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“I knew them damn things would kill me,” the 85-year-old said with a wry smile.
Thirty-eight years and a million miles later, Smyth has yet to fulfill that prophecy. Along the way, he’s developed quite a love for the open road.
“I’m making up for lost time,” Smyth said.
Smyth says he’s the oldest registered member of the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club. His passion for the Italian motorcycle brand brought him 1,010 miles from Pittsburg, Okla., to Houston on Thursday for the club’s national rally.
More than 200 bikers had registered Thursday for the rally, which runs through Saturday at the Money Creek Campground. The itinerary features group rides through the bluffs of southeastern Minnesota.
A variant on a standard group ride is called a “poker run,” where participants are given trivia questions about surrounding towns. They have until Saturday evening to track down the answers, which they can redeem for prizes.
The Italian bikes are known for their reliability and durability, according to enthusiasts. Moto Guzzis are notable for their transverse-mounted V-twin engines, a design devotees say prevents overheating.
The motorcycles inspire a small but devoted following that’s like a “cult,” said John Finn, a Winona resident and Moto Guzzi owner.
Finn, who’s attended previous rallies, said they’re a great opportunity to swap advice about buying and maintaining the bikes. Many enthusiasts share their knowledge over the Internet, then use the rallies as a way to connect in person with others across the country, he said.
Don’t expect to find a campground full of boisterous, leather-clad bikers.
Organizer Earl Cleven said the “low-key” tone of the gathering doesn’t sync with popular images of biker blowouts like the annual rally in Sturgis, S.D.
“It’s a family atmosphere,” Cleven said. “There’s no racing around, no wet T-shirt contests or anything like that.”
“There’s a lot of mirth and merriment at the expense of Harley riders,” Finn said.
Cleven and other attendees said fellowship is the ultimate goal of the event.
“If you ask anybody here, they’d say they come here for the people,” Cleven said.
Smyth said in his life experience, which includes serving in World War II, he’s never found greater camaraderie than at motorcycle rallies.
“I’ve met more nice people riding motorcycles than I ever had in my entire life,” he said.
Linda Mikkelsen, Glyndon, MN wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:27 PM: