To list an event on this calendar requires that VJMC have a presence at the event. Presence is defined as VJMC having a booth where the Club is promoted and Membership recruiting takes place.
Since this ride occurs after Thanksgiving (November 30th) it has been appropriately named “Run from the Turkey. The ride will start from the home of Peter and Julie Slatcoff located at 2024 Tupelo Ct, Panama City, FL 32405. We will ride some minimally traveled roads to Apalachee restaurant in Bristol Florida (54 mi) for breakfast. From there the ride will continue to Wakulla Springs State Park (46 mi) where we will enjoy a boat ride in search of the Manatees and other wild life. Then based on consensus of the group we will ride an alternative route back to Panama City (110 mi).
Meet at 8:00 am
Kick stands up at 8:30 am
20th Anniversary – VJMC Florida Christmas Ride
December 14th – VJMC celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Florida Christmas Ride – a true VJMC legacy event.
Event History
Looking back, I still remember receiving the letters from Bill Granade announcing the rides along with the details of when, where and the time for “kick stands up”. Over the years the starting locations included – Clermont, Brooksville, Crystal River, etc. These rides would not have happened without a variety of members who unselfishly gave their time to organize the ride routes and then lead the group that varied is size from a few and in later years was a 100 or more riders. We also note that they were not all members. Although over time we captured a few of them. So, kudos to the likes of Paul Enz, Bill Granade, Norm Smith, Bob Frey and others whose names have slipped my memory.
Twenty years later and for 2019, the VJMC Florida Christmas Ride will begin at the Ocala Hilton Hotel in Ocala, Florida and the ride Captain will be David Hammer riding his venerable 1979 CBX. David has had the details of this ride adventure for some time and he has assured me that it will not only be a lot of fun. But memorable as well!
So in the spirit of Christmas, David and I would like to personally invite you to join us in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the legacy of the VJMC’s Florida Christmas Ride.
Location: Hilton Ocala — 3600 Southwest 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
Gathering Point: In the rear of the Hotel
Time: 9:30am
Kickstands Up: 11:00am or as soon as everyone signs a ride waiver.
Vendors are officially open for sales to public Friday and Saturday: 8am – 6pm
Admission to VMA swap meet vending areas FREE to the public
Security provided by the lake county Sheriff’s Department
Entire vending area is encircled with chain link fence topped by barb-wire and secure gates that are locked from 11 pm to 7am daily
Food and drink concessions will be centrally stationed on the midway
ADA accessible lavatory facilities are located in the main exposition building
ATM machines will be available
Portalets will be located in convenient areas
VJMC will have a booth at Riding into History. We will also be supporting the Grand Marshal Dinner at the ticket registration table. If you would like to help the team contact Peter Slatcoff at events@vjmc.or
Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty
Riding Into History Concours entrants are invited to participate in the Grand Marshal Tour presented by Hagerty. Ride your vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida to this delicious destination along with our 2020 Grand Marshal. If your motorcycle has been accepted by the concours committee and the ride has not been sold out, you will be sent instructions on how to register. Must be 21 or older. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Grand Marshals Dinner
Friday, April 24, 2020, 6:00pm. A rare chance to visit with and hear our Grand Marshal speak of his experiences with vintage motorcycles. Please register early to enjoy the beautiful venue of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall. You don’t want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Riding into History Concours d’Elegance
Saturday, April 25, 2020, 10:00am-4:00pm. The Councours d’Elegance is again held at the WGV. As always, no entry fee for qualified motorcycles, great gifts and outstanding awards. All proceeds to benefit K9s for Warriors.
42nd VJMC National Rally.
Save the date: June 25-28, 2020
More details and link for registration site coming soon.
VJMC North East Rally
Save the Date: July 30 – August 3, 2020
VJMC – North American Vintage Yamaha Rally – Celebrating 50th Anniversary of the Yamaha 650
The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of North America would like to invite all our members and friends to join us Labor Day weekend, September 4 to 7, 2020 at the Copperhead Lodge Motorcycle Resort for the VJMC Vintage Yamaha Rally. The theme of our Rally is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Yamaha 650.
Host Rally Headquarters is the Copperhead Lodge. To register for lodging use the group code “VJMC”. Registrants will receive a 10% discount for all reservations booked prior to May 30, 2020. Call the Copperhead Lodge direct for reservations and group rate.
Registered Attendees: Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of motorcycle they ride
RALLY REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2019
Please keep in mind that you must be registered for the Rally prior to booking your lodging. Due to this being a holiday weekend (Labor Day) the Copperhead Lodge requires a two-night minimum reservation (Saturday and Sunday). Thank you for understanding.
HOST LODGING
Copperhead Lodge
171 Copperhead Parkway
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
Telephone: (706) 835-7433
Motorcycle Show
This will be a Yamaha only bike show commemorating 50 years of the Yamaha 650. The show classes are listed below. The bikes will be on display throughout the Rally.
The show will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Registration and check in will close at 11:30am, judging will be from 12:00noon until 3:00pm and presentation of awards will follow shortly after.
The parking area in front of the lodge will be blocked off exclusively for the bike show – please do not park in this area. There is adequate bike parking in the lot above the show area and around the Lodge. You must be registered for the event to place an entry in the bike show.
Honda Motorcycle Show Categories
• Best in Class 1950’s
• Best in Class 1960’s
• Best in Class 1970’s
• Best in Class 1980’s
• Best in Class 1990’s
• Best in Class 2000-2019
• Best XS-650
• Best TX-650
• Lowest Serial Number 650
• Yamaha 650 Ridden the farthest
• Merit Awards – Determined by VJMC panel
We look forward to see you at the VJMC – North American Vintage Yamaha Rally!
Thank you,
VJMC Event Team
More details shortly