The Rides of March Vintage Scooter Rally: Everything You Need to Know

The Rides of March is a vintage scooter rally held annually in San Luis Obispo, California. Steeped with tradition and camaraderie, the event draws riders from hundreds of miles around to embark on epic journeys through the stunning landscapes of California’s Central Coast, which runs along the Pacific Ocean north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco.

For many vintage scooter enthusiasts, the Rides of March – also known as ROM – kicks off what’s commonly called “rally season,” or the time between February and November when scooterists gather to enjoy the love of their two-wheeled vehicles.

For those who’ve never attended a scooter rally, they are weekend-long events hosted by clubs in different locations with rides along varied routes and riders participating en masse.

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I’ve attended ROM around eight times, my first year being in 2009. As a vintage scooter rider who loves Italian design and long rides in large groups, the Rides of March is one of my favorite rallies.

Are you ready to tune up your vintage scooter and learn more about the Rides of March? Here’s everything you need to know!

Fast Facts

Rally History

Though the exact date of the first Rides of March is debatable, most agree that the year was 1989. ROM has been a recurring vintage scooter rally for nearly 40 years, except for a few years in the early 2000s, when newer model Vespas were accepted into the mix, and 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from these occasions, ROM remains an annual, vintage-only rally.

Since its inaugural year, several local clubs have hosted the Rides of March, each one adding its spin to the weekend with features such as BBQs, live band performances, and raffles with prizes ranging from t-shirts and riding gear to complete, running scooters.

The planning typically begins the year before and information is slowly released in the two to three months prior through websites, social media, and word of mouth, with a final itinerary appearing just weeks before the event.

The Weekend

ROM occurs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with the main event being a Saturday ride covering 100 miles or more through towns like Morro Bay, Atascadero, Templeton, Creston, and beyond.

Friday evening, the meet and greet night welcomes riders with a get-together traditionally at the Madonna Inn, followed by a short ride to a watering hole or tasty eatery in downtown SLO.

On Saturday, riders, sometimes in groups as large as 100 or more, enjoy passing through the south county to Arroyo Grande, Oceano, and nearby beaches, including Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Avila Beach.

When the weather is perfect and there are few mechanical breakdowns, riders savor the hours spent in the saddle passing through sunshine-dappled, postcard-perfect locations loved by many for their idyllic main streets featuring local businesses and restaurants.

Saturday afternoon, the ride ends with a late lunch, sometimes at a restaurant and sometimes at a park for a BBQ al fresco. Raffles usually take place on Saturday after lunch, with a short break to rest and recover before heading out for a night of music, dancing, or live bands.

Sunday there is a day ride for anyone who doesn’t have to pack up and leave early and by Sunday evening, most rally-goers are on their way home, happy to have another ROM to remember.

About San Luis Obispo, CA

Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo captivates visitors with its charming blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back tempo. Known affectionately as SLO, this picturesque town boasts a bustling downtown lined with historic buildings and eclectic shops.

Founded in 1772, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest communities. It evolved into a vibrant town shaped by American, Mexican, and Spanish influences, which accounts for much of its rich tapestry of culture and history.

SLO is home to California Polytechnic State University, better known as Cal Poly, one of the top engineering and agricultural institutions in the United States.

Attracting students from around the globe to its picturesque campus, Cal Poly blends well amid the trendy bars and nightlife downtown, seamlessly integrating farming and industrial advances with sciences and technology.

Are you planning on attending the Rides of March? Here’s some great information to enhance your experience!

Where to Stay

Accommodations in San Luis Obispo range from 5-star hotels and classic Bed and Breakfasts to modest, mid-range motels and lodges. SLO is a place accustomed to hosting droves of parents during Cal Poly’s orientation week and crowds of visitors during Spring and Summer weekends.

Not surprisingly, even the most basic hotels here love to play up their location, location, location, especially if they are within walking distance of the main streets of downtown.

🏨 Check out these hotels in San Luis Obispo! Book Now for the best selection!

For Rides of March, most participants – at least, those who don’t stay with friends or book a vacation rental – select from a short list that includes the Avenue Inn, the Lamplighter, the Sands, and for those who love to splurge, the Madonna Inn, which also serves as the meet-and-greet location for the first night of the rally weekend.

