It’s easy to dismiss vintage racing as just a bunch of old guys riding around on old bikes, but that’s an overly simplistic view and one that doesn’t really explain its appeal. To really appreciate vintage racing, one has to attend an event and the 11th Annual Old School MX Reunion/5th Annual AHRMA Vintage Nationals at the Rio Bravo MX Park in Houston proved the perfect opportunity to witness this facet of the sport.
If you’re looking for huge numbers of participants, vintage racing isn’t for you.
But after a weekend at this historic track (it’s claimed to be the first place that an American motocrosser beat the Europeans, way back in 1973, and is very vintage-friendly), the big picture becomes clearer: It’s not about the racing so much as it is about spending time with other dirt-riding enthusiasts both on and off the track as well as admiring the huge variety of machinery in various states of restoration. There aren’t a lot of spectators at the edge of the track in each moto, it seems, because most participants enjoy chatting with their buddies in the pits instead. The post-race feed and activities also made it a most warm and welcoming race where the emphasis isn’t on winners and losers, as at most races, but where socializing is the priority.
For more information on AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) events, visit www.ahrma.org. If you're interested in Rio Bravo, go to www.riobravomx.com.