The Return of The Quail
Shuttered for two years due to the pandemic, the amazing Quail Motorcycle Gathering is set for a dramatic comeback in May
April 20, 2022
By Mitch Boehm
Photos courtesy of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering
Of the many cancellations and postponements in motorcycling thanks to the pandemic, the two-year hiatus forced upon the annual Quail Motorcycling Gathering in Carmel, Calif., was one of the most missed.
And that’s understandable when you consider the venue, the subject matter and the extraordinarily hospitable folks who run the Quail. You’ve got the legendary Carmel Valley, which features some of the world’s finest weather and geography; you’ve got hundreds of motorcycling’s most legendary machines on display at a truly beautiful venue — the Quail Lodge and Golf Club; and then there’s all the ancillary stuff — the local brews and wines, the gourmet lunch options, and even a family friendly kid’s area to keep the little ones smiling.
It’s pretty hard to beat, though many have wished the one-day event was spread out over an entire weekend. We’re certainly in that camp.
This year’s event on May 14 promises to be extra special, with all the normal classes — including American, British, Italian, Japanese, Competition On- and Off-Road, Antique, Custom Modified, Choppers and also a Bicycles and Scooters class — in addition to special displays on Harley-Davidson’s XR750, BMW’s 5-Series, Two-Strokes and Mini Bikes.
“The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is all about having an amazing experience,” says Quail founder and point man Gordon McCall, who got into motorcycles at the age of 14 when he secretly bought a Honda CL90 against his mother’s wishes — which he rode and kept hidden until he got his license two years later. “Peninsula Hotels and Peninsula Events, who I’ve partnered with for the Quail, specialize in hospitality, and they do it well, which is why the only people who have negative things to say about the event are the people who haven’t been here!”
“Traditionally,” he added, “motorcyclists are used to security people telling them ‘You can’t park here.’ Well, at the Quail, you can park here. You can eat delicious food. You can check your jacket and helmet. And you can — and will — have an amazing day looking at and talking about the world’s great motorcycles and motorcyclists.”
And he’s right — as the 3000-plus people who attended the 11th-annual Quail gathering in 2019 will gladly tell you.
We’re gonna be there in May, and you should come, too. And if you do, come say hello.
Learn more at www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events/events/motorcycle. AMA members receive $5.00 off Admission Only and Children Tickets at Festival Ticketing with the promo code QL22AMA.
