What a whirlwind it was! The Barber Vintage Festival in Alabama was nothing short of epic. David, Sara, Kelsey, Grey and I set out on a journey that started in Sanford excited for the road ahead. From Thursday to Sunday, we were immersed in an incredible experience that left us buzzing with enthusiasm and the desire to keep fueling the 73 MoTo journey.
After a predawn departure from Sanford at 4 AM, we finally rolled into Barber that Thursday afternoon. The moment we set foot on the festival grounds, a jolt of energy shot through us. The anticipation was electric, and when we laid eyes on our booth spot, grins stretched from ear to ear. We had a great set up in the Fan Zone overlooking turns 3 and 4 on the track and next to the museum.
Our camper found its home at the camping spot after we dropped off our merch set up and we wasted no time breaking out our Vorro Motors Scooters to do some exploring. We were ready to dive headfirst into the festival and soak in everything it had to offer. And believe me, there was so much to see and do that we couldn't possibly cover it all throughout the weekend. Why? Because our days were filled with meeting amazing people, both familiar faces and new friends.
It wasn't long before old pals started dropping by. Steve from Liquid Illusions swung by on Friday to say hello and hang out for a bit. Later that day, the party truly began when our good friends Kenny and Nancy from Evil Motos rolled up. From that moment on, it was a non-stop celebration that didn't down shift until we packed up on Sunday afternoon.
For me, the absolute highlight of the trip was the track ride. They called it a parade, so I wasn't expecting my adrenaline to skyrocket, but that's precisely what happened. As I lined up for the parade, I noticed Kenny and Nancy just ahead, and then it hit me—I was right behind our buddy Chris Lo and his uncle Simon who just rode from Texas to the show. You know these guys are bad asses when they just did that ride and wanted more on the track at Barber! I couldn't have been happier to see all these motos in the same group as me. The organizers waved us forward, and when the “parade” took off, my heart raced. Everyone started twisting back the throttle and I realized this was about to be really really fun! After the first couple of turns and seeing bikes whiz by me I knew it was a green light for speed. I dropped a gear and wound my RNineT to the red. The turns dip down and around and I was working the gears down trying to get into the turns deep, I’m sure it felt better than it looked but it felt really good! Out of the turn and then throttle up and redlining the gauges. I think we did 5 laps and I didnt want to get off but they waved us into the pits and my helmet almost popped off my head because I was smiling so hard. That track run will undoubtedly remain in my top five experiences for the rest of my life—unless I convince the wife to let me buy a track bike and start racing, the look on her face when I mentioned it wasnt promising but she may come around to the idea.
Sharing this experience with my son Greyson and my wife Kelsey was an incredible blessing. It's safe to say this will become an annual family tradition. Grey had a blast riding around on his Vorro scooter, and honestly, we all did. It was a fantastic way to explore the festival grounds and connect with fellow enthusiasts. We met some of the coolest people on the planet and had a record weekend outfitting all our fellow moto brother and sister enthusiasts with the coolest gear you can find in one spot.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible Ace team, David and Sara. They poured their hearts and souls into the event, working tirelessly every moment we were there. Their infectious energy drew people to our booth, and I'm pretty sure Sara coined Barber's new tagline, "Happy Barber." They engaged with every person passing by and made so many new connections and friends.
Barber Vintage Festival is a whirlwind of experiences, making it nearly impossible to take it all in—especially when you're promoting and selling the coolest thing around: 73 MoTo! We met incredible people from all corners of the country, and we made new friends who we're absolutely certain we'll see again next year.
We're already looking forward to Barber Vintage Festival next year. And let me tell you, it's going to be bigger and badder than ever. So, here's to a "Happy Barber" and to the open roads that await us on this incredible 73 MoTo journey. Until next time!
Just a few of the moments below! Follow all our socials to see all the smiles!~
Congrats on a great show and wish you guys continued success. You have worked for and earned all the good things coming your way. Rey