SoCal AMCA

Southern California Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America

The Southern California chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (SoCal AMCA) was formed in 1972.

National Run at Borrego Springs 2024 - All Hands On Deck

May 14, 2023  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

My Two Cents Worth

From Richard Coffin, Treasurer, SOCAL AMCA

Next year, we’ve been approved for a National Run at Borrego Springs for February 28 through March 3rd of 2024.  This marks our 50th anniversary of being an AMCA Chapter.  So we have been thinking of doing something worthy of that mark.  Hence a National Run.  To make this happen we need to call upon you to help in the following ways/areas.  If you have experience or willing to try please sign up now for one or more committees that we will need.  A response to the socalamcanewsletter@yahoo.com telling us what you would like to help with is much appreciated.

We need volunteers for:

-Soliciting and securing sponsorships to help defer costs and or to provide “swag bag” give outs, and as door prizes.

-Trouble trucks, trailers, both drivers and equipment.  If we have two routes offered (depending on how far one wants to ride) per day we should have at least 3 better 4 trucks for the first two days.

-Route planners, routes could be short or long but have a spot for lunch.  Saturday’s route is set as is the lunch stop but we need routes for Thursday and Friday.  Alternates in the event the weather doesn’t cooperate with us.

-Suggestions for lunch stops, dinners, do you know any caterers that we could hire for a lunch at a park or ????  We need ideas.  Does anyone have connections with the Julian Pie company where we can buy gift certificates a discounted cost?  Anyone have any restaurants in the areas that we could have a lunch or dinner.  I’ve checked with American Legion and they can’t due to lack of personnel, but maybe someone reading this has an idea.

-We need 4-5 people to handle the registration, setting up the pop up tents manning the tables, handing out packets/bags to riders, setting up the breakfast (continental) and making sure the coffee is ready. Keeping tabs on the hospitality room etc.…

-We need people that can help with transportation of gear from orange county to Borrego and back, things like shirts, plagues, tents, any signage, etc.…

-Speaking of signs does anyone make or know of where we can get a banner or two made to celebrate our 50th anniversary run?

-Pictures, anyone that is a photographer or do you know one to take photos for each rider at a predetermined place as well as a group photo to be given to each rider.  Also photos for the magazine and run write up.  Donations for this would help keep our costs down.  It would be good to have printed photos available by the Saturday banquet.  Frames for the photos, any leads?

Share your thoughts! It would be good if you have ideas for the run to bring them with you to our monthly breakfasts.  There are more things I’ve missed I’m sure but these above are some of the biggies.  Mahalo for your assistance in making it a great run and remember it will be the first one of the year so we get to set the standard, let’s set the bar high.

Richard

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The passing of Barney Watson, SoCal AMCA member

February 26, 2023  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

It is our sad duty to announce the passing of Barney Watson. Barney and Claudia are longtime active members of SoCal AMCA and they will be missed. I say "they" because Claudia is in hospice care in Phoenix.

Barney was most proud of his Dodge dually pick up, which he meticulously maintained, so you may remember seeing him driving it. He added a motorcycle carrier in the bed a few years back to make the loading and unloading easier. All of Barney’s machines were detailed to the nth degree and they always performed flawlessly on the many road runs he attended. His (their) smiles and camaraderie will be missed by all.

Barney Watson with his beloved Triumph at the 2017 Borrego Springs Winter Road Run.

We received this message from Carolyn Musgrove this week:

Brian (Barney) Watson

11-20-42 -- 2-18-23.

80 years of age

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. School teacher of History and Economics. Retired to Phoenix in 2000. Survived by brother Rex in Washington and brother Corky in Texas.

Member of SoCal and Phoenix Roadrunners. His wife Claudia was a school superintendent in Omaha. Claudia is currently in hospice in Phoenix.

Road his beloved Triumph on most rides. Also has a 1982 Harley and a new Janus which he had at Borrego in 2019. Was a partner with Roger Meinershagen buying, restoring and selling vintage English bikes for 27 years.

(From left to right) At the 2015 Joshua Tree are Max Bubeck, Hakan Martensson, and Claudia and Barney Watson.

