Rather than trying to explain the classes, I thought I'd show examples of each. If you have something that is at least as old as the Evo 2 class (bottom photo), there's a class for it. The age and skill divisions within those classes are pretty standard.

This AJS is a Dinosaur, but could also be raced in Vintage.

CZ (pictured) and Bultaco are popular choices in Vintage

This 78 CR250 is in the Evolution class.

This (early 80ish) Honda is in the Evolution 2 class

My results on the track were pretty underwhelming, but I’m pretty sure I was having just as much fun as the guys who won. Compared to my modern (in comparison) bike, the Puch felt like it had much less power, the power that was there was in a narrow spread, it had virtually no torque, and the brakes had me considering Fred Flinstoning it to get the bike slowed down. Jumping it actually felt good, although I’m sure it helped that I weigh about as much as the bike was designed for. The cornering was quite fun once I got used to the front end twisting around. I wasn’t quite on the pace enough to really race with anyone past the first turn, but I felt good on a few parts of the track.

One thing that I noticed was that there can be a wide variety of skill levels out at the track at the same time without a problem. If it took an extra corner or two to get a pass done clean, that’s what riders seemed to do. I didn’t catch any hint of “attitude” in the pits either, other than the usual banter of familiar competitors. (Editor - In other words, no one made fun of his poor performance, something that may have made him cry and go home. Writer – You are fired! Disclaimer Guy – Any similarity between the preceding exclamation and the catch phrase of a bad comb-over billionaire is purely coincidental).

Giving it some thought after the race, if a vintage motorcycle ever made it past the family budget committee, I’d probably opt for something bigger, like a 250 or Open bike, although with time, I may get used to the powerband of an old 125. In retrospect, this wasn’t going too far out of a limb compared to riding a modern bike. Much less frightening than my rides on the fire-breathing CR500 Hillclimber, for example.

Despite the long drives in front of many of the competitors, most stayed for the awards ceremony after the race. This is a tradition unknown to most modern MX riders, unless they are as old as the author (Editor – or as dirt). It was yet another example of the whole old-school feel of the race. So now if I could just go back in time with a brand-new YZ250. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that even that bike wouldn’t be enough of an advantage. "45-year-old Rookie tries Time Travel" sure would make a great title though.

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