International Motorcycle Show, New York City
Vintage Garage Area, December 6-9, 2019
On Sunday, late on the final day of the weekend show, a woman and her 16-year-old daughter crept up to the table of the Miss-Fires with a look of puzzlement on their faces. Since the only Miss-Fires "manning" the table at the time were myself and Marco, I took the lead and offered, "We're the Miss-Fires, an all-female motorcycle riding group. How can I help you?" (Yes, I was the self-appointed "Mysti-Fire.")
Well it was kinda true. It was through the generosity of the Brooklyn Miss-Fires that a half-dozen standing pissers like us got to display their vintage bikes (30 years or older) on the floor of the Jacob Javits Center under the Vintage Garage banner. Joining us was MotorGrrl (also hailing from Brooklyn), and two vintage racing groups; USCRA (United States Classic Racing Association), and AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association).
With the graying of motorcycle riders in general, it's good to see so many young women getting into the sport. A gold star to the IMS organizers for reaching out to them. Also the Kids Zone and the New Riders Course attractions were well-aimed at hooking new riders into motoring on two wheels. Demerits go to the Javits Center, who still can't seem to manage the flow of exhibitors onto the floor. And don't get me started on the $8 soft pretzels.
