Gophers and Cheese

How about one more event from 2019...   Motosota was held at Bauhaus Brew Labs  September 7, 2019.  It's the annual "farewell to summer", hosted by The Moto Collective .

Another event from deep in my photo archives was the Rockers Spring Social .  In 2019, the event was held in May but it rained and I missed it (the event went on, bands played inside, etc.).  They held a "Redux" in July at Simply Street Bikes (now Simply Ride ) in Eden Prairie, MN.  I stopped by with my kids and, as a result, I couldn't stay long so I was only able to grab some photos early in the event.  I'm sure I missed A LOT but here's what I did see...

Looking back through my photo archives, there are still quite a few big events I never wrote blogposts about so let's start by jumping back nearly 5 years to the Donnie Smith Bike (and Car) Show , 2019.

Here's the last batch of Full Tilt Boogie photos from 2019.  Better late than never!

Here are more photos from Full Tilt 9 in Monticello.  A bunch of great vans showed up, in addition to all the awesome bikes.  It would still be a few more years before I would find and buy my 78 Dodge to take to Full Tilt.

Full Tilt moved venues in 2019 to The Nordic Brewing Co. (now Nordic Brewpub ) in Monticello, MN.  As usual, I rode my Sportster there.

The Blind Lizard Motorcycle Club Rally is (was?) a Fathers Day tradition on Nicollet Island near downtown Minneapolis.  I finally made it out to my first one in 2019.  While there, I overheard it was going to officially be the last one but have no idea is that's true.  It was a beautiful sunny day and had First Thursday at Dulono's Pizza vibes with a great mix of bikes lining the streets.  I rode my Sportster which, looking back, really needed a new rear tire.  Don't worry - I have since replaced it.  Father's Day is June 20, 2021.  Will there a Blind Lizard rally?  I don't know.

Today I'm throwing it back to September 2019 for Heavy Thursday at The Joint / Cabooze .  The bike night expanded to include vans too.  Add in some live outdoor music and a view of the Minneapolis skyline and what's not to like?

Back in 2019, the Konawerks Bike Show was held at Fulton Taproom instead of Grumpy's .  I took my kids so I drove to the show instead of rode... sacrilege, I know.  I managed to take a few photos when I wasn't busy trying to wrangle my kids.  While the beer and food were certainly good, the setup for a bike show wasn't as conducive to photo-taking as Grumpy's parking lot was.  I'm not sure what the plan is for this year but follow their Facebook page for details.

So if you couldn't tell from the 300+ photos I've shared so far (not counting the ones below), Vintage Torque Fest is awesome.  I was bummed I had to pack up a little early.  I ended up not feeling well (legit sick, not a hangover) and sleeping in a tent next to my bike really didn't help.  I didn't think another night in the cold, damp tent was a good idea so I took the photos below, packed up, and rode home.  It was a great couple of days and I want to thank John Wells for the hospitality.  This year's event is being held 4/30-5/1, 2021.

As night turned into the next day (a few giant fireballs later), Day Two of Vintage Torque Fest was finally underway and it started off with the Tuff Mudder mini bike races!

No, I'm not done posting photos from Vintage Torque Fest 2019!  There are more tomorrow too... and the next day.  Don't worry about any of that as this post has it all... A classic shaggin' wagon, mini bikes, choppers, hot rods, hot rod dirt track racing, and even a demolition derby.  Hell yes.

The photos from Vintage Torque Fest 2019 continue...

 Is it Moto Mania???  No, it's the next best thing... Vintage Torque Fest .

Will I actually go back and clean out my archives?  There's a lot of photos from past shows I haven't posted.  I don't know... maybe one day.  For now, enjoy another big batch from Vintage Torque Fest 2019.

Nearly 2 years ago, I finally made the trip to Dubuque, IA for Vintage Torque Fest .  It was definitely worth it.  If you've never been, it's a great mix of hot rods, motorcycles (including mini bikes!), music, and there's even camping available.  It's not just a show where you walk around and look at parked cars & bikes - there's action too, over two jam-packed days!  On top of all that, it's a fundraiser for a good cause .  I chose to camp and rode my Road King from Minneapolis to Dubuque.  You can pretty much follow the Mississippi River, and if you're on a motorcycle, I highly recommend you do for the scenery and curvy roads.

I threw the banana ski on the Evil Monkey (my 1976 Honda Z50) and rode around on Saturday.  The snow was deep so I carved a track with my snow thrower.

I wasn't sure if I was going to attend the 2019 Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis this year so I didn't apply for a press pass.  It had nothing to do with the show (I've attended every year since 2007) and more about this winter bumming me out.  The best thing about this particular show is it's timing - right in the middle of winter, when you can't ride (unless you have studded tires).  At least you can walk around, look at bikes, and sit on bikes.  It gets you looking forward to Spring.  I made the last-minute decision to go and took my son.

After watching Flat Out Friday live streaming last night, I think I was inspired to get outside and ride.  I carved a track in the backyard with my snowthrower, put my studded tire on the Evil Monkey, and had a blast.  My daughter took the riding photos.