Northwest Gathering 1999
by Ben Joy

You got to start somewhere and that's just what Ken Pliska did. The first NW Old School BMX get together was held on July 19th at Alpenrose BMX track in Portland, Oregon. While a modest event, it certainly helped to raise the awareness of Old School BMX collecting. As a matter of fact, I had hardly parked when a group of racers spotted the Yamaha Motobike hanging from the back of my truck.

Ken Pliska Realtor/Barbara Sue Seal/ Coldwell Banker Reserved a tented area near the first straight. A perfect spot for high traffic viewing. The most talked about bike was the Yamaha. If half the guys who "Think" their parents still have their Motobikes in their garages really have them, look out! The market will flood!

Bikes highlighted were Ken Pliska' R & R side hack complete with BMX Products/DeCoster frame and Graphite Tuff Wheels, JMC from his youth, DG 24 Frame from his days of Dominating the cruiser class back in the day and his Motomag Mongoose. Chuck Dobbins displayed his JMC Black Shadow complete with Camp hubs and DY bars and a Patterson Frame/Fork that has never even had cranks installed.

Jay Graves displayed his rare Suzuki Works BMX. The Frame and Fork are NOS from 1978. The Bike Gallery had purchased all of Suzuki's inventory after their short try at BMX.

Ben Joy brought his recently finished Redline Monoshock, Redline 16" Squareback, Motomag/Mongoose and Yamaha Motobike.

A shot of the bikes in my driveway before loading and heading out. Notice 2 hand made Haro plates: One form a DG California Pro (1979) and one from before plates grew up the bars! Check the green/blue and purple Mongoose stickers from Australia.

The next event is planned for August 22 at the Oregon State Championships (www.bmxnw.com) in Molalla, Oregon. It appears to be shaping up as we have many new visitors to the boards expressing an interest in attending. Come on out, enjoy and look for the Roost Logo!