The Milwaukee-based British Biker Cooperative celebrated the return of BSA to the motorcycle world at its 2023 British Biker Cooperative Rally and Show—the 42nd annual edition—held at the Eagle Cave Resort in Blue River, Wisconsin.
The British Biker Cooperative’s mantra of “Long live the Limey” got a boost with the introduction of the new generation of BSA-branded motorcycles built by the Mahindra-owned company. Mahindra acquired 100 percent of BSA shares in 2016 through its subsidiary Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. and rolled out its first retro-inspired Gold Star model in 2021 for sale in the 2022 model year.
The British Biker Cooperative consists of devoted fans of British motorcycle brands, even though the group is headquartered in the ancestral hometown of Harley-Davidson, and some of the classic British brands are neither built in England nor owned by British-based companies. So, while membership in the Cooperative requires ownership of a brand at least of British origins, several members also own non-British machines.
British Biker Cooperative members love to get out of Brew City for its annual rally and motorcycle show and head for the hills of southwest Wisconsin’s spectacular Driftless Area. It is high on an oak-forested ridge on the southern rim of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, that the Eagle Cave Resort is situated. The resort features excellent campsites, on-site shower and restroom facilities, a store and small restaurant, and an ancient cave to tour. Best of all, well-paved roads surround the site, offering lots of curves, elevation changes, and spectacular scenery for group and individual rides.
While the annual event is relatively small, that’s exactly how the British Biker Cooperative members like it. Live music, campfires, long-time friends, classic, show bikes, motorcycle games, and a laid-back feel make the British Biker Cooperative Rally and Show an event members look forward to all year long.
Photography by Gary Ilminen
2023 British Biker Cooperative Bike Show Results
- Best of Show: Mark Verhalen 1972 Norton
- Antique: 1st place: Mike Crane, 1923 Raleigh
- Competition: 1st: John Swartz, 1967 BSA
- Custom: 1st: Conner Chamberlin, 2002 Triumph; 2nd: Riley Hanson, 2007 Triumph
- Late Stock: 1st: Rick Kueper, 1969 BSA; 2nd: Dave Kollman, 1974 Norton
- Modern Retro: 1st: Joe Schertzl (make/model not provided); 2nd: Glen Winkels, 2011 Triumph
- Modern Stock: 1st: Mark Fredricks, 2015 Triumph
- Non-British: 1st Beemer Bob 1967 BMW, 2nd: Glen Winkels 2006 Honda
- Old Stock: 1st: Ron Winget, 1954 BSA; 2nd: Ron Winget, 1959 BSA
- Radical: 1st: Mark Vohaler, 1972 Norton
- Rat: 1st: Kyle Winkels, 2002 Triumph
Bike Games Results
- Balloon Toss: Kelly & Ethan
- Slow Race: Glen Winkels
- Weenie Bite: Kim & Kyle
- Long Distance Award: Nick Brueggeman, 3200+ miles
Results courtesy of Peggy Kasper