Only the roughest, toughest riders come to the Boalsburg Moto Hang. Jeff, chief mechanic at the Boalsburg Car Company, epitomizes the eclectic persona evident at the event. This Wednesday the Moto Hang gathering at Ken’s Moto Shack & Lounge begins at 5:30 and will go till 7:30. All riders are welcome regardless of what machine the wheels find themselves attached to.
If you’re in or around State College, Pennsylvania maybe you’ll want to take a ride. This Google Map will show directions or plug the address below into your GPS:
203 East Main Street
Boalsburg, PA 16827
Ken’s Moto Shack and Lounge is behind that address — the corner of Academy Street and Rockeys Alley.
The Moto Hang has a decidedly un-biker gang feel. Lots of motorcycles but the rider’s interests and focus are broad with something for everyone from racers to adventurers to scooter riders. The informal nature of the gathering along with the unexpected machines and people who show up make for some interesting conversations.
During a recent Moto Hang, Paul Ruby showed up with his “new” Cushman scooter — a retired Traffic Unit vehicle used by Penn State’s Parking Enforcement Team. Ruby picked it up at a salvage auction has has big plans for his latest scooter. Weird thing — it’s titled as a truck. Go figure.
I wouldn’t mind owning a BMW airhead like this vintage example. One of the cool things about the event is you have a chance to see a wide range of machines and get some first hand information about them. For anyone thinking about riding, buying a new or used machine, or just has questions about motorcycles or scooters, this is a good place to be.
Cigar smoking scooter riders aren’t common but are part of the rider ecosystem of the Boalsburg Moto Hang.
Riders come and go all evening. Don’t feel bad if you can only stay a few minutes. Just stop by and introduce yourself. Ken Hull (center) is the founder of the event. Make sure you say hello.
John suiting up in his spiffy Klim riding gear before departing. With the long days upon us there is still time for a nice ride before dark AFTER the Moto Hang.
Dave Dix rides off on his BMW adventure bike as the evening winds to a close. On other evenings he arrived on a Honda scooter or Moto Guzzi (I think). So whatever you’re riding (or not riding), stop by and say hello!
Looks like a great time. Now if I wasn’t a good thousand miles away, I’d really want to ride over.
A thousand miles is a bit much even for the Moto Hang!
Oh, that sounds fun, Steve. And it appears to be an ego-free environment… Those are rare.
I guess it stands to reason, but the photos (exhibiting the unique personalities of the participants) really make this post. I especially like the first one–that Jeff looks like quite a character.
It’s a good group of riders — friendly, open and interesting. Everyone comes to riding from a slightly different angle.
On and off I’ve thought about a portrait project at the Moto Hang. Lots of interesting people to photograph. Jeff was just in the right place at the right time!
What a fun event that must be. Over here (UK), and with few exceptions, I find that meetings tend to become a bit tribal. Eg. scooterists don’t mix with Harley Riders who rarely talk to the Rice Rocket riders who ignore adventure bikers who dislike two-strokers… OK, maybe I’ve been a bit harsh. Anyway, enjoy the meet and please let’s see some more photos or videos.
Safe roads.
I’m sure there are tribal rider gatherings here — Harley Owners Group, BMW clubs, and others. The Moto Hang is just an eclectic gathering. Like an art salon — people just show up.
I have to try and make one of the local bike nights just to rub elbows with fellow bikers. I enjoy seeing the latest and oldest bikes among the crowd. The ice cream there also makes the trip worthwhile.
Ice cream…. that’s something I can’t indulge much anymore.
Moto-Hang is a great time!!!
I am going to miss it terribly as I move on to a new chapter of life in the mid west. Kansas City here I come.
Marty
AHD43
Marty — what chapter is this?
The Chef wrench turner ( Jeff ) is smart Good Guy & fun to be with.
Always good to have a wrench turner at the Moto Hang. There used to be a Ducati mechanic in attendance. He sort of got swamped with questions.
Good looking set of motorcycles, that airhead you liked looks like a cousin to Brigitta, my ’87 R80
I have a soft spot for that kind of Airhead…
Thank you so much Steve for your wonderful post of Moto Hang! When I opened my Moto Shack & Lounge doors in June of 2012, I had no idea it would become what it is today – a beautiful gathering of motorized two-wheeled enthusiasts. I use that terminology because as you have showed we get it all here at Moto Hang! And sometimes riders show up on three wheels – trikes and sidecar rigs. Last year a couple moped riders arrived on the scene and were welcomed by all.
As one of your readers so cleverly deduced from the photos, we don’t discriminate. We are blessed to have a very kind, open minded, and responsible group here. Riders come in gently (even with ultra high performance Italian stallions), and leave gently. No burnouts, no course language, no heavy drinking, and no attitude. Which is important to keep my neighbors here in our historic village happy and not complaining.
I think because of the vibe here, even chicks are coming now and are right in there talking moto talk and showing off their bikes and love of the sport. Kids are welcome and encouraged to come too! Maybe a visit to Moto Hang might be just the inspiration a young boy or girl might need to fall in love with motorcycles like we all have.
And btw, this is not a for-profit event. Food and drinks are paid for by donation and ALL monies leftover after buying for the next event are put away and used to fund our big End of Season Party! There I pull out the stops and we have a great day of food and drinks, give-aways (bought or donated by local bike shops and Moto Hang members), and of course, wonderful fellowship. A really great way to end the season!
Between the bikes, riders, conversation, vibe, and of course the hotdogs, snacks and drinks in the Moto Lounge, this makes for a wonderful event that seems to only get bigger and better every year! Thank you Steve for being our official photographer and the first to ride in on a scooter. You broke the ice and now even mini-bikers like Jeff feel, and are, welcome! So glad you’re still with us too brother! Keep that heart healthy.
Ride On!
Ken
PS. Moto Hang for this year is the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month till October. The Moto Shack & Lounge doors open at 5:30pm and close around 7:30 to allow for rides to go out after our Hang time. Ride groups will go out according to style, experience, speed, road topography, and distance.
Ken, you’re the founder of the feast so to speak. It always requires someone to take the first step to get something like this going and to keep it going. You’re the man!
I like the pit bike! Maybe I need one of those instead of the spare tire on the Ural. It looks like it even has a place for a license plate!
I could see one of those Honda Mini-trail bikes mounted on the URAL for emergencies. Would be nice to have something reliable on it right??? *GRIN*
Looks like a great time!
I think the guy with the cigar is the same I ran into at the N. Atherton Giant. “That’s your GTS in the parking lot? I borrowed you’re spot with my ET”. Such a nice comarodery I’ve met so far.
Hope to make it to a Hang in the near future!
I enjoy these eclectic moto get togethers. Such a nice range of machines and of people/personalities.
Thanks for sharing.
The range of experience, skill and expertise is amazing. It’s a good place to get answers to questions if nothing else. And everyone is friendly to boot — no posturing and politicking — very nice!
I’m sure everybody can understand that seeing the picture of my son Jeff, Makes a father proud –
You should feel really lucky to have crossed paths with him and I’m happy for you –
He drives a Mini, rides a Mini and has Many friends —
Keep the rubber on the road you guys and gals –
Jeff
Jeff’s a great guy. Friendly, knowledgeable, and possessing a great sense of humor. Not sure if he’s seen the picture or not.