34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 15-21, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com CULTURE “It’s our 15th year and we thought that we’d mix it up a bit.” That’s how Gordon McCall explains the inspiration for changes—he prefers “additions”—to the annual assembly of historic-to-modern motorcycles at The Quail. There is a new name, for starters. Formerly known as The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the event is now styled The Quail Motofest. And with that transformation comes a number of family-friendly add-ons. A year ago, there were gourmet amenities, such as local wines and fine dining fare. For 2025 the event will include games and activities for children, along with live music and a beer garden with food trucks. “It’s the idea that there is fun to be had,” says McCall, the event’s founder. “Why limit it to die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts? Maybe non-enthusiasts will become enthusiasts.” Yet two-wheelers remain at the event’s core. As in the past, there are 10 classes of machines on display. And the field will be studded with rarities, famed racers, modifieds, choppers and more—some 200 prized motorcycles, scooters and even bicycles. Featured this year will be Bimota, the Italian company known for innovative and potent custom bikes, as well as their own line. On hand as an honoree will be Troy Lee, a designer known for eye-catching gear and apparel. Lee just signed a deal with Ducati to make its machines even more appealing. Because motorcycle cool is the sum of its parts, the event is also recognizing Yoshimura, the hot performance parts manufacturer. According to McCall, when he reached out to the Japanese company, its executives were surprised—but also receptive. But there was another unexpected turn. “In getting ready for The Quail, they accidentally discovered that 2025 is their 50th anniversary,” he says. “They didn’t know it.” As always, there will be retail booths and displays. And BMW GS will be showcased at the gathering. “Most of the motorcycles you see on the street are adventure bikes; BMW invented that,” McCall points out. An adventure bike is one that can be taken off road, but is also a comfortable commuter ride. “You cannot beat an adventure bike,” he adds. The Quail Motofest takes place 10am-4pm Saturday, May 17. The Quail, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel. $70; $25/ages 13-17; free/ages 12 and under. 620-8879, peninsula.com. THE QUAIL MOTOFEST Hello Moto The newly-styled Quail Motofest features the same great bikes with a family fun-flair. By Dave Faries A 1942 Royal Enfield dressed in Royal Air Force livery on display at the 2024 event. More than 200 machines will again be on display this year. WOODYSMONTEREYAIRPORT.COM MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT 200 FRED KANE DRIVE, MONTEREY 831-373-1232 OPEN 9AM-9PM EVERY DAY DEL MESA CARMEL 500 DEL MESA CARMEL, CARMEL VALLEY 831-624-1854 OPEN WED-SUN LUNCH AND DINNER WOODY DON’T KNOW THE WHALERS WOODY KNOWS STONER FOOD FIX YOUR FIX AT WOODY’S! Can You Solve the MYSterY Before tiMe runS out? Follow the rabbit. Rob the bank. Travel through time to save the world....and many more. A 60 minute adventure, 9 rooms to choose from each with a different theme. Great for birthdays or special events. Kid friendly. All locations surrounded by great local restaurants. 4 MONTEREY LOCATIONS 765 Wave St, Ste A2 • 599 Lighthouse Ave • 700 Cannery Row Ste DD and Oscar’s Playground 685 Cannery Row (Third Floor) 831.241.6616 BOOk TODAy! Escaperoom831.com oscar’s Playground Voted Monterey County’s Best new Business ’23 8106 trunk show may 16th-18th shirting knits outerwear trousers and more! with special guest ken haruta
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