Sunday, December 6, 2009

AVE LEGENDS

A moment of silence please for the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance, born into this world only 4 years ago, the love child of Jared Zaugg and Brooke Roner, visionaries and chutzpa kids, who succeeded, after 18 months labor, in creating the premier motorcycle Concours d'Elegance on the planet. The question on everyone’s mind that first year was ‘can they pull it off?’ - the answer a resounding Yes.

The best vintage, classic, custom, and racing machinery assembled from around the globe on the golf green of the Ritz-Carlton, and anyone not dulled by fumes realized something unique and special had dropped in our laps.

The subsequent two events had motorcycle heroes fly to this bright light from Everywhere: World Champions (Ago, Read…), manufacturers (Bulto, Willie G…), collectors (Leno, Barber…), film stars (MacGregor, Bullock, Fonda…), and ordinary enthusiasts, who frequently came away with an ‘I was having a beer and realized it was Bart Markel’ story. There was/is no event like it; it was all class and properly done, the bikes were absolutely top notch, the elbows to rub were legend themselves, and most of all, it was really, really fun. And will be sorely missed.

Here is the letter sent by Jared Zaugg announcing the retirement of the Legends:

"Dear Judges,
I hope this finds you and your families well.
I bear the unfortunate task of writing to tell you that Brooke and I have had to come to the decision that the Legend of theMotorcycle Concours will be no more.

In 2006 we set out to establish a one-of-a-kind experience for motorcycles and motorcyclists. This experience, the Legend of theMotorcycle Concours, elevated bikes to a level only previously associated with fine automobiles.
It was a first for motorcycles and received accolades from major media around the world. It brought together some of the greatest living personalities from all sectors of the bike world and united motorcyclists from all genres and walks of life. It inspired off-shoots and motivated
leading car shows to incorporate motorcycles into their field of entries.
Most importantly, however, it established an international precedent and positively contributed to the image of motorcycles and their incredible heritage. And none of this would have been possible without your help.
Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make Legend of the Motorcycle
legendary. It couldn't have happened without all the people who rallied
together to make it happen.

We offer our heartfelt thanks and wish you all the best. It's been a
fantastic ride!
With gratitude and appreciation,

Jared Zaugg"