From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – Barber Small Bore, presented by MNNTHBX, brought together 2,600 mini motorcycle enthusiasts from 35 states and three countries at Barber Motorsports Park on June 9-11, 2023.
The weekend was dedicated to bringing the mini moto community together and that’s what it did. Attendees spent the weekend racing through various competitions, mingling with the motorcycle industry’s top companies, and showing off their skills.
Classic activities included the Creek Bottom Classic (a multi-class race through the woods of Barber Motorsports Park), Pit Bikes Races, and daily Parade Laps around the track. Two hundred and twenty motorcycles took to the track for Saturday’s Parade Laps, setting a record for the number of bikes on the track simultaneously. The highly-anticipated Hill Climb (a steep and treacherous uphill climb, speeding and jumping over logs, holes, and dirt walls) finished the weekend’s primary activities.
This year’s event featured two new activities: Straight Rhythm Races and Trail Riding. Sponsored by Pacific Coast Minis, the Straight Rhythm is a speedy, straight-line race over 500 feet with high jumps and a $1,000 cash prize. Additionally, eight miles of backwoods trail riding was opened to riders.
At the center of the event was the Fanzone, where top industry vendors like Honda Powersports, Yoshimura R&D, Icon Motosports, Sportbike Track Time, TB Parts, and SSR hosted activations and sold gear. Local food trucks Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Southern Waffles and Coffee, and Gumbo To Geaux kept the crowds fed. The Fanzone is also the primary “hangout” area where moto enthusiasts from all walks of life connect.
The annual Pig Roast and Mini Bike Show kicked off Saturday night to wrap up the weekend. Local barbecue joint Rusty’s Barbecue brought two whole hogs to feed the party. During the Pig Roast, guests voted for their favorite custom mini bikes, displayed upon boxes like the museum’s displays, while enjoying live classical guitar.
The pig roast doubled as a charity fundraiser. It raised $13,000 for Motorcycle Therapy, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders battling invisible scars in finding hope and healing through motorcycle therapy.
“Such an amazing event, and the most fun yet,” said Greg Hatcher of MNNTHBX. “The enthusiast support is second to none. Can’t wait to see the continued growth in 2024. The best has yet to come.”
Next year’s weekend of mini moto madness takes place May 31-June 2, 2024.