~ 39th Annual IMOC Rally ~
Steven Rossi
(Photo’s by Steve Cote)
The 39th Annual IMOC Rally may not have been as mysterious as Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps feature film, but it was certainly just as enjoyable. And memorable, too. Orson Welles deemed that the movie was a masterpiece, and judging by this year’s attendance, Rally-goers obviously thought likewise about the Meet.
Because we were able to write a nice, four-figure Check to charity…as has long been IMOC tradition. In support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.).
The IMOC Rally is America’s biggest and longest-running all Italian bike meet. As usual, the field was awash with Ducati’s and Moto Guzzi’s. But that didn’t stop a trio of Laverda’s and a pair of Morini’s from sparring among each other for Class win honors. Moto Guzzi Singles were the featured motorcycle.
And when was the last time you stumbled across an original Gilera Saturno 500 Sport? Or Italjet Racer?? It’s no wonder that they say…“you’ll see anything and everything at the IMOC Rally!”
Once again, the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club rose to the occasion in support of our annual soiree. The Sturbridge, Massachusetts grounds were fluffed and buffed, Hamilton Pond was idyllic, and the food service was running in its always flavorful fashion. Meanwhile, Mother Nature was on her best behavior…thank you, thank you!
Judging was done again by participants, primarily. The two Moto Guzzi and Ducati bookend groups were scrutinized via People’s Choice ballots. As was the overall Best-in-Show. The additional smaller categories were class judged. The thrill of victory ended up as follows:
Best Aprilia Dennis Fitzpatrick Tuono
Best Etceterini Phil Turkington 1966 Italjet
Best Laverda John Lane 1984 RGS 1000
Best Morini Peter Van Bursen 1986 350 K2
Best MV Augusta Darin Perry 2016 Turismo Veloce
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People’s Choice Ducati Steve D’Angelo 1959 200 Elite
People’s Choice Moto Guzzi Mike Peavey 1957 Falcone
Best Moto Guzzi Single Frank Lineberry Lodola
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Overall People’s Choice Lou Frazier Laverda 1200
Per an Alfred Hitchcock plot twist, hang on for another spellbinding sequel. The 40th Annual IMOC Rally (!) will roll ‘em on September 14, 2025…at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, as usual. The featured motorcycle will be Italian racebikes…in honor of their critical contribution to legendary Italian motorcycle mystique.
On its release, The New Yorker deemed that The 39 Steps was full of “speed, suspense and surprises…” Just like our 39th Annual IMOC Rally…
