Del Mar 2012 Concour d' Elegance

[Mike V]

Wife and I attended the 2012 Del Mar Concour d' Elegance yesterday.  Fabulous display of impeccable restored machines from all parts of the country, all makes & models.  The Brits were well supported with an amazing array and collection.

Here's a link to my Photobucket site if you're interested.
 http://tinyurl.com/94w7dcw

-Mike V. / San Diego

[davidpdx]

Mike thanks for the photos. That looks like a great event and I could sure use some of that sun.

[montmil]

Nice photographs, Mike. Thanks for sharing.

Gotta question for you, since you were there.

Are these Del Mar event bikes required to start and/or actually ride a short course?

[Mike V]

Monte,

Pre 1930 and competition vehicles are not required to start, although those that do start receive extra points.

Push starting is not allowed, roller starting is allowed.

No course rides that I know of are necessary for judging.

The starting part is a big factor of the enjoyment, listening to some of these machines run is as appealing as their physical aesthetics.  I wish you guys could have heard the Mike Hailwood Honda 250 run.  Sounded like a pile of rocks until the engine was revved above 8k rpm and above.  Ever been to a MotoGP race? The aroma of exhaust was quite enjoyable also.  I tried waiting around to hear the Yamaha GP bike run but it didn't happen for Tina and I.  All of the Brit bikes brought back fond memories and will raise the hair on the back of your neck.  Another fun thing for me is to see the exposed valve trains operate on some of the older bikes.  I doubt feeler gauges were part of any tool kits in the early 1900's.  Amazing stuff.

-Mike V.