Several people riding vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters, pose with their bikes in front of a colorful mural announcing their city's name in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana
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Son Of The Beast Sacramento Vintage Scooter Rally: The Ultimate Guide

Vintage scooter riders, mark your calendars for October 18-20, 2024, when The Burgundy Topz Scooter Club hosts their epic, annual fall rally, Worshipping the Beast, this time with a twist as Son of the Beast, in Sacramento, CA. 

The “beast,” in this case, is a vintage scooter, or any manual-shift, metal scooter 25 years or older. While this means Piaggio Vespas or Innocenti Lambrettas to many, Sacramento rallies have also included vintage bikes like Zundapp Bellas, Heinkel Tourists, and Fuji Rabbits.

Whatever classic steed you bring to ride, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow scooter lovers and peruse the city’s sights. Ready to learn all about it? Let’s go!

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Fast Facts about Son of the Beast 2024 in Sacramento, CA

Two people, each on a vintage Lambretta Italian motor scooter, ride together on a street in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana
Riding vintage scooters in Midtown Sacramento. All photos in this post are ©Kate Dana unless otherwise noted and may not be used without permission.

Fun Facts about the Burgundy Topz Scooter Club

  • Founded in 1986, Burgundy Topz Scooter Club has been one of Sacramento’s premier scooter groups, hosting rallies, rides, and get-togethers for nearly four decades.
  • The club’s notorious, signature events like Worshipping the Beast and Scootouring have drawn scooterists from all over California and beyond.
  • The Burgundy Topz pride themselves on being inclusive, passionate about vintage scooters, and committed to keeping the spirit of scootering alive in Sacramento.
Several people riding vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters, pose with their bikes in front of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

History of Burgundy Topz SC

The Burgundy Topz Scooter Club began in 1986 with a small group of vintage scooter riders. Over the years, they’ve become famous for hosting some of the most talked-about West Coast events. From their early days of hosting events like Worshipping the Beast and Scootouring, they’ve built a tight-knit community around classic scooters.

Colorful, embroidered rally patches for past events by the Burgundy Topz Scooter Club in Sacramento, CA adorn the back of a jacket, photo ©Kate Dana

I first met the Topz in 2006 when I attended their 20th Anniversary weekend on my 1978 P200 Vespa. Riding a manual shift scooter on the steep San Francisco hills, I was instantly attracted to Sacramento’s flat streets and moved here a few years later.

Colorful, vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters parked near a sidewalk in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Rally Itinerary and Event Details

The Son of the Beast 2024 itinerary includes a weekend full of rides, socializing, and scooter-related fun. For last-minute changes or updates, check the Burgundy Topz Facebook Page and official club website for details.

Colorful, vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters parked near a sidewalk in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Friday, October 18th: Evening Meet and Greet

The rally kicks off Friday night with a meet-and-greet at 5:00 p.m. at Sacramento favorite Temple Coffee Roasters, 2200 K Street. Kickstands up at 6:00 p.m. for an evening ride around the city ending at a bar at 2300 P Street that used to be the legendary Press Room. If you visit this place now, take note: count your change and read your receipts for added “extra” tips.

Saturday, October 19th: Daytime Ride, Lunch, and Evening Event

Saturday morning starts with a 9:00 AM coffee meetup at Immortal Cafe and Supply at 1111 H Street #102 before riding to rendezvous with others in Folsom at Coffee Republic, 6610 Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom. The second coffee location has a parking lot for those who want to truck or trailer their bikes in. Take note: parking is limited and trucks are better than trailers.

DJ Wet Weather explains the history of an obelisk near Sacramento, CA while riders on vintage Italian motor scooters listen intently near Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana
DJ Wet Weather explains a historic obelisk along the Delta to scooterists in Sacramento

Everyone leaves Folsom for a day-long ride through the foothills, with a no-host lunch stop at The Station Public House, 750 Lincoln Way in East Auburn. After enjoying menu-favorite treats like Bang Bang Tots or Cali Wedge Salad, riders return to Sacramento to power nap or hang out before the evening shenanigans.

A hand holds a brimming plate of Italian food next to a vintage Moto Guzzi motorcycle inside a garage workspace, photo ©Kate Dana
A vintage Moto Guzzi and a plate of Italian food at Guido Veloce Group’s Annual Open House

Saturday, October 19th evening: Meet up at 7:00 PM – location TBD – for a quick and easy ride to the night show at Brownie’s Lounge, 5