Davenport-2009


	Four Winner’s Circle Awards for K and G Cycles in Davenport, Iowa

Each year in August, I find myself running around like my hair is on fire. I suddenly realize that I have less than a month until the AMCA Nationals held by the Chief Blackhawk chapter in Davenport, IA. I have to get the bikes ready, the trailer packed, the parts sorted and the motorhome cleaned. I love every minute of it because Davenport is, in my opinion, the best of all the shows -- including Rhinebeck. It is the right size, at the right time, and in the right place. Not to disappoint, the weather was perfect this year and the meet was a total blast.

Over 900 vendors made the show and everyone had a little bit of everything. We walked until our feet gave out and still did not see every vendor over the three-day meet. Nonetheless, we had plenty of time to visit with all of our old friends, sell some parts, watch the antique bike races on Friday night, and consume large quantities of food and alcohol. (Just remember, there is food value in alcohol but there is no alcohol value in food).

Anyway, we saw just about every kind of vintage motorcycle that you could


	imagine. Indians, Crockers, BMWs, Hendersons, and lots of Harleys. Over 75 bikes were placed in the field for judging and K and G Cycles had four 1965 Panheads in there, as well.. Our original paint 65 -- Gracie -- sat proudly in the Winner's Circle waiting for the other three to join her. The three remaining 65's had to pass the

critical eyes of expert judges and score over 95 points to pass from Senior class to the Winner's Circle. To keep my mind on something else, I helped judge some bikes under the watchful eye of Senior Judge, Don Spence. He kept me focused and I almost forgot about our bikes until the judging was over.

When all was said and done, my name got called by the Chief Judge, Kevin Valentine, to come forward and accept our four Winner's Circle awards. Each of the three that were judged scored in excess of 97 points which says that the judges liked what

they saw. K and G now has four 1965 Panheads in the Winner's Circle and two more at our Florida shop ready for judging. Nothing like owning a half dozen 1965 Panheads. Folks passing by say it looks like a dealer show room.

We always set up in the same spot so customers will be able to easily find us. Kyle doesn't mind posing for a picture but generally threatens to sell everything for $1.00 if I leave her alone too long. Our parts display is modest compared to many of the veteran vendors but many of the attendees know we are the first stop for Panhead parts -- especially 1965 Panhead parts.

It was over before I knew it and we were heading home. Next year, we will do it all over again and I can't wait. Davenport is truly one of a kind.

George M. Marakas
www.kandgcycles.com