[PAAirheads] Dave Roper Plans to Attend Our Moto Giro

[Todd Trumbore]

Motorcycle Folk Hero Dave Roper Plans to Attend Pennsylvania Moto Giro

My friend Walter and I spent the day Sunday at Sturbridge MA. attending the IMOC’s 35th Annual All Italian Motorbike Owners Club show and meet.  The featured marque this year, was Laverda and I have an early American Eagle 750 GT that needs parts for my restoration.  The weather was sunny and warm, maybe even too warm, the show/meet was fairly well attended, although parts vendors were in short supply, but we did meet some colorful characters.  

One such acquaintance was a fellow who goes by the name Lou Rocket, a friendly fellow who lives in NYC and owns the same vintage American Eagle Laverda as I.  He wanted to know why I would buy such a bike, where I found the bike, and if I was interested in selling my bike. I told Lou I intend to ride the bike once I restore it. 

Well, in case you didn’t know, Evil Knievel rode an American Eagle 750 for a year or so, before Harley stepped in to supply him with bikes and paid him a salary.  Lou was friends with Evil and he happens to be a stunt jumping rider himself. 

Another fellow we met was Dave Roper, from Team Obsolete, the only American racer to win the prestigious Isle of Man TT, riding in the senior class on a Matchless G50, the year was 1984. Dave is quite an interesting guy and very cordial. We were talking about the show/meet  and all types of motorbikes and I brought up the subject of Moto Giro.  Dave happens to also compete in Moto Giro and knows all about the event, so he filled us in on some fascinating and valuable information.  Dave who lives in Hicksville, Long Island, NY, said if I held the event he would be happy to attend along with some of his Moto Giro riding buddies.  I was honored. 

So, for the moment, I will start to plan a one day Moto Giro, with three maybe four classes up to 305cc for next year, say....late May early June.  I will provide vests, numbers, lunch, etc.  Format will be:  Obstacle course, then a ride, break for lunch, followed by another obstacle course and ride.

If you don’t have a small displacement bike up to 305cc and prior to and including 1969 and you wish to complete, what are you waiting for?

More about Dave Roper, IOM victory, Moto Giro, Documentary:

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/motogiro-america-classic-motorcycle-rally

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-motorcycle-events/dave-roper-1984-isle-of-man

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2018/06/27/new-documentary-hopes-to-tell-the-story-of-americas-first-isle-of-man-tt-winner-dave-roper/



Hope to hear from all you Moto Giro riders.

Regards,
Todd Trumbore
motorrader at verizon.net