It's New Year’s Day, 2005. It’s the 11th year in a row (since I've been out of the Marine Corps) that I've ridden the annual New Year’s Day Run at Mace's Motorcycle Shop. This year, the ride goes to the "Midway" bar in Uniontown (like it has for about the last 6 years or so) and meets up with the rest of the riders. 145 motorcycles in all show up for the start. Makes & models of all eras and from all corners of the world are there, including a Flathead Indian with a sidecar rig. She was a beut. I decided I needed to talk to the founder of this run and get the scoop. So I call on my wise old brother Mace.
Jim Mason (owner of Mace's Motorcycle Service) said he always rode on Easter and NYD every year for well........ many years. In 1984, he and Toby Gilpin (rest in peace) got together and decided to have a New Year’s Day Run. Like all good ideas, this one started in a garage with brothers swapping lies and rinsing down road dust. Ok, now it's NYD 1985. It's 17 degrees and 7 bikes meet at Walt's bar in Uniontown. With them, Bubba, Hawk and a tough ass chic named Sue on her own sled. For the next 20 years, these people would return year after year bringing with them new faces each and every year.
Mace said only 1 run was ever cancelled, and it was due to an ice storm that made the roads undrivable, even for cages. Unfortunately he was suffering from C.R.A.F.T. and did not know the year. The worst attendance ever was 6 bikes, and the most was 95 until this year.
There is a breakdown trophy given each year to the first bike to use a tool or be hauled away. This idea came as a result of Henry (owner of Henry Jodiz Machine & Motorcycle Shop) blowing up a sporty, then attaching the piston to an old trophy base. Each year it is passed on unless no one breaks down, in which case the previous year’s winner gets the honor again.
Mace & Henry also take turns giving away a new tire on the run. Over the years, this has been done by drawing cards or placing keys in a hat to decide the winner.
The distance and duration of the run varies each year. One thing for sure is the stop at "White Tavern" in Uniontown. Every year, we stop in and see Kathy. We get our annual picture taken and chow down on the spread she puts out each year.
Since 2002, The Laurelville Sportsmen's Club has sponsored this event. They lead the run, road guard, make sure food is out and print t-shirts.
This year, it was my privilege to lead the 20th Annual New Year’s Day Run, and what an honor it was. It's amazing what we as bikers can accomplish with great numbers. What is REALLY amazing is what 1 great biker can accomplish alone. THANK YOU MACE. This is truly a great tradition you have created, and as long as my heart beats, it will continue!!!!
"Semper Fi"
DESERTDAWG
