Lake Erie Loop? Motogiro? Vintage rally racing?

So, my buddy Doug has been talking about the Lake Erie Loop for years (he won the first one) and, this year, I think I'm in if I can find a bike *small* enough. (I'm looking for a 70's 200cc Honda or something similar, BTW.)

The Lake Erie Loop sounds crazy, ridiculous even. It's a 650 mile, one day race around Lake Erie on vintage bikes 200cc and smaller. Nuts, right? And from what I hear, cafe-style bikes have become increasingly popular "Loopers." Here is part one of a great short documentary about the race:

[youtube=425,350]bM5RLp9W_Y4[/youtube]

What's great is that it's a race. The bikes are such small displacement that people actually ride WFO all the way around the lake. The money raised goes to charity and it sounds like a fantastic time all around along with one hell of an engineering challenge.

So, as I have been looking for info on similar races for small displacement bikes I came across Motogiro racing (http://www.motogiro-usa.com/). Has anyone ever heard of this or done something similar? It sounds perfect for fans of old bikes and racing.

Team Do the Ton?

Im willing to help out. Let me know what the plan is.

VonYinzer said:

Im willing to help out. Let me know what the plan is.

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Nice! The plan right now: find a bike.

Then, I wonder if we can drum up some sponsors.

The more i think about this, the more i like the idea.... Just wish there was a 350 class!

VonYinzer said:

The more i think about this, the more i like the idea.... Just wish there was a 350 class!

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Well, there is a "tourist" class that doesn't race, but participates in the event. I was going to ride my 360, but got talked into doing it all the way. A little 200cc cafe is just what the doctor ordered.

Here is the link to the LEL Yahoo! group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lakeerieloop/

Looks like the next one is June 11-13, 2010!

And i love the fact that at one point in the second part, they break into a steelers vs. browns tirade! STEELER NATION is everywhere!

If you find a bike, ill get some sponsors.

that sounds awesome!!!
i'd be willing to help out.. let me know what you need help with

this sounds awesome. Its really cool that its limited to 200cc's cuz youre able to have a race on open roads and not have to worry about the speed limit.

I spoke to my man Doug (who I keep telling to get on here. he's like some kind of VJ bike witch doctor.) and he just picked up two CB160's for $160 bucks and, being the generous guy that he is, offered me one for the loop. ;D I just need an engine. :-\

Otherwise, I'm still keeping up the search for a running bike. It's part of the fun.

Oh, apparently cafe's are the bikes of choice for quite a few of the loopers. Check out some of this pics on the Yahoo! group:
(http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lakeerieloop/)

I hope "Crazy" Ken doesn't mind me re-posting this one here:




Does this strike anyone else as a ridiculous Top Gear style challenge? All engineering and gumption with a bit of "how hard can it be?" thrown in! Balancing fuel mileage with speed? Chase vehicles? Radios?

It's the age of the geek, baby.

That sounds like a blast!

Theres a killer cl175 on sale here on the board. PM'd you the link.

Make any headway on the bike front yet?