Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pasadena club to recreate famous Pismo Beach photo - Topix

Pasadena club to recreate famous Pismo Beach photo - Topix

http://pismobeachmotorcycleclassic.com/
It's been a year now in the making. Countless hours by dedicated folks who simply LOVE MOTORCYCLES. Here are the final details to an event that is certain to be a killer. Don't miss it.

If your bike is tired of all the summer runs and needs a little attention, then just drive out to enjoy the day.




In June 1929, hundreds of riders from the Pasadena and San Francisco Motorcycle Clubs gathered just north of the pier in Pismo Beach for a group photo during the Western Federation of Motorcyclists Rally.

The panoramic shot became famous and has appeared on numerous posters, postcards and other collectibles. That was 81 years ago and the two clubs have planned to meet again at the same spot on Sept. 19 for an updated version of the picture.

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PISMO BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLASSIC

Rally: 1-8 p.m. Sept. 18



Where: Rock and Roll Diner, 1300 Railroad St., Oceano



Classic photo:



9:30 a.m. Sept. 19,



Pismo Beach Pier



Cost: $20-$40



Information: www.pismobeachmotorcyleclassic.com, www.pasadenamc.com





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"One of our members happened across the 1929 photo," said Edward Rodriguez, secretary of the Pasadena Motorcycle Club. "He did some research and discovered that this was an iconic photo. There are several people who are always selling copies of it on e-Bay and there's a restaurant in Pismo Beach that displays it on its wall and sells it to tourists.

"The idea was to have the two clubs informally meet, but it snowballed because everyone we talked to got excited about it."



The groups are hoping to renew the tradition of posing for a shot on the beach during a rally, just as was done in the 1920s.


The Pasadena Motorcycle Club was formed in 1907, making it the third oldest club in the country. The second is the San Francisco Motorcycle Club, which was established in 1904.



PMC originally began as a sporting club, holding Hare and Hound races in the orange groves and unpaved streets of Pasadena and surrounding areas. From the `30s through the `70s, the focus slightly shifted to off-road and enduro racing, but in the years that followed, complex off-road legislation and other issues compelled the organization to change into a road-riding club.



The PMC has been involved with the Pasadena Rose Parade since its early years. The group had a float in the parade in 1911 and has provided float escorts, drivers and assistants, as well as traffic control since then.



Rides are vital part of the organization. There are monthly daytime outings,which sometimes include breakfast, and summer dinner rides



"There's a heavy social aspect to us," Rodriguez said.



PMC's biggest events of the year are the March poker run and the Greenhorn Ride in May.



"Steve McQueen once rode our Greenhorn, which is really cool," Rodriguez said. "It was in the `60s. He was familiar with one of our members, Bob Green, who started the Greenhorn ride. This upcoming year is our 65th annual Greenhorn."



PMC meets 8 p.m. Mondays at 21 E. Howard in Pasadena. Membership is open to anyone who has a motorcycle. You must show up to meetings and a vote will be held to determine if you are good fit for the group.



"We've got a wide range of members," Rodriguez said. "We have people who work in the entertainment industry, we have plumbers, we have lawyers, retired policemen, it really runs the gamut. We run (in age) from early 20s to 80s. It makes the meetings very interesting."



Rodriguez lives in Encino and will be polishing up his 2009 Harley Fat Bob for the Pismo Beach Motorcycle Classic, which kicks off Sept. 18 with three different rides from Northern California and one with the PMC from Cycle Gear in Newhall. Check-in will be 7-9 a.m.



All of the riders will meet at the Rock and Roll Diner in Oceano for an afternoon of entertainment and fun, beginning with an appearance by a United States Air Force Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem. Performances by Rubber Side Down, Tiny Television and The Blessings will follow and there will be a bike contest and other activities, as well as vendors and food.



The riders will meet at the pier at Pismo Beach 9:30 a.m. Sept. 19 for the photograph.



Anyone is welcome to participate in the events or just show up for the photo. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Optimist Youth Homes, James Cornell Fund and Association of Amputee Surfers. Visit http://pismobeachmotorcycleclassic.com/

THANKS RICK FOR THE ARTICLE LINK

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