Manicured fairways, pristine white canopy tents, and picket fences welcomed me as I rolled onto the Quail Lodge & Golf Course grounds. After 330 miles on the windswept highways of Central California, the glass-smooth service road and roadside parking lot were a welcome sight. It's no surprise that the groomed Carmel, California, resort looked even more luxurious through my bug-splattered helmet visor. Gas-stained jeans and beat-up boots only heightened the feeling that I was bringing the backcountry to the country club.
That apprehension quickly vanished after passing under the welcome arch, though. It was more of a swift blow than a receding wave. As soon as guests enter the 2022 Quail Motorcycle Gathering festival grounds, they’re greeted with relentless helpings of eye candy. From a 1917 Henderson Model G to a 1975 Norton 850 Commando MKIII Roadster to Steve McQueen’s Excelsior “Super X” Factory Racer, I bounced from one motorcycle marvel to another; letting my eye lead the way.
