Some may view the famed Motogiro di California more as punishment than fun. After all, who would ride a 60-year-old, 175 cc motorcycle 300 miles in a day on twisty California backroads? Museum founder Robb Talbott, that’s who. He’s done it several times on this stunningly reliable, 1956 175 cc Gilera.

“It’s performed perfectly,” says Robb. “If I tuck, I can hit 65 mph on the straightaway.When you only have nine horsepower, you’re at full throttle all day. It can take 20 minutes to pass someone! You really get a feeling for that one gear!”