Trail Rider Magazine

Flashback! February 2024 5 Having just returned from the York Swap Meet and Vintage Bike Show, I'd like to give props to the hosts of this annual epic event, the Potomac Vintage Rid- ers. For those who've yet to make the trek to York, Pennsylvania for this fun event, I must tell you it's everything a vintage bike freak could imagine. Be- tween surgically clean restora ons on display, beau- ful survivor bikes, and endless resto candidates of all makes and models, those looking to fill that hole in their lives only had to reach for their wallet to make it happen. If searching for that crowning jewel for the latest project was your goal, there's a good chance one could be found amongst the hoard of vendors within the event. I believe this was our seventh year a ending York as a vendor selling Trail Rider subscrip ons. Having the opportunity to rub elbows with so many like-mind- ed folks is always a blast. Sharing booth space with former Trail Rider "Bossman" Paul Clipper was a hoot also. For us, the show was a fantas c success as many new subs were purchased and Clipper moved many of his books. Clip remarked his "Art of Trail Riding" has been a big seller since penned and his tales of ISDE adventures and others are perform- ing quite well. We'd both like to thank those who purchased the bo om of our hearts. As with most gatherings of this nature, it's the people that make it the most fun. What I enjoy the most about our great sport and hobby is how humble the greats are. Women's motocross legend Sue Fish gave a hear elt speech at the PVR banquet held Saturday night before the event. Her tales of growing up as a teenage sensa on during the 70s, coached by the best in the business, were so inter- es ng to hear. Fish was also a former Motocross Ac on test rider along with a career as a stuntwom- an in the television and movie industry. Her passion for the sport is s ll burning bright and we're glad to see she's enjoying her new gig as a guest speaker at select events throughout the Na on. Also found roaming around the rows of bikes and parts was none other than Jack Penton and Larry "The Voice of Moto" Maiers. Bumping into these industry giants is always a treat. The stories that unfold are seemingly endless and it's uncanny how these guys recall so many interes ng happenings. Maiers is cap va ng and easily engaged. I'd heard a repeated story he told about introducing Bob Hannah to Kenny Roberts back in the day. An odd occurrence as the two greats had yet to meet. Now both men were never short on words and when Maiers introduced Hannah to Roberts, the two looked at each other with raised eyebrows and conversa on was abrupt. Later that day, Maiers asked Hannah why he was short with Robers and Hannah ba- sically said that the bastard is taking my money (from Yamaha). When Maiers asked Roberts the same ques- on, Roberts replied "the bastard is taking my money"! Pre y funny that the two legends felt they were each cos ng them big cash out of their paychecks! Other greats found amongst the junk were the first man to earn a factory ride and make a living racing mo- tocross, Barry Higgins. The pioneer of American moto- cross, Higgins's list of wins and accomplishments in all forms of motorcycle compe on are astronomical, yet here he was in York selling off a pile of Maico and KTM parts. As humble as they get, cha ng with Higgins is always fun. He's the real deal. Factory Ossa, Penton, KTM and Kawasaki rider Kevin Lavoie made the scene with two of his immaculate Ossa's entered into the show. One, a rare Joe Bolger suspended Super Pioneer along with a gorgeous Desert Phantom. Another humble hero, Lavoie's list of accom- plishments is large including winning the most brutal event in the na on, the Blackwater 100 three mes! Also found roaming the isles was none other than "Rokon Don" Kudalski. Don had tremendous success on the odd pull-start, snowmobile-powered Rokon motor- cycle from New Hampshire. A er Rokon pulled the plug on racing, Kudalski jumped ship to Honda as a support rider. Kudalski's highlights with Honda were bea ng Bob Hannah on a works, water cooled OW Yamaha in Midland, Michigan on a stock CR125! Other notewor- thy stats being Kudalski rode for AMF Harley Davidson on their Italian-built MX250. Kudalski earned Harley's one and only AMA motocross win before H-D sold their Italian branch and gave up on motocross. Yes, what an impressive run, and what's cool is the man is just the nicest guy. To sum it up, York '24 once again rocked! -Kurt

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