On Any Given Sunday: Years of Chrome, Coffee, and Camaraderie at Bikes & Breakfast

There is something different about Sunday mornings, isn't there? A sense of calm anticipation—a do-what-the-hell-you-like kind of day. For many, it's a time for quiet reflection, perhaps a leisurely brunch, watching the kids play sports, or indulging in religious rituals. But for me, over the past several years, Sundays have taken on a whole new meaning. No longer just a day off, they've become a mini-adventure and a routine, defined by an eclectic group of people who gather to show off and share their pride and joy with others who share the same passion. These past few years have been a revelation: I discovered the pure, unadulterated fun of attending Bikes & Breakfast events.

There are around 15–20 Bikes & Breakfast sites, mainly concentrated on the East Coast, but one exists in the Midwest and another on the West Coast, with gatherings typically organized on different Sundays of the month. My regular sites are Clifton, VA; Poolesville, MD; and occasionally Eldersburg, MD, which caters to most Sundays. I don’t even remember when I started going to these gatherings, but now they are an integral part of my week. I look forward to my Sunday mornings. I take pride in preparing one of my three vintage motorcycles, and I truly enjoy the ride there and back. When I arrive, I spend time looking around at the incredible machines, and I usually find something I haven’t seen before. If I can find the owner, I engage in a conversation about the machine, its history, and of course, how and why the owner acquired it. As a result, I have met some fascinating people from all walks of life. Veterans like me, software engineers, landscapers, financiers, doctors, truck drivers, jewelers, real estate agents, and dozens of retirees—you name it, they'll be there, proudly displaying their motorcycle. For a few hours, motorcycle enthusiasts converge, share stories, admire bikes, and, of course, enjoy a good cup of coffee and some breakfast. Then, within 30 minutes of the event being over, you wouldn’t even know a Bikes & Breakfast had occurred.

The Atmosphere and The People

What impresses me every time isn’t the sheer number of motorcycles or the distance some people have traveled to get there, though that is certainly impressive. It is the atmosphere that’s generated: dozens of casual conversations between people, some of whom may never have met before. This is set against the audible backdrop of multiple exhaust notes from the myriad of different engine types, including the thumping bass coming from the Harley rider who just fitted a new sound system to his Road King—speakers that wouldn't be out of place at an outdoor Bruce Springsteen concert.

As mentioned earlier, one of the most profound joys of these events has been the incredible people I’ve met - including some of thier pets. From grizzled veterans who've been riding for over half a century to enthusiastic newcomers just getting their feet wet, every Bikes & Breakfast is a melting pot of fascinating individuals and their incredible machines. I've become friends with a retired Air Force Pilot who, like me, writes books and will happily ride his Kawasaki Concours thousands of miles across the country without a second thought. Then there is the engineer who repairs typewriters and, for fun, hunts down neglected, non-running small-engine motorcycles and breathes life back into them to ride.

Each conversation is an education, a glimpse into a life lived with passion. I’ve heard tales of epic cross-country adventures, recounted with a sparkle in the eye and a wry smile. I’ve listened intently and learned so much about a whole range of topics; politics, local geography, medical procedures, sex, you name it. Not all conversations are about bikes. However, maintenance tips, near-miss recounts, and the pros and cons of different bikes are great conversation starters and a testament to the power of shared interest—complete strangers can connect so effortlessly, forging bonds over a shared love for two wheels.

The Machines

And then, of course, there are the motorcycles themselves. Each Sunday is a living, breathing museum of motorcycling history and innovation. From the iconic sound of a Harley-Davidson V-twin to the ring-ding-ding of the occasional two-stroke race bike from the '80s, to the elegant simplicity of a retro vintage Triumph Bonneville, to the futuristic design of an electric LiveWire or Zero—all are present. There are also many customized machines, both modern and vintage.

The event isn't just to showcase your low-mileage, new pride and joy. I have seen several bikes that have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles that look a little weathered but are still amazing considering their usage. Recently, I saw an unrestored Harley from the '40s that looked like it had just been pulled out of a dumpster, but it was still going strong. Each bike, in its own way, tells a story, and the owners are always more than happy to share them.

Beyond the bikes and the brilliant conversations, there’s an underlying sense of community that makes these Sundays so special. It's a place where differences melt away, where the shared passion for motorcycles creates an instant bond. Whether you're a CEO or a college student, a seasoned mechanic or a curious observer, everyone is welcome, and everyone has a place.

I’ve come to appreciate the ritual of it all: the early morning ride, the smell of coffee mingling with exhaust fumes, the friendly nods and waves, the easy laughter, and the shared appreciation for the mechanical artistry on display. It's a sensory experience that invigorates and inspires. As the seasons have changed, so too have the backdrops for these gatherings. From sun-drenched parking lots in Poolsville and Eldersburg to the charming town of Clifton nestled in the Virginian countryside, each location adds its own unique flavor. But the core essence remains the same: a gathering of kindred spirits, united by their love for motorcycles.

Looking back on these past few years, I can honestly say that my Sunday mornings have been transformed. What started as a casual curiosity has blossomed into a cherished weekly tradition. Bikes & Breakfast has given me more than just an excuse to admire and display my own vintage bikes; it’s introduced me to an incredible community that has filled my Sunday mornings with genuine joy and connection.