Motogiro, if you please

Motogiro California blessed by real Italians

Two ‘motogiros’ will be held this summer, one knock-off in British Columbia and one authorized-by-the-Italians in California.

Motogiro BC 2008 is organized by a Kamloops, B.C., resident and more or less copies the small bike, wandering course layout of the real thing.

The real thing, of course, is the Italian race that took place right after WWII and more or less set the Italian motorcycle industry back on its racing feet. Small bikes, slow speeds, and a meandering course provided all kinds of fun and a modicum of excitement – but just after World War 2, a modicum was all they needed in Italy.

The first annual B.C. event took place last year and was won by vintage bike enthusiast Steve Snoen of Surrey, B.C.

Steve Snoen won Motogiro BC on a 250 BSA last year

Organizer Nick Jordan has set up the Canadian event to favour older (built before 1980), smaller motorcycles, like those in the original motogiros of 50 years ago.

The B.C. motogiro will take place July 5 and 6 in and around Kamloops, in the interior of B.C.. Contact Nick if you’re interested.

The U.S. event, Motogiro America, is approved by the Associazione Nazuionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori and other well-known agencies, like the Laguna Seca race course, and will cover more than 100 miles during each of its five days in July. It takes place in Monterey, Cal.

All bikes are eligible, but the focus is on older, smaller motorcycles.

Call Burt Richmond if you want in on the action.