Avenue Inn

A 60s-inspired hotel at 345 Marsh Street, Avenue Inn offers comfortable accommodations at standard prices, but its proximity to downtown is the real reason to stay here.

This is the hotel where I usually stay, primarily for its easy access to nearby restaurants, bars, and shopping, all within walking distance. Although it lacks a pool and distinct, pleasurable features, Avenue Inn makes up for these by being close to nearly everything.

Lamplighter Inn and Suites

Situated at 1604 Monterey Street, Lamplighter Inn and Suites boasts a tranquil feel and basic prices complemented by a seasonal outdoor pool. Guests enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants and bars, including Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club, enhancing the overall experience of a decent night’s sleep.

Madonna Inn

A landmark to behold at 100 Madonna Road, the historic, eclectic Madonna Inn boasts a stone foundation trimmed with pink and white. Infamously known on the Central Coast, the Madonna Inn features whimsical charm, unique and themed rooms, vibrant decor, and lavish amenities.

While this iconic establishment is not a short walking distance to downtown SLO, it offers a variety of on-site dining options for visitors, including a classic bakery and full-sized bar.

Sands Inn and Suites

Located at 1930 Monterey Street, The Sands Inn and Suites offers a comfortable stay with a refreshing outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding after exploring in and around SLO. Guests appreciate easy access to nearby restaurants and bars, with the main area of town within a short walking distance.

🏨 Check out these hotels in San Luis Obispo! Book Now for the best selection!

Fun Fact: The “Motel” was created in San Luis Obispo

The Mo-Tel Inn, allegedly the first motel in the U.S., was founded in San Luis Obispo in 1925. The idea of a “motor hotel” was popularized in SLO because of its location mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, thus making it the perfect spot to spend a night while driving to and from the famous cities. Sadly, the Mo-Tel Inn is currently not in operation.

What to Pack

By March the blustery winds of winter have mostly died down but the balmy days of summer are still months away. For the Rides of March weekend, remember you’ll mostly be riding on a vintage scooter for hours, so comfort is key however, this is not an excuse to be a complete slob during your time in SLO.

Bring your best jeans or pants, comfortable shoes, select t-shirts, riding jackets, gloves, and helmets. A neck scarf is optional but feels great during those shady stretches in Perfumo Canyon.

For evening, some more fashionable types might opt for a dress-up outfit, such as a jacket, dress shirt, and tie for guys or a shift dress with tights and heels for ladies but, keep in mind, there is no dress code required to get into bars and restaurants for the rally.

Whatever you choose to strut your stuff, remember that SLO is a walkable town and you’ll probably be dancing at some point during the night, so look sharp! But stay functional in your shoe selection.

Where to Eat and Drink

Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club

If a hip dining experience and mouthwatering pizza are what you crave, head over to Benny’s at 967 Monterey Street, where you’ll find a taste of tradition with a twist.

Try the Benny’s Special Pizza, featuring a delectable medley of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives. Perfectly complemented by gooey, fresh cheese atop a crisp, toasted crust, Benny’s offers true pizza lovers a reason to say “Mangia!”

Big Spoon

Established in 2006 by the lovely Sarah Ketchum, Big Spoon, located at 848 Monterey Street, offers delightful artisanal ice creams and sorbets crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

For a savory punch in a healthy and satisfying meal, try the Big Spoon Veggie Bowl, featuring a colorful array of seasonal, Central Coast-sourced vegetables sautéed to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy quinoa.

Black Sheep Bar and Grill

Tucked away at 1117 Chorro Street in downtown SLO, the Black Sheep Bar and Grill offers diverse menu options in a cabin-like dining room.

Appealing to pub-food lovers since 2005 with tasty items like grilled vegetable sandwiches, juicy burgers, and a rotation of flavorful soups, the Black Sheep Bar and Grill also touts a variety of ales, IPAs, lagers, and porters, as well as a full bar and crafty, non-alcoholic options.

Guiseppie’s Cucina Italiana

A SLO favorite established in 1984, Guiseppie’s boasts two locations serving authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint ambiance: 849 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo and 891 Price Street in Pismo Beach.

Revered by the vintage scooter community for their appreciation of Italian bikes and the people who ride them, Guiseppie’s house specialties include traditional pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas, with flavors sure to satisfy any craving for a taste of Italy on the Central Coast.