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Remembering SoCal AMCA Founding Father Johnny Eagles

June 04, 2022  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Johnny Monroe Eagles

March 7, 1931 to April 16, 2022

Missouri to South Korea (U.S. Army) to Orange, California

Johnny Eagles was a great man. Humble, jovial, talented, gracious, and friendly to all. Loving husband, father, grandfather and a dog lover always with a treat for his four-legged friends from the neighborhood.

He was born and raised about 3 1/2  miles outside of a little town in  Missouri,  that he described as only having one service station and one small grocery store. He served in the U.S.  Army and moved to California before the Korean War.

Johnny was a world-famous motorcycle mechanic and was mentioned in all of Harry Sucher’s motorcycle books. He was a famous Indian 101 Scout tuner and rider with over 80,000 miles on his 1929 101. He rode that bike everywhere including numerous trips to Denver and Durango, Colorado.

Johnny also owned and tuned a 1913 Indian Twin motorcycle with a 3-speed transmission. It was previously owned by his mentor Dewey Bunkrud. Johnny completed many pre-16 motorcycle trips and road runs on the 1913, and that bike never failed him and ran-away from most other pre16 motorcycles.

Johnny also owned a 1929 Harley Davidson JD. He rode that bike on many trips up to northern California and completed on many Death Valley and Borrego springs road runs. That bike never failed him and is reported to have run away from almost all challengers at any time!

The consummate mechanic, Johnny could rebuild and tune any mechanical machine as long as it did not have a computer!

Johnny was loved by all and a great friend to many over the years. He was a founding member of the SoCal Chapter of the AMCA, which was launched in 1972. He was an active member and served as the chapter president for three years. He gave his time, talent, and knowledge to all on any marque of machine. He was known for his prowess on Indian, Harley-Davidsons, Crockers, BMW, Triumph, Panther, and many others. If it had two wheels and no computer, Johnny Eagles could make it purr and he could stroke-em and make them run better and faster than any others.

Memorial Ride and Celebration of Life

On June 4, 2022, there was a wonderful memorial held in his honor at Cooks Corner in Orange County, following a ride-in through the canyon with a military escort. His urn was placed on the table under the U.S. Flag and next to his Army uniform.  His daughter Bonnie carried the urn, and was accompanied by his son Jeff and grandson Ryan. With more than 50 friends in attendance, Johnny surely would have loved the respect, friendship, and stories of those in attendance.

“Oh What Da World!”

Below are images from the event honoring Johnny. Photo credit: Marc Gallin.

Photos From The Archives

Johnny played a major role in the formation of our SoCal AMCA chapter, led it as its president for several years, and had been a key member ever since. Here are more photos of Johnny from the chapter’s archives. Photo credit: Various.

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Gunther's Yard Show, Dec. 6th

December 06, 2020  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Every year in Long Beach on the first Sunday of December, we never miss Gunther’s Yard Show to see all kinds of old stuff, trucks, cars, trains, military vehicles, hit-and-miss engines and, of course, old motorcycles. The family of long-time motorcyclist, George Gunther, puts it on. The more antique motorcycles the better. After the December 6th SoCal AMCA Sunday brunch, a few chapters leaders and members headed over. Photos by Marc Gallin.

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300 Miles Here, 600 Miles There…Tom Hart: Just Ride

June 06, 2020  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Good afternoon from the Hart family. It will be great to get back together again. But for now blogs and newsletters will have to do. I'm still working until our office closes in September. Hopefully by then things will have calmed down a bit more. But for now I must rely on occasional local rides to help keep my mind clear.

I had a nice putt to the Borrego Springs area a couple of weeks ago taking in about 300 miles. Still not comfortable stopping in on folks to say hello. This past Sunday I met up with one of my brothers for a ride up the coast to Hearst Castle by way of a lot of detours and racking up just under 600 miles. The folks in Santa Barbara must not be affected by Covid19 as there could not have been more than 12 people in the entire city wearing face coverings and there were a lot of them out and about. In fact I believe the 12 people I saw were all employees working in restaurants.

