When I met fellow moto enthusiast David Coffey on my way to my first Quail Motorcycle Gathering, he told me it was his favorite weekend of the entire year. I thought, either this guy’s got a pretty empty life, or the Quail is going to be pretty amazing.            

It was amazing, and I’ve been every year since, and this year I’m making my tenth visit.            

The annual Gathering, this year renamed Quail MotoFest, is the only concours-style motorcycle event in the U.S. It’s a celebration of the finest in motorcycle design, style, aesthetics and history. About 300 motorcycles decorate the fairway at the Quail Golf and Country Club, gathered into classes highlighting British, German, Italian, American and Japanese motorcycles, often divided into sub-groups like “Pre-War” or “Competition Off-Road.”

There are custom classes, and, every year, specialty classes. This year’s are “Italian Innovation by Bimota,” “Tribute to Yoshimura” and “Celebrating 45 Years of the BMW GS.”            

Each year, several thousand enthusiasts participate, as do many motorcycle vendors, from major OEMS to auction houses like Iconic Motorbikes, Bring A Trailer and Bonhams, from custom apparel makers to custom bike parts houses to vintage bike shops and more. It’s a feast for the eyes, and also a feast for the belly, as the event offers very good food from local restaurateurs.           

 Best of all, perhaps, is the part about getting there. Each year for the last decade or so I’ve organized a small group ride, starting in Los Angeles and picking up riders along the way, that attempts to include the coolest roads between here and there. There are a lot of them, and every year we do a different combination, and many years we find new ones that we never knew about. In a good year, we turn what could have been a fast four-and-a-half-hour ride into 12 full hours of fun.

These include well-known roads like the Pacific Coast Highway, Nacimiento Road, Carmel Valley Road and more. But we’ve also found ourselves winding through the Carrizo Plains, Pinnacles National Park, and historically interesting towns like Pozo, Parkfield, Guadalupe and more. Some of my favorite restaurants in California are places I discovered while riding these roads.            

This year’s event takes place May 17. In the days before, a few friends and I will be prepping and then riding some wacky new route. If we do it right, we’ll leave Los Angeles at dawn and roll into Carmel Valley after dusk, amazed again at the splendors of California motorcycling and well primed for the wonders of MotoFest.

How to Visit Quail MotoFest 2025

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to experience Quail MotoFest this year:

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

• Location: Quail Golf and Country Club, Carmel Valley, California

• Event Time: Typically runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (exact times may vary; check official site closer to event)

Key Highlights:

• Motorcycle Display: 300+ of the world’s finest motorcycles

• Special Classes:

  • Italian Innovation by Bimota

  • Tribute to Yoshimura Performance Legacy

  • Celebrating 45 Years of BMW GS Motorcycles

• Vendors and Auctions:

  • Iconic Motorbikes, Bring A Trailer, Bonhams

  • Custom motorcycle gear, parts, and vintage specialists

• Food: High-end offerings from top Carmel Valley restaurateurs

• Atmosphere: Laid-back, beautiful setting on the golf fairways, geared toward true motorcycle enthusiasts

Best Way to Get There:

• Ride Route: If you're coming from Southern California, join the unofficial tradition: a curated ride exploring scenic routes like Pacific Coast Highway, Carmel Valley Road, and possibly Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.

• Arrival Tip: Arrive on Friday evening (May 16) to fully experience the weekend vibe. Pre-event rides and meetups typically occur on that day.

Tickets:

• Visit Peninsula Signature Events for additional information.

• Expect advance purchase to be strongly recommended, as it often sells out each year.