Ken’s Moto Shack and Lounge
Everything is quiet now at the shack — owner Ken Hull’s name for the rustic barn behind his log home where the the Moto Hangs take place. But in early May, on a Wednesday evening, this scene will be transformed by the inclusion of dozens of motorcycles. And perhaps a few scooters.
The Moto Hang takes place on the first and third Wednesday of the month beginning on May 3, 2017.
The first event is usually at the shack. The second often takes place at a different location. Sometimes at a rider’s home. Or at a motorcycle garage or dealership. And a couple times at a local airfield where one of the riders took people for rides in his airplane.
Poster on the Wall
What is the Boalsburg Moto Hang? It’s a laid back gathering of riders and motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts who’ve found a place to talk about the things they’ve experienced and love. The conversations are wide ranging — covering diagnostic opinions from motorcycle mechanics to the pros and cons of a specific style of tire’s performance in the desert. And everything in between.
Ken Hull at the Boalsburg Moto Hang
Founder Ken Hull told me once that he just wanted to have a venue for people to get together and talk about motorcycles. Measuring with that yardstick, the Moto Hangs have been a rousing success.
Piston and Pints
A bit of history. The event was christened “Pistons and Pints” but the name evolved to Moto Hang over concerns referencing the event with alcohol. While a small fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks is in the shack, Moto Hang (and Piston and Pints) is decidedly not a drinking event. Many don’t drink at all. Some have one beer. I’ve not seen anyone while I’ve been there “drinking.” Perhaps a testament to the serious nature of the riders who attend and have probably studied enough crash research to appreciate the connection between alcohol and catastrophe.
View of the Moto Hang
Here’s a short video I made that provides a glimpse of one of the events.
I’ve invited quite a few people to the Moto Hang over the years and I’ll occasionally hear a concern that “I’m not a serious enough rider to attend.” I understand the concern of being an outsider, not fitting in, and generally avoiding opportunities as a result of my own, narrow-minded mental censor. That censor is a real SOB. Let me share a few things about the people who attend the Moto Hang.
People and Motorcycles
There is absolutely no standard, rules, requirements or group think there. It’s an eclectic group of riders comprising a rainbow of ages, gender, motorcycle brands and experience levels. You’ll see guys arrive on a 50cc Honda Mini Trail Bike and on motorcycles that can speed along at takeoff speeds for a Boeing 747. There are BMWs, Triumphs, Ducatis, Vespas, Hondas, Harleys and just about any make and model you might want to see will eventually roll up to the shack. No one has ever turned up their nose because I ride a scooter or if someone only commutes to work. There are people who have ridden around the world and those who have never been on a ride longer than 15 miles.
Riders of All Stripes
You can come to the Moto Hang. Your voice, your experience, the stories you tell are just as valuable as anyone else has to share. And perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Moto Hang — it helps transform you from a scooter or motorcycle owner into a rider. There’s inspiration in the stories you’ll hear. They have a way of broadening a person’s perspective of the road.
Motorcycles, scooters and more
So mark your calendar. May 3, 2017 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Moto Shack in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. This map below will provide specific directions to the Moto Hang. Or you can email Ken Hull directly at ken@kenhull.com for more information or to be added to the Moto Hang mailing list.
Mmm-golly! Love to try and make that, but if I do, I’ll have to somehow make the trip an overnighter: according to El Google, the trip for me is 253 miles one way. In addition to maintaining stamina, I’d also want to be sure I have stuff along to handle any small and not-quite-small emergencies (flats, etc.). Also, looking on today’s map (I-76 and US 322-W), I see a lot of marked “incidents” along the way. We’ll see…
The I-76 and US322 route would not be my preferred route on the Vespa. While it could handle it, that freeway driving is just a drag. The ride on 322 from Harrisburg to Boalsburg is lovely but I just don’t like riding that fast for so long. You miss everything…
If you do ride this way for a Moto Hang — make sure you connect with Ken. Or email him and get on the email list so you’ll know of any last minute changes or cancellations.
This is the sure fire way of knowing that summer has arrived.
So, how many more days? (Where’s the countdown widget on your web page?)
Sixty-seven more days. That includes weekends.
I don’t think I’ll put a widget on my blog. That seems like tempting fate for something bad to happen. For now, I’ll just peak at the countdown on my phone every so often…
In this world there really is one type. Riders who love to ride.
You’re right. I’ve never met a rider who doesn’t like to ride!
What a great way to meet and chat. Look like a fun night
It’s a nice, relaxed situation. I’ll post pix (assuming nothing gets in the way of attending).
Steve when I swing down your way in July, that is going to be a ‘must-do’ on the riding agenda.
Definitely. I’ve already started thinking about the best routes to give you the experience of the sticks…
Boalsburg hang out, a sure sign riding season has arrived. And once retired Steve, you shall be able to stay until the very end if you wish, no need to go home to bed to enable your again body to arise and prepare for employment Stay in bed and sleep; your wife and the two dogs notwithstanding.
It’s going to take some time to realize I’m free. I’ll be like the chickens that upon seeing the doors open to their cages don’t venture out. But I”ll get there!
That’s quite a good write up Steve. I especially like how you point out the all inclusive nature of MotoHang and that Ken originally (I guess) engineered it to be this way.
Ken has done a great job creating that open and welcoming feel to the event. It reflects how he deals with people himself. It’s pretty cool that there are no leaders or hierarchy.
Trying to work my schedule around so that the Mr. and I can attend this year.
It’s looking like the best bet will be Aug. 16 as we’re planning on going to the Touratech East rally just south of you near Huntingdon Aug. 17-20.
Any chance Ken will let everyone know the secret location of the second Wednesday’s Hang a wee bit early? =)
Huntingdon is less than an hour from the Moto Hang and offers some beautiful ride routes.
The best bet for information will be to connect with Ken directly. I’ll send him an email and copy you so something can be worked out.
Thanks for stopping in. Hope to see you and the Mr. in August!