St. Augustine, Fla. (April 12, 2024) – Motorcycles are more than a mode of transportation on Florida's Historic Coast – they're a way of life. The smooth roads that hug the ocean and the fresh breezes make it the perfect place to explore on two wheels. The Riding into History™ antique motorcycle event embraces this joie de vivre by featuring the most stunning bikes of yesteryear. Now in its 24th year, Riding into History™ is on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th, with Saturday's Concours d'Elegance at its new home – the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 Dixie Highway South. The theme of this year's event is Chasing the Rising Sun featuring Japanese motorcycles.

The Riding into History™ event kicks off on Friday, April 19th, with the Grand Marshal Tour and Banquet featuring the 2024 Grand Marshal, Henry DeGouw. Born in Gainesville, DeGouw had a long and successful career as a motorcycle road racer, race team manager, and promotor, beginning in 1964. He raced in the AMA Expert Formula 1 National Championship Series on the Yamaha TZ750, scoring several top-ten finishes and securing several championship wins. He promoted races throughout Florida and managed race teams competing in international championships. He was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and his beloved 1977 Yamaha TZ750D is on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. He has also been honored with a plaque at the Daytona 200 Monument.

The Grand Marshal Tour is for Concours entrants only, and they must ride antique motorbikes. They can ride with the Grand Marshal through the historic backroads of Florida's Historic Coast. This is followed by the Grand Marshal Banquet, where visitors can hear Henry DeGouw speak about this epic history of racing. The Banquet takes place at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort and features a catered banquet meal and a silent auction. Tickets for the banquet may be purchased here.

Never has a machine embodied the essence of cool like vintage bikes do. The sleek lines of a classic motorcycle entices everyone from experienced riders to young children. Visitors can get up close and personal with over 300 antique and vintage motorbikes at the Riding into History™ Motorcycle Concours on Saturday, April 20th, from 10am to 4pm at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine. All bikes must be at least 35 years old to be shown, with exceptions being made for significant or limited edition later-year models and those with historical interest. The event will also feature exhibitors, dealers, food, entertainment, and curated exhibitions. Spectator tickets are $15 each at the door, or two tickets for $25 online.

The Grand Marshal will present awards in multiple classes at 3pm. Chief Judge Harris Turner will oversee judging, joined by some special guests! Children ages 8 to 16 can explore their love of motorcycles by signing up for the Motorcycle Youth Judging Program. Young motorcycle enthusiasts will receive entrance to the Concours d'Elegance, easy-to-understand training, and a goodie bag. Parents can expect judging to take approximately one hour. The program is free; kids can register to be a youth judge here.

With its new location at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, the Riding into History™ Concours d'Elegance is closer to the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine. The Classic Car Museum is a 30,000-square-foot special events space, museum, and classic car storage facility. Its museum showroom is packed with everything from classic cars dating back to the 1800s to modern-day supercars.

Proceeds from the Riding into History™ Concours d'Elegance benefit their longtime charity partner, K9s for Warriors. Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

Whether you're a biker with thousands of miles under your belt, a dreamer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of design, Riding into History™ is a can't-miss event! Once you're here, there are plenty of backroads, beaches, and historic landscapes to explore. Use our trip planner to craft the perfect visit to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 

For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine,  Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine, andFacebook.com/ViajaStAugustine and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast