2024 Quail Motorcycle Gathering Review: Celebrating Motorcycling Legends in Carmel

Despite a rainy day in Carmel, we found ourselves amidst an enthusiastic crowd at the 14th annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering, held on the lush lawns of The Quail Golf Club. This premier two-wheel event did not disappoint, featuring the awe-inspiring 1968 Honda CB750 Factory Prototype, owned by Vic World, which proudly took home the “Best of Show” award.

The event showcased an impressive array of motorcycles spanning different eras, styles, and origins. From the 25th Anniversary of Suzuki Hayabusa to the 100th Anniversary of the American Motorcyclist Association and Vespa, the diversity on display was a motor enthusiast’s dream. Despite the weather, over a thousand attendees turned up, their spirits undampened, mingling and reveling in the vibrant atmosphere enhanced by local food trucks, lifestyle vendors, and live entertainment suitable for the whole family.

We also enjoyed the special sponsor displays from Yamaha and Indian Motorcycle, which not only highlighted iconic bikes but also showcased some of the latest models and specialized products. This year’s event also featured engaging activities such as a Fireside Chat with AMA Hall of Famer and 2024 Legend of the Sport Honoree, Ricky Johnson, and soulful tunes from the local Monterey Bay reggae band, The Rudians.

Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events, captured the essence of the gathering by noting, "The enthusiasm for riding and unbridled passion within the motorcycling community never ceases to inspire." Indeed, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering continues to be a pivotal celebration of motorcycling culture, bringing together the past, present, and future of biking in a uniquely inspiring setting. The dedication of sponsors like American Motorcyclist Association, Why We Ride, Bonhams, and WeatherTech Laguna Seca, among others, helped make this event a highlight of the year despite the challenging weather. We left inspired and already looking forward to next year’s gathering.

“Best in Class” awards were granted to one motorcycle in each of the classes, with the following honors also announced:
 
Antique 1st Place Presented By Bonhams
1930 Indian Big Chief
Mike Lynch
 
Antique 2nd Place Presented By Bonhams
1926 Moto Guzzi C2V Racer
Greg Saule

American 1st Place
1979 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
John Ventura
 
American 2nd Place
1964 Harley-Davidson FLH
Jason McElroy
 
British 1st Place Presented by Heidenau Tires
1950 Triumph TR 5 Square Barrel
Bob Ives
 
British 2nd Place Presented by Heidenau Tires
1955 Vincent Series D Black Shadow and Watsonian Sidecar
Peter Kushner
 
Italian 1st Place
1979 Laverda Jota
Steven Lawrence
 
Italian 2nd Place
1955 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport 500
Gianluca Baldo
 
Japanese 1st Place
1968 Honda CB750 Factory Prototype
Vic World
 
Japanese 2nd Place
1965 Honda CA77 Dream
Brad Yuill
 
Other European 1st Place
1976 BMW R90S
Kenneth Morris
 
Other European 2nd Place
1973 Egli-Honda EVH-750
Ed Holman
 
Competition On-Road
1966 Bultaco M-23 Metralla MK2 370CC Five Speed Road Racer
Robbie Cadwallader
 
Competition Off-Road
1992 Cagiva D92 Works Prototype Dakar Racer
Cory Muensterman
 
Choppers Award
1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper
Richard Best
 
Custom/Modified 1st Place
1920’s Harley-Davidson Board Track Racer
Chris Ranuio
 
Custom/Modified 2nd Place
1938 Hazan Motorworks JAP 1000 (JTOS)
Jason Mamoa

Arlen Ness Memorial Award
1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster Custom
Richard Best
 
Why We Ride Award
1981 Honda ATC 200
Chris Funk

HVA
1960 Parilla Grand Sport
Jon Jacobson
 
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Heritage Award
1992 Cagiva D92 Works Prototype Dakar Racer
Cory Muensterman
 
Vespa - Decades of Scooter Fun!
1946 Vespa V98
Josh Rogers

25th Anniversary of the Suzuki Hayabusa
2006 Suzuki Hayabusa
Steve Wellman

30th Anniversary of the Ducati 916
1995 (1994) Ducati 916
Michael Long

Spirit Of The Quail Award 
1973 Norton 750CC Vintage Seeley Racing Chassis Custom
Barry Weiss
 
Best of Show Award 
1968 Honda CB750 Factory Prototype
Vic World