VME Isle of Vashon
 The
Northwest Classic Old Bike Event
What, you missed it again? VME's Isle of
Vashon? Nooooo? Why? Didn't know when the date was?
Where was it listed?
For nearly two decades, VME has been hosting a fabulous
poker run and event on Vashon Island every summer. Known as the Isle of
Vashon TT, the event has grown very popular over the years. Unfortunately,
Vashon Island hasn't gotten any bigger, so space is at a premium.
VME has moved to no longer make the date public knowledge,
aimed at keeping the crowd size manageable. In an effort to keep the event
going and keep the Vashon and King County authorities happy, VME only lists the
date of the Vashon event in its newsletter 1-2 months beforehand. Now, how
does one get the newsletter? Ohhhh, that's simple, you need to become a
VME member. As former president, Jim O'Keefe once informed me, "You
don't need to have an old bike to join the club, you just have to be
enthusiastic about them." So for about $25 a year you can join VME
and receive the newsletter. You'll also get to read the fine articles the
club publishes each month.
Back to the Isle of Vashon TT. This is an old bike
rally indeed with all kinds of nifty memorabilia ferrying its way over for the
event. You'll see bikes from vintage British and American fare to 60's Japanese
models, all restored to top condition.
 Your
day begins by paying the low entrance fee and getting in on the poker run.
At the fee point in the middle of town you'll throw a dart into a board with 52
playing cards and your score card will be marked. You have a map of the
island which will lead you to four other check points. At each check point
you draw a card and your card is marked.
Your final check point is at the Sportsmen's club where
you pick up your fifth card and have your score card marked once more. May
the best hand win.
Once inside the grounds of the Sportsman's club you can
pick up your lunch and see a spectacular array of vintage motorcycles on
display. You'll vote for the bike of your choice in the People's Choice
award which is tallied and given to the winner at the end of the
day.
 Also
in the afternoon is a series of competitive events. The events are only
open to pre-74 bikes. The events include how many times can you kick start
your bike in 60 seconds, crab walking backward to your bike before moving it
forward to the finish line by using your kick start to propel the bike, as well
as a race for the finish where the slowest rider who can keep his feet on the
pegs wins, and others. The winner is determined by who wins the most
events, a hat is passed and the collection goes to the champ.
As I said before, the event is very popular, become
a VME member and be hip to the date. For membership information visit http://www.micapeak.com/VME/.
TM/Summer 00
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