Gophers and Cheese

Second Thursday Moto Nite at Bauhaus Brew Labs is organized by The Moto Collective .  It's a huge, eclectic bike night.  This one was special to me as it was the first bike night where I rode my grandfather's 1979 Hondamatic (CM400A). I restored & modified the bike over the winter.  When I got it, it was mostly stock, dirty & corroded, non-running, and was clearly home to multiple mice over the many years it was stored.  To be honest, the bike still needs some work as it's still not running quite right but it was good enough to make it to Bauhaus that day and that was a big win.

More photos from Chariots of the Gods 2023...  While you'll see lots of people and vans from Twin City Vans , this isn't a formal/traditional truck-in.  It's open to the public.  Truck-ins are typically restricted to vanners only and you need a van or panel to get in. Custom vans aren't typically seen in the wild and are rarely found at car shows so having so many in a public space is quite a special event.  I credit this show for hooking me.  I was at the first, back in 2013.  Check out all my old Chariots blogposts here .

Second Thursday Moto Nite at Bauhaus Brewlabs , hosted by The Moto Collective , is a massive monthly bike night.  What started back in 2017 as a vintage motorcycle night has expanded to a large and eclectic mix of bikes reminiscent of the crowds that used to gather for First Thursday at Dulono's Pizza (feel free to reminisce with my Dulono's blogposts here ).  Enough typing... here's a ton of photos from the August 10th bike night:

Do you like Red Desert ?  I like Red Desert.  Did you know Red Desert played Motosota on Saturday?  Well they did.  Here's proof... and a few bikes... but mostly Red Desert photos.

The 5th annual Motosota was held Saturday, October 2nd at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis.  It's brought to you by the fine folks at The Moto Collective .  I attended Motosota 2 years ago but still haven't posted photos yet (maybe one day...).  Anyway, Saturday was wet... very wet.  That didn't stop the show, it didn't stop the bands, it didn't stop the beer from flowing, and it didn't stop lots of people from riding in the rain to/from the show.  I drove, but I had my wife and kids with me so that's my excuse.  In 2019, I brought the Evil Monkey (my '76 Z50) but I left it home this year due to the weather.  Enough rambling, on with the pics!!!

I owned a van briefly (GMC Savana conversion) but it wasn't "the right van". I customized a few things but it was a mess mechanically so I eventually gave up and sold it.  I would love to own a van again but the hard part is trying to decide what kind (not to mention finding a decent one for sale).  I absolutely love 70s and 80s-style customs but I also like the practicality of having one that could haul a bike.  I think my dream van would be a mix of both, somehow mixing wood paneling and shag carpet while somehow having space for a motorcycle.  Of course, side pipes and Cragers would be a big plus.  If anyone is holding and looking for a good home for their van, let me know.  Anyway, here are some photos from Chariots of the Gods back in 2016 along with a few shots inside the Moto Collective .  This year's show is scheduled for August 14, 2021.

I stopped by The Moto Collective for their Fourth Friday Open House on 7/28.  I love to check out what they're working on. CROIG #001 developing a little patina: CROIG #002: Love was in the air... beetle love: Works in progress: Parking lot bikes and vans: I love this Sporty:

Here are some photos of The Moto Collective 's shop.  I love their setup. The building is broken into stalls specific to each person in the group.  They include a lift and a workbench.  There are also a lot of tools shared by the group. Here you can see CB Builds ' space where he is building copper mufflers for sale here .  This guy ripped it up at Moto Mania and it was really fun to watch. Outside there is ample parking for people to show up and hang out.  There was a small fire pit too. Inside a DJ was playing music and a keg (donations accepted) kept everyone hydrated. The moonrise over the shop was beautiful but photos don't do it justice. If you missed it, I highly recommend checking out The Moto Collective next 4th Friday bike night on 9/25. On the way home, I snapped a few photos in front of the Lowry Avenue Bridge.  You can even see the ferris wheel at Betty Danger's in the background.