McCarthy’s Irish Pub

A classic establishment in SLO since 1978, McCarthy’s Pub, with its generous outdoor patio and indoor seating at 600 Marsh Street, offers a cozy Irish atmosphere with dozens of beers on tap.

Patrons can enjoy classics like Guinness alongside local craft brews while wondering if the claim that McCarthy’s sells more Jameson whisky than any other bar in the country is true. Try their Irish Coffee, a drink made with rich whiskey, smooth Irish cream, and freshly brewed coffee: perfect for warming up on a chilly Central Coast evening.

How to Get There

Are you Driving like most rally-goers to the event? Heading to San Luis Obispo, the main roads are California 101 and California 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Both lead into town and briefly intersect at Santa Rosa Street.

🚘 Driving to San Luis Obispo? Rent a car and share the cost with friends!

Map out your route from your departure location, allow plenty of time for construction or mishaps, and create an easy drive for yourself, selecting scenic agriculture for most of 101 or some lovely Pacific coastline views on Highway 1.

Do you prefer Flying instead of driving? Two airports serve the greater SLO area, the San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) Airport which is 3.2 miles from downtown, and the Santa Barbara (SBA) airport.

✈️ Ready? Set? Jet? Find the best flights to San Luis Obispo!

At 75.8 miles, Santa Barbara is not very close, but it is your best bet if you’re coming from the East Coast or want to save time flying versus driving.

Flights are available from most major airports and may require a layover or transfer in San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) before you’re on your way to the sunny Central Coast.

Remember, you can’t pack a scooter as checked luggage unless you disassemble it and then reassemble it upon arrival. Yes, this has been done in the past. You’ll need extra time and many tools, and this is probably best saved for an entirely separate blog post!

Are you Riding like a badass to the event? It’s not uncommon. Several attendees of the Rides of March regularly make the pilgrimage and prefer to ride their vintage scooters. They log hours in the saddle and cover hundreds of miles of service roads optional to highways 101 or 1.

For many, riding to ROM is the ultimate show of loyalty and the love of the machine, or why people own vintage scooters in the first place.

If you’re riding, try to go with a partner. Breakdowns happen, traffic gets gnarly, and you don’t want to be stranded alone, should anything go wrong.

Hopefully, you’ll be fine, your vintage scooter will run like a champ, and you’ll arrive at a slew of rally-going admirers of your dedication.

Don’t Miss

Architecture Graveyard

A well-known contribution from the California Polytechnic State University, the Architecture Graveyard displays unique alumni projects in an unconventional setting.

Positioned at the intersection of Via Carta and North Perimeter Road, this roadside attraction is where discarded models find new life as an open-air museum, inspiring students and visitors alike.

Boo-Boo Records

Established in 1974, Boo-Boo Records is a beloved, time-tested music store in SLO at 978 Monterey Street.

Renowned for its inventory of vinyl records and CDs plus a knowledgeable staff, it remains a notable destination for music collectors seeking classic hits and hidden gems.

Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market

Held year-round on Higuera Street between Nipomo and Osos Streets, the SLO Farmers Market offers a vibrant array of locally grown produce and artisanal goods.

Operating every Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM during the spring and summer seasons it provides a festive space for shopping beside live music, food vendors, and community outreach groups.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

Situated at 1010 Broad Street, the SLO Museum of Art offers a captivating journey through varied artistic expressions. From contemporary exhibits to local masterpieces, this cultural hub celebrates creativity in all its forms.

The museum also hosts annual events such as art fairs and gallery nights, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant scene of San Luis Obispo.

Sunset Drive-In

With its huge screen, visible at 255 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA, the Sunset Drive-In not only delights movie lovers but also hosts a regular swap meet.

Visitors can explore a variety of new merchandise and vintage treasures while enjoying the cool vibes of this community event, adding an extra layer of excitement to their drive-in experience.

Wrap Up

So there you have it, everything you need to know about the Rides of March Vintage Scooter Rally including the history, the rides, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do in San Luis Obispo.

Does this sound like an event you’d like to attend? Yes? Why not act on that impulse and do it? Embrace new adventures! Life is short!

Grab your helmet, gas up that vintage bike, and kick-start your engine because the Central Coast awaits. See you there!