The 23rd Annual IMOC Rally
by Steven Rossi

According to the local Tourist Bureau, “the charm of Sturbridge lies in both its past and present, along with the fact that it’s in the heart of Massachusetts and in the center of everything New England has to offer.” The same can be said about the Annual Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) Rally, held on September 10 at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in…of all places…Sturbridge.

Having recently hosted its 23rd Annual event, a good part of the charm of the IMOC Rally is that it’s evolved into the oldest and longest running all-Italian gathering in America. Now, as the biggest get-together of its kind, the IMOC Rally draws participants from far and wide. Like…New York and New Jersey…up through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont…and down through Pennsylvania…and, of course, throughout all of Connecticut and Massachusetts…and beyond. Riders come from near and far, since the Rally serves as the center for all things Italian. And this year, the “charm of Sturbridge” also included…the weather.

Then, of course, there is the variety of machines. From Aermacchi and Aprilia to Vertemati (VOR) and Vespa…and everything in between. You never know what’s going to show up at the IMOC Rally.

From the very basic to the incredibly exotic, the Rod & Gun Club was once again filled to capacity. Bimota was the featured marque, and the Rimini-rockets did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, it was recognized that this was the largest gathering of Bimota bikes to ever assemble outside of Italy!

Bimota’s new U.S. importer from New York joined us as well, with an awesome exhibit of the latest and greatest under their tent.

But beside the bikes, it’s the participants who have become the real reason for the success of the IMOC Rally. Old acquaintances rekindled, new friendships formed. In total, some 400 machines and 800+ Italian motorcycle enthusiasts were on hand to enjoy the festivities. Mama mia…it was another record breaker!

Dealers turned out in droves as well, with representation from Aprilia, Bimota, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Piaggio and Vespa brands. A special thanks to all those retailers who supported the event…on their day off! Displays were set up by Carriage Motors, Marsh Motorcycle, Seacoast Sport Cycle, Sonny’s Motorcycle, SuperMoto Italia, Vespa Hartford and Wagner Motorsport.

Awards-wise, the judges are having a harder and harder time splitting hairs down on the field because so much good stuff is showing up nowadays. But after it was all said and done, a select few were recognized.

Best Aprilia was awarded to Greg Richers, for his RSVR Factory. Over in the Ducati camp, Gordon Razee went home with the Best Bevel prize for his prize-winning 1974 750 Sport. In the Belt Drive category, Bill Albanese won with his 1987 Laguna Seca while F. O’Conner and his 2001 999R was awarded 2nd Best Belt Drive.

Back in Laverda land, Jim Buglay took the hardware home with his 1982 Mirage 1200. Claude Carrier won Best Moto Morini with his 1978 3 ½, and Jeff Lawrence received the Best MV Agusta trophy with his 1977 750.

Moto Guzzi owners took home their fair share of IMOC awards, also. Best Big-Block Moto Guzzi went to Fred Bjorkland for his Eldorado, while Tom Haldudis and his LeMans III were named 2nd Best Moto Guzzi Big-Block. The Best Small-Block Moto Guzzi trophy went to Joey Smitty, for his Breva 750.

Best Bimota was awarded to Dick Nicholson and his 1995 Tesi, while R. Steinbugler received the 2nd Best Bimota trophy for his 1976 K1 Corsa. The 450 Ducati owned by Harry Elliot won Best Single.

Always a favorite class, the “Etceterini” category (for those unique machines that just don’t fit in to one of the other classes) was won by Paul Joyce and his 1977 Benelli 750 Sei. Second was awarded to Greg ??? and his Bianche Tonale, while 3rd Best Etceterini went to Frank Richardson and his 1977 Benelli 750 Sei.

Scooters have been showing up at the IMOC Rally in force, and this year was no exception. Nelson Pacheco received the Best Italian Scooter prize for his 1965 Allstate (Vespa) 125. Mark Morenz scooted home right behind with his 1964 Vespa GL coming in second.

The Highest Mileage Award for all entries at the event went to Norman Moquin’s Moto Guzzi 1000 SP, which rolled in with what was then 158,000+ on the odometer. No doubt, it’s probably more than that by now, and it sure is nice to see Norman back on two wheels. The recipient of the Longest Distance traveled trophy to the Rally went back to Maine with its Moto Guzzi V11 Sport-riding owner.

The ever-popular People’s Choice Award? Yes…that went to a Mandello-made (perhaps…some of it, anyway) machine as well. Once again, the people spoke and Steve Bolvari’s gothic Guzzi chopper outnumbered all the rest when the ballots were tallied.

Finally, perhaps one of the most meaningful moments of this year’s IMOC Rally was the giveback to charity. For the first time, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) was invited and assumed an integral role in the operation of the event…working the gate, and coordinating entries. In return, pasta-red, club-embossed parking pucks were provided for the cause, and the JDRF received all the proceeds from the sale of these IMOC items.

Thanks to all those who contributed by buying a parking puck or two. Based on the experience, the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club will connect with a charitable cause for all of its future Annual Rallies.

Beyond that, we look forward to seeing you at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge, MA on Sunday, September 9, 2007, for our 24th Annual IMOC Rally. The featured bike will be the Moto Guzzi single, so start getting those Falcones, Airones, Astores, Lodolas, Stornellos, etc., etc. juiced up and in motion now. This is one extravaganza you won’t want to miss…where the “charm of the past and present in Sturbridge” accelerates (well, perhaps in this case, “Thumps”) ahead. Watch www.imocusa.com for details.

The 23nd annual IMOC Rally was held on Sunday, September 10th, 2006 at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

For more information about IMOC, the annual rally or to receive MOTOCICLISTA, IMOC's monthly newsletter, please contact:

Bob Andren - 401.397.4253 | bobkandren@verizon.net
Steven Rossi - 860.873.2999 | sldmrossi@aol.com