle.
And remember, YOU READ IT HERE FIRST.
Below is the press release from the Legend of the Motorcycle:
"For immediate release. San Francisco - 19 December 2008 - The annual Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance, which takes place in the first weekend of each May, will be postponed in 2009.
Instead, the fourth annual event, highlighting Indian and NSU as the featured marques, is scheduled to resume in 2010.
The decision is due to the effect of the world economy has had on many sponsors, and while deciding not to produce the show next year was very difficult, it was the most prudent. "We'd never do anything to compromise the quality of the Concours", say co-founder Jared Zaugg. "We'd rather suspend the event than nee it done halfway and I'm sure those that have participated would agree. This has been a labor of love and something we strongly believe in, so we look forward to reinstating it after this hiatus."
The good news is that the postponement is temporary and plans are already underway for May 2010.
From legendary racers and builders, to celebrities and industry executives, to owners and enthusiasts, Legend of the Motorcycle brings together a unique audience from around the globe representing all the wonderfully diverse facets of motorcycling. The weekend celebration is centered around a display of 200 of some of history's most important motorcycles, judged by an international panel of experts and combines never-seen-before exhibits, contemporary product unveilings, exclusive presentations, a collector's auction and charity auction, receptions, and rides, for an event unlike anything else in the world. "
Enjoy these photos from my personal scrapbook, from the 2006/7/8 Legend of the Motorcycle. Photo 1; overview of the Ritz golf course from the 6th floor of the hotel. Photo 2; the Marquise de Roussy de Sales (Aude to us mortals) and her mother Annie Rageys, with Annie's father's (Roger Loyer) '37 Velocette MkVII KTT), 2007. Photo 3; Dr. Adolfo Orsi in period gear, 2006. Photo 4; overview from the grounds to the Ritz, with Mark Upham (of Brough Superior) and Mike FitzSimons judging Vincents. Photo 5; the Jesse James radial custom, 2006. Photo 6; welcome reception 2006 - pd'o, Brooke Roner, Jared Zaugg, Gwen White, Darcy Campbell (ma femme!), Peter Fonda. Photo 7; Cyclone - the most expensive motorcycle in the world today, 2006. Photo 8; Shinya Kimura and pd'o with skinny friend, 2006. Photo 9; Daniel Delfour, creator of the Norton Ala'Verde, aboard a much older Norton (my 1926 racer). Photo 10; Ian Barry of Falcon Motorcycles contemplates a perfect Vincent twin, 2008. Photo 11; I return Daniel's favor on the Ala'Verde! Photo 12; Kim and Pete Young with Kim's Ariel Red Hunter, 2008. Photo 13; pd'o with MV racer - can't beat the stunning locale, 2008. Photo 14; delivering the amazing/ridiculous prop-powered bicycle for 3, 2008.
