Howdy Lone Stars,

 Lots of action at the Vincent International in Ventura!

 On Tuesday 12th, the group rode from the hotel to see the collection of Daniel Schoenewald then over the mountains to Ojai! Wonderful roads through the orange orchards in the valley then up over the mountains with some spectacular scenery. We came back by a different route including about 15 miles along the 101 at the coast. A great ride of just about 100 miles and everyone made it back safely. I got some video of the group leaving the hotel, riding into see the Schoenewald collection, and riding up over the mountains. Here’s a link: https://rumble.com/v3hmai2-vincent-international-ride-to-ojai-september-12-2023.html

 Yesterday (Wednesday 13th) we got the special treat of a visit to Jay Leno’s garage. All the Southern California members abstained, to give the visitors a chance to go! Thanks guys! The SoCal guys have been great hosts all the way around.

 The tour took us through all the rooms of the amazing collection of vehicles from every country and decade. Jay showed up about an hour into the tour and took over the show. When Jay walked in, we were standing next to a 1920’s grand prix Mercedes Benz with the hood cowl off showing the massive brass jacketed 6 cylinder with exposed valve gear. He jumped into the history of the racer and it’s restoration, then paused to say “want to hear it run?”  What a symphony of open pipes echoing off the walls! He then led us to the bike section and told us the stories of each of his 8 or 10 Vincents and answered all of our questions. Next, he had them open up the workshop and steam engine room, which is usually off limits to tours. Wow! We got to see some of the restorations in progress, including his Indian sidecar that was damaged in his accident last June. Lastly he turned on the lights to a back storage room that held his 1899 steam engine fire truck. What a work of art. Thanks Jay and team for sharing this special collection and to the SoCal folks for setting it up!

Photos from Lon McCroskey. Top is Lon with Phillip Day-Vincent and a Vincent Firefly

At Jay Leno's Garage



At the Schoenewald Collection. Row of Kawasakis


Jay explaining how his steam car works


 

 

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