Gone But Not Forgotten

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

ROUNDUP

Riders planning on attending that annual fall gathering known as Aspencade had better get a few more maps this year. Aspencade as it has been known is no more. It’s a victim of progress. The Chaparral, the motel in Ruidoso where Til Thompson’s annual fall outing was headquartered, is being converted into condominiums.

Aspencade grew into one of the biggest and most successful touring rallies in the country because it was held at the right time of year in the gorgeous mountain area of central New Mexico where riders could meet, relax and have a good time.

Good ideas don’t always die easy, though, and neither do good names. There will be an Aspencade in 1983, though it has no connection with the Aspencade of the last 10-or-so years. Bill Dutcher, former PR man for Harley-Davidson, is keeping the name alive, albeit a couple of thousand miles from home. Dutcher is planning his own Aspencade at Lake George, New York May 18-21. He is planning on a trade show, bike judging, hospitality rooms, cruises on the lake, seminars, a contest of some kind and the usual parade down Main Street. Information is available through Bill Dutcher, Pilot Knob, New York 12844.

Next Year’s Daytona Motorcycle Week is also due for a slight change; it will be held a week later than usual, the second week in March.