Cushman Club of America rally group shot on Main Street in Sturgis (Photo: Ken Bingenheimer)
It was a decidedly older, more sedate crowd that filled Main Street in Sturgis, SD, today with their two-wheelers. Even their patches proclaimed it: Old Coots on Scoots.
Day Two of the Cushman Club of America's annual rally, in Sturgis this year, included the big day on Main, where only scooters were allowed and Cushmans of all kinds, years, and styles congregated.
Some were barely recognizable as scooters. With custom engines that roared like the big boys and packed power that many motorcycles would find agreeable, it was clear that not everyone is into putt-putt-putting around.
For people like Penny Fullenkamp, who sat astride her 1958 Cushman Eagle with her 6-year-old daughter Celia, it's all part of the family thing. Penny's family got the scoot in 1984 and she has been riding it almost ever since. Ever since her sister, Neili, moved out, that is, and "when she left home I got it."
The family now own 15 or 16 Cushmans "that are running."
Collecting Cushmans seems to be common among these folks. Mike Schmidt, sporting the old coots patch, said he and his wife, Barb, own 17 Cushmans.
"It became an addiction with me."
They own 17 Cushmans, 10 of which Mike has restored and 7 of which are still awaiting restoration.
Barb bought Mike his first Cushman, and knowing that they had two kids, so for them all to ride together she would need her own, Mike bought Barb her own scoot the very same day.
While the Schmidts don't come to a lot of rallies, Sturgis was a must.
"I couldn't pass up Sturgis," says Mike. "It was just too good to miss."
Related articles:
Cushmans come to play where the big boys play: Sturgis
Cushman Rough Riders tackle the Black Hills
Comments
Although I ride a big bike, this looks like a lot more fun than the usual Sturgis.
I didn't see any tattoo artist vendors?? Where's Dirty Bill's Leathers?? Ha. Really though, it looks like fun and it's a great idea for Sturgis. They're all set up for events like this and know what they're doing.
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