The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine is the host to motorcycle event supporting Veterans’ charity
Motorcycles are more than a mode of transportation on Florida’s Historic Coast – they’re a way of life. The smooth roads that hug the ocean and the fresh breezes make it the perfect place to explore on two wheels. The Riding into History™ antique motorcycle event embraces this joie de vivre by featuring the most stunning bikes of yesteryear. Now in its 24th year, Riding into History™ is on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th, with Saturday’s Concours d’Elegance at its new home – the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 Dixie Highway South, St. Augustine. The theme of this year’s event is Chasing the Rising Sun featuring Japanese motorcycles.
The Riding into History™ event kicks off on Friday, April 19th, with the Grand Marshal Tour and Banquet featuring the 2024 Grand Marshal, Henry DeGouw. DeGouw had a long and successful career as a motorcycle road racer, race team manager, and promotor, beginning in 1964. He raced in the AMA Expert Formula 1 National Championship Series on the Yamaha TZ750, scoring several top-ten finishes and securing several championship wins. He promoted races throughout Florida and managed race teams competing in international championships. He was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and his beloved 1977 Yamaha TZ750D is on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. He has also been honored with a plaque at the Daytona 200 Monument.
The Friday Grand Marshal Tour is for Concours antique motorbike entrants only. The afternoon ride with the Grand Marshal through the backroads of Florida’s Historic Coast is followed by the Grand Marshal Banquet at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.
On Saturday, April 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors can get up close and personal with over 300 antique and vintage motorbikes at the Riding into History™ Motorcycle Concours at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine. All bikes are at least 35 years old, with exceptions being made for significant or limited edition later-year models and those of historical interest. There will be exhibitors, dealers, food, entertainment, and curated exhibitions on site. Spectator tickets are $15 at the door, or two tickets for $25 online.
With its new location at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, the Riding into History™ Concours d’Elegance is closer to the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine. The Classic Car Museum is a 30,000-square-foot special events space, museum, and classic car storage facility. Its museum showroom is packed with everything from classic cars dating back to the 1800s to modern-day supercars.
Awards in multiple classes will be presented at 3 p.m. Children ages 8 to 16 can explore their love of motorcycles by signing up for the Motorcycle Youth Judging Program. Young motorcycle enthusiasts will receive entrance to the Concours d’Elegance, easy-to-understand training, and a goodie bag. Parents can expect judging to take approximately one hour. The program is free!
Proceeds from the Riding into History™ Concours d’Elegance benefit their longtime charity partner, K9s for Warriors. Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.
Tickets to all Riding into History™ events are available to purchase in advance at ridingintohistory.org.
There are plenty of backroads, beaches, and historic landscapes to explore. Visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com to plan the perfect visit to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @ViajaStAugustine @FloridasHistoricCoast; Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine and Facebook.com/ViajaStAugustine; and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast.
