It's often said that big things come in small packages…and that includes fun, too. Judging by the twenty enthusiasts that assembled at the home of yours' truly in East Haddam, Connecticut on Sunday, May 30 to ride and regale aboard small-bore bikes…the age, old adage still very much holds true. Specifically…when you're riding bikes built before 1969, and being below 305cc.

This year's Tiddler Tour (TT) made its way North out of the village of East Haddam, appropriately enough…along 70-something miles of small, two-lane twisties…and provided commanding views of the Connecticut River, the Hartford skyline and the idyllic, Connecticut countryside. Both paved and dirt sections rounded out the ride, while the $5 foot-longs at the East Glastonbury Subway lunch stop helped round-out the riders.

The TT was a joint effort of the Connecticut-Rhode Island MGNOC and the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC). Ten motociclista moto-ed along on Italian-made motocicletta, six more flew the Japanese flag and two more upheld the honor of Spain. The chase bike was a lone, German entry.

The weather proved to be spectacular, and the roads we rode were well off the beaten path, and thus, away from the Memorial Day Parade routes. So this Moto Giro-inspired event was both easygoing and uninterrupted. As always, there was no scoring or timing…or, entry fee.

No surprise, the most popular mount was Moto Guzzi with three Airones (John Harris, Dave Roper and Bill Burke), along with a Lodola, owned by Mike Peavey. As the organizer of the event, I enjoyed the luxury (?) of being the meethead (??) and stretched the rules…since my 124cc Gilera 5V project (which replaced my 98cc Moto Guzzi Zigolo, that's now out in Illinois) is still in pieces…and pressed my 500cc Nuovo Falcone into service. No harm, no foul…since it's really only a 40 mile-per-hour machine, anyway!

As usual, an Aermacchi was on hand with Harry Elliott's exquisite 1967 Harley Davidson Sprint H. Paul White represented “Wards Wheeled Products” with his original, unrestored 1966 (Benelli) Riverside 125. Bikes from Bologna included a '64 Ducati 160 (Jack Cole), a 1965 Ducati 125 Bronco (Mark Young) and a 250cc Moto Morini (Victor Politzi), which was ridden in from New York.

Rounding out the field were a pair of Doug Roper's Bridgestone two-strokes (175 and 200). And two Bultacos also helped keep the flies away. Ken McGuire's Metralla and John Parkes' Streaker.

After blowing by the house first thing in the morning, Beth Braun arrived a little later on her 1964 Honda CB72. Other oriental entries included Dale Hoyt's Honda 160 and Scott Reichart's Honda CB 125 S, along with a Honda 175.

In the inevitable struggle between “go” and “whoa”, one rider ran out of gas while another broke a brake cable. Beyond that, all the Tiddlers toured without incident….including those sections where there was a decent amount of dirt. And we even survived Dave Roper and Mike Peavey's dust in the wilds of Mashomasic State Forest.

Other bikes of note that were brought along, but not ridden, included a Moto Guzzi Zigolo and a Honda 50. But the highlight that was wheeled out of a van for all to admire and enjoy, had to be…Dave Roper's 1947 Moto Guzzi Dondolino racer!

At the end of the day…while we were all sipping on soft drinks and iced teas…Dave treated us with even better refreshment. He fired up his newly-acquired, piece of Moto Guzzi history and blasted around a bit!

It's not everyday that you have a Dondolino in your driveway, and no doubt…having such a great Guzzi before you would cause anyone to do a double-take, with its exposed valve springs, open exhaust and miscellaneous magnesium bits. But so it goes with the Tiddler Tour…take two.

A special thanks to all the tourists who tiddled. In addition to those from Connecticut, riders from Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey also took part. Tiddler Tours may be for small bikes but they're big fun!