It's Back! The Catalina Grand Prix

In an era of land closures and political cage-fighting, it's nothing less than a small miracle that the Avalon City Council has approved a one-year permit for the return of the Catalina Grand Prix. The original event was held from 1951-'58, and won by the likes of ISDT gold medalist Bud Ekins. Promoted by My Cuz Vinnie Promotions, the AMA District 37-sanctioned event will be part of the Big 6 Grand Prix Series and feature 12 races for classic and modern bikes, including a 100-mile Pro race, plus a golf tournament and concert. The 7-mile course will encompass some of the original route in the foothills, plus downtown streets. Entries are limited.

The December 3-5 date, while not the warmest or driest time of year, works for city officials, who view the event as a way to deliver a significant shot of tourism dollars during an otherwise slow period on the famed island off the Southern California coast. Find out more on the organizer's website www.thecatalinagrandprix.com, or get motel and boat transit information at www.catalinachamber.com.

Factoring in transportation for you and your motorcycle admittedly adds another level of complexity to the weekend, but just like the original, the 2010 Catalina Grand Prix is shaping up to be unique in the motorcycle world. If you can race, do. If you can only come to watch, then do that instead. As Eric Burdon once sang, "It will be worth it."