Texas Fandango 2021 - The best vintage motorcycle event in Texas?
Texas saw its first big motorcycle event of the season this past month, and it was a show you will be bummed you missed. Texas Fandango’s second annual show went off without a hitch, and here’s everything you need to know about this up and coming show…
Jason Ochoa's S&S Knucklehead shining bright in the Texas Sun
Texas Vintage Motorcycle Fandango for any vintage motorcycle enthusiast
Taking place at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, just a little ways outside Austin, in Fredericksburg, in the beautiful hill country of Southern Texas, this vintage motorcycle show has a little bit of everything. Excitement filled the air, as everyone was of course, anxious to get back to “the good ol’ times” - and by that, I mean, pre-2020. Everyone was in a great mood, and happy to be out in the open, enjoying motorcycles, beers, and fair food once again.
Stoked to be at a show and showing off this rad Sportster Chop!
A vintage swap meet, vintage bike show
As you walk in the front gates, a vast expanse of grass lot hosted a good, old fashioned motorcycle swap meet. Everything from entire motorcycles, to bits and pieces of bikes of all years could be found to buy. Everything from flatheads to Evos, Triumphs to Hondas, and everything in between could be had for decent prices. Some friends even made some wild purchases, including a Triumph chop and a Honda ATC 3-wheeler.
Old vintage machines hiding out inside one of the main buildings.
Just beyond the swap meet lies the bike show building, hosting some of the most unique bikes there was to see. Classic H-D Servicars, vintage Indians, and more lined the building, some in original condition, and some concours restorations. Steve Klein, a motorcycle collector with a truly impressive collection, brought out some of his most unique and rare bikes to show, along with countless other collectors. In this building, there was even a couple learning opportunities, in a couple demonstrations put on to teach you more about motorcycles.
'Chopper Corral' Chopper Show
Danger Dan's Shovelhead chop rocking a set of Bates Baja Tires.
Next up to check out was the Chopper Corral, hosted by the Cheap Thrill, Chemical Candy and Lucky 7 crews. Here, choppers of all sorts lined the corral, with a little bit of everything to check out. Of course, Harley-Davidsons are the primary chop seen here, but a few Triumphs and vintage Japanese bikes could be spotted, too. The usual suspects of Texas, like the infamous Danger Dan, made an appearance too.
Check out them flames!
Vendors lined the arena, with a wide variety of products for sale. Cheap Thrills of course sold their popular shirts, while brands like MotoStuka and Land of Distraction set up shop selling gloves and apparel. Grant from Born-Free even came out to hang and sell some of his incredible stash of motorcycle parts.
Vintage Races: Flat Track, Dirt Drags and Mini Bikes
Run what ya brung mentality in the dirt.
Racing is also a huge part of the Fandango festivities. Xtreem Flat Track ran the big track, hosting all sorts of classes on a track just inside the main horse track. Flat track motorcycle racing fans lined the bleachers, taking full advantage of the cool shade and taking a break from the warm Texas sun.
Yeeehaw, minibikes on a mini course!
Up front, mini bike racing and chopper drags entertained the crowd between flat track bouts. A variety of mini bikes raced around a small track marked off with cones, and as always, hilarity ensued.
Anything goes when it comes to racing choppers at the Texas vintage motorcycle Fandango.
Next up was the chopper drags, making for a wild race, as choppers tend to not perform so well on the soft dirt track intended for horse races. Two by two, choppers went full throttle down the track as the green flag dropped.
Little dude getting his pedal on!
All in all, Fandango offered up a welcome respite from the daily life of the last year, and a welcome introduction to Texas motorcycle events beginning to happen again. Everyone was overjoyed to be back out on the road, and enjoying the main reason we’re all here - motorcycles!
This is one sick Panhead.
Oh, and if you roll down next year, be sure to find out where along the river everyone will be hitting after the show, because the party doesn’t end when the show ends...
B-side of another beautiful Panhead.
Photos and words by: Savannah Rose
Little open primary repair work in the Texas Sun.
For more information visit The Texas Fandango website!
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