During this years 22nd annual Lake O’ The Pines
rally, it was my extreme pleasure to recognize one of our original
club members. Joe Edwards aka “Dr. Norton” was awarded a “Life Time
Membership” to the NTNOA. Dr. Norton holds the proud designation of
being member number one in our club. Besides being one of the
founding members, Dr. Norton has faithfully attended almost all of
our LOP rallys. Traveling many times from as far away as California
and the last couple of years all the way from Washington State.
Joe has also been instrumental in providing the T-Shirts for our
rallies as well as collecting door prizes from many out of state
supporters/dealers.
God speed Dr. Norton and we’ll see you again next year!
Captain Commando
2006 Lake O' the Pines Rallye Recap
by Dean Baker
This year’s Lake O’ the Pines rallye, by all
accounts, will go down as one of the best events in the
association’s history. The 22nd annual rallye enjoyed record
attendance, outstanding weather, arguably the best collection of
motorcycles this side of the Barber museum and the fastest man on
two wheels for the Grand Marshal. It was a recipe for success, and
the ingredients delivered.
Following previous years’ honorees that include David Edwards, T.C.
Christenson and Ed Mabry, this year’s Grand Marshal was Sam Wheeler,
accompanied by his wife Carol. Sam has a long affiliation with
Norton: Not only was he employed by Norton during the ‘70s, Sam
holds the speed record for a single engine Norton streamliner at 208
mph. That machine is currently undergoing restoration at Keith
Martin’s RPM Cycle. More recently, Sam’s Kawasaki powered E-Z-Hook
Streamliner clocked a one way pass of 355.303 mph at the 2006 BUB
International Speed Trials at Bonneville. Unfortunately, failure of
the front tire during the run made a follow up run impossible.
During the rallye’s awards ceremony Sam held the crowd spellbound as
he spoke of his career and described what it is like to have a front
tire come apart in excess of 300 mph. Later to everyone’s amazement,
(particularly his own), Sam won the 1972 Norton Commando raffle
bike. Electing to concentrate his efforts on the E-Z-Hook
Streamliner rather than restoring the Norton, Sam agreed to sell the
bike back to the club. Look for the Commando to be raffled off again
next year. Being owned, albeit briefly, by Sam Wheeler makes the
Norton even more desirable!
We have become accustomed to having a remarkable collection of
classic motorcycles at our rallye, and this year was no exception.
Under a cloudless sky nearly 500 participants and spectators were
treated to the finest in vintage European motorcycles, with an
exceptional sampling of American and Pacific Rim machines rounding
out the display. After the People’s Choice balloting was completed,
some of those bikes went on to the field events. There they revealed
the beasts within the beauties as they vied for honors in cold
start, ride the plank and slow-ride competitions.
Putting on an event like this requires months of preparation.
Planning for this year’s rallye began a few weeks after last year’s
rallye ended. During the past several months a small group of
dedicated volunteers spent countless hours in preparation, and then
devoted the majority of their weekend to ensuring a successful
event. Club President Clay Walley, VP Dave (JCFR) Edinger, and
Rallye Chairman Dennis Tackett seemed to be everywhere at once and
were tireless in their efforts. The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
team handled registration, entry control and t-shirt sales. Paid
attendance was 447 participants and guests. Our annual dues are very
low, and LOP profits provide the vast majority of the club’s working
capital for the year. Although it will be a tough act to follow, the
hard work and dedication of these volunteers and the unqualified
success of the 2006 rallye have laid the groundwork for the 23rd LOP
Rallye in 2007. Preparations have already begun. We hope to see you
there.
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