I was finally able to get my trike into the shop for transmission repair early this week. I also sprung for some better brake material just for the heck of it. Not that I think brakes are all that special or needed. I say if you actually need brakes you should just stay home. All you really need is a gas pedal, or grip, and gears. Having said that I do want the trike in good condition for our planned September ride between Nawlens and the Great Lakes.

If it doesn't look like it will happen we'll probably just head up the West Coast until be run out of time and head back. This is one of those Tom Lovejoy's rides on the old machines. Just doesn't get any better than that. A pair of 39's followed by a semi old '69 (that's in bike years). Rider years are in the 1940's and 50's. The trike is essential to help carry all the oil needed for Tom's machine and the gas for mine. I never met (or passed) a gas station I didn't like. John Bevens made both of my machines run like hell was chasing them, but at a cost that greatly benefits the oil industry. An again I say, stay home or play hard and twist that grip like you really mean it.

Stay well and prosper!
Sensei Tom

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Horseless Carriage Club's 64th Annual Holiday Motor Excursion

January 08, 2020  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

By Craig Dillmann

Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019

The Horseless Carrage run this year was another hit!! Our group consisted of Big Tim Graber and his sidekick Steve from Orange County. Aboard his hot rod model T......Tom, Diane and Duke Hart in Diane’s Model A along with Kelli Delzer in tow. Tom Lovejoy was on his Henderson and I was on my trusty 741 Scout... yeah the same Scout that fireman Graber torched a few years ago up north!! There was another fellow who joined us on a 40s Indian Chief didn’t catch his name.

We rode through Pasadena, San Marino and nearby cities finally lunching at the Northwoods Inn. There were countless cars from the brass era. It’s worth a trip just to see the cars. After lunch, we cruised over to the dessert house where all kinds of sweets were offered. The place is interesting to say the least. A huge property with a train meandering through it. All kinds of restorations going on in back buildings!!

Good news to report: Mr. Thomas Hart only got us lost twice this year all the while his brother Duke was holding a map!! Last year, Tom Lovejoy and and I literally almost got sick as Tom Hart was so lost we went around the same block count ‘em seven times… we were seriously dizzy after this escapade.

Seriously, one thing has me a tad worried: the two Toms are planning a trip this summer from Galveston up the Mississippi River on their Indians, and guess who is laying out the route: none other than Tom Hart. Good luck! I can see it now, a side trip to Tupelo will be a wrong turn to Tallahassee!!

Below are some photos from the event taken by Kelli Delzer.

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Tom's Not-to-Miss SoCal AMCA Events...The Tired Tail (a.k.a. Monthly Brunch) and the Borrego Springs Road Run

January 14, 2019  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Musings by Tom Hart, Jan. 14, 2019

Alright all you iron butt cowboys and cowboyettes (is that a word?), the prestigious Tired Tail event has been revitalized by Steve Sorensen with the first of many points being awarded to club Treasurer Rich (the iron fry pan butt) Coffin on 1/6/19. I suppose it's only fair to warn everyone that you, much  like myself, are only fighting for second place thanks to fry pan. I used to think that I might somehow be in contention for an award someday for my riding skills, or ability to stay in the saddle for relatively long periods of time. That was until fry pan came along. I'll bet he rides his pan head in the house to make pit stops, not that there's anything wrong with that. Every time I talk to the guy he's just returning from a ride, or on his way to another one, usually in some other state. The dude is an animal. I was watching a movie the other night about Johnny Cash called "Walk the Line" and towards the end of the movie it depicts Cash singing at Folsom Prison to a bunch of inmates. Before he starts signing to the inmates he tells them how he used to think he was tough (you know) because he had done county time for drugs (you know), but now he knows he wasn't so tough because he never had to drink the yellow water at Folsom. Cash then slams down a glass of yellow water and starts singing. That's just how I felt when Steve announced the Tired Tail revival and started racking up the points in his notebook for fry pan. We were at Ruby's for the meeting and they generally don't like folks smashing their water glasses on the floor no matter how justified the reason, so I just sat there...humbled by fry pan. Fry pan was pleased as punch to be the first (and only) one to acquire first place points so early in the game. I drove my Model A to the meeting because it was cold. Yeah, I'm a wimp so what where were you? Still snuggled in your PJ's? Steve and his wife did even worse by driving there in a modern vehicle. I don't recall all the rules so I don't know which ones can be violated with immunity, I mean altered to fit my circumstances. I would encourage others to get involved as I think there may be something in the way of a prize for second place. The next Tired Tail event (a.k.a. SoCal AMCA Sunday Brunch is Feb. 3rd at Ruby’s Diner in Orange.)

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2019 Borrego Springs

Register Here

Borrego is fast approaching. I've sent in my registration, confirmed my hotel reservations and prepped my machines. As a former treasurer, I know firsthand how much easier it is to administer the Borrego event when the common folk (ya'll) send in the necessary documentation in a timely manner...dilly, dilly. Please give mister newbe (fry pan) a break and send in the stuff ASAP. We've always been good about refunds if you aren't able to make the event for any variety of reasons. I'm very excited about getting out there this year. I missed last year due to very unfortunate personal circumstances, but we must move on. Grace McKean will be joining us assisted by Sidecar Suzie. My lovely wife of nearly 50 years, Jill and our daughter Becky are also planning on going this year. The plan is (if all works well) for Jill to bring her three pugs, AKA champion and #2 ranked in the Nation for owner/handler, the one and only ELVIS and her former champions Harry and Romero. I plan to duct tape the three of them together in an effort to hopefully make one real size dog. We don't need to repeat that part to the wife... if you get my drift. My sister Diane, the nay sayer, will also be joining us. You will recall my sister as the person who when dining will send back anything, anytime for any reason even if she has not ordered yet and then exclaim "is that wrong?" I swear to God I saw her go to a table where total strangers are seated and send back their orders. Only Dr. Phil can compete with her when it comes to dinning quirks. Speaking of Dr. Phil, he has promised me the exhaust system from his Willy G Harley when he passes. I'm just saying for the record that if something unfortunate happens to Dr. Phil it is not of my doing, it's just fate. 

Later Gater

Tom

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Welcome Richard Coffin as SoCal AMCA Treasurer

June 28, 2018  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Coffin as SoCal AMCA treasurer. The SoCal AMCA Chapter is grateful that Richard stepped up after longtime treasure Tom Hart announced his retirement in May 2018. 

Richard's appointment is effective immediately. All annual membership dues and road run registration fees are to be sent to his attention at this address: 16101 Routt St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

Richard, a retired air traffic controller, was an AMCA member from 1979 to 1980, and joined the SoCal AMCA chapter late 2016. He fits right into the club with his 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA and a 1953 H-D FL.

"Richard has already been a great help since joining the club and his presence is greatly appreciated," said Tim Graber, SoCal AMCA President.  "I once again say thanks to Tom Hart, who has been at my side as treasurer for over 25 years. However, Tom's guidance will not be missed since he will always be there to help and opine."

 

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Hansen Dam 2017 Photos by Jared Schlachet of JSquared Photography

November 07, 2017  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Photo Credit on all images: Jared Schlachet, JSquared Photography

Here's a great opportunity for Antique Motorcycle Owners...

We were contacted by Jared Schlachet of JSquared Photography to ride along with our members during the 2017 Socal Norton Club Owners Hansen Dam Ride this past weekend.  Jared sent us a few of his beautifully-shot photos. Check them out above! He also offered to do a photoshoot to capture images of members' antique motorcycle in the garage, on the road, etc. 

Here's his message: "I was wondering if you know anyone who would be interested in doing a little photoshoot where I could do a cool portrait of them with or without their motorcycle(s)?  It can be at their house or somewhere else.  I kind of like the idea of capturing them in the place where they may work on their bikes to kind of tell a bit of a story.  I would love to do some detail shots of the bikes as well.  I wold love to really focus on the vintage bikes.  Let me know if you have any thoughts."

Contact Jared directly if you're interested in participating in a photoshoot with your motorcycle(s). 

Jared Schlachet, JSquared Photography, 323-270-0430

jared@jsquaredphotography.com, www.jsquaredphotography.com

Instagram: @j2pix

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Day 2 - Ride report from Lon Bubeck at the Death Valley "D-V" XXXI Max Bubeck Memorial Road Run

October 10, 2017  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Another great day for a run through the desert. In the morning, we ride to Badwater. Lunch at Furnace Creek and then a ride to Dante's View.

 

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Report from Lon Bubeck - Day 1 of Death Valley "D-V" XXXI Max Bubeck Memorial Road Run

October 09, 2017  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

Today's ride is Emigrant Canyon to wild Rose Canyon and then up to Panamint Springs for lunch. The Charcoal Kilns are at the top of immigrant Canyon and a few intrepid riders will most likely brave the rough dirt road to visit them. After lunch the riders can return via route 190 Stovepipe Wells or retrace the route we took to get to Panamint Springs.

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Special Bulletin - Annual Meeting Oct. 15

September 27, 2017  /  Adriana Godoy Leiss

To All Our Members:

Tim Graber here with a call to action!

The SoCal Chapter of the AMCA is floundering, as usual, and then some. This is YOUR Club. We would like to redefine it as you see fit. We would like to see some participation. We especially need participation at the annual meeting (details below). Can you make it for a few hours for the benefit of the club and assist us in forward guidance?

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Mark Your Calendars for the SoCal AMCA Annual Meeting

We are looking for creative ideas on what the club should do for others and what is important for members. Do you have interest in old motorcycles? Do you own old motorcycles? This club and this chapter should be just the ticket for you! The annual meeting is VERY important. Can you spare the time to attend and voice your opinion and get us a quorum? Would you consider running for a board seat to help us out?  WE really want to see you there and have a great discussion. 

When: Sunday, October 15, 2017 Time: 10 am

Where: Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Annual Meeting to be held on the top floor of the parking structure. Free parking for motorcycles. Coffee and donuts provided.

Cost: Museum entry fee and automobile parking will be FREE to paid club members. New members paying for 2018 dues will also have complimentary parking and entry.

Bonus: See the Peterson's special exhibit" "Harley vs Indian." Exhibit info here: https://petersen.org/portfolio-item/harley-vs-indian/.  

Directions and meet up points for riders to be announced.

RSVP to Steve at: socalamcanewsletter@yahoo.com.

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Here are some comments from Tom Hart in a message to Tim Graber. This meeting is very important to him (us):

  "I continue to recommend that you use your magic shotgun e-mail broadcast system and announce (very soon, like today) that if the guys want a SoCal Chapter they need to say so ASAP and show up for a meeting now and then, but definitely for the annual election meeting. I'm willing to stick with it until the annual meeting to see if anyone really wants a SoCal Chapter. My guess is that most will remain in the AMCA, but will continue to show their lack of interest by not responding to your e-mail, or coming to a meeting/ride.  

I re-state my question: Do we really need a SoCal chapter to put on the well-attended rides or events? Steve should still be able to host the International motorcycle show as an AMCA member. Craig can notify us about the rides he hosts. I don't think anyone else does anything and hardly anyone pays dues anyway. We'll remain AMCA members, but I will not have to worry about financial reports, preparing taxes and balancing the books for a chapter no one really cares about anyway. And after all it is all about me. What ya think?"

Tom, like me, does a lot of work for this club to keep us between the lines of the AMCA. It certainly looks like we do not have much participation from local SoCal residents or members.  Our greatest helpers are Carolyn Musgrove, Adriana Leiss, Craig Dillmann, Lon Bubeck, Tom Lovejoy, and Steve Sorenson. Thanks to all of them for the consistent help. 

This club is important to us. This meeting is important to us.  Will we see you there?

Written excuse to not attend will be accepted as long as they are communicated. 

By The Way: By executive command, I hereby decree that any paid member shown as paid to date that comes to the meeting will automatically be marked as paid for 2018. 

Please RSVP as soon as possible at socalamcanewsletter@yahoo.com, so that we have a head count. We will be sure to send you an agenda so that we can get through the donuts and coffee in record time to enjoy the exhibit!

Cheers!

Tim Graber, SoCal AMCA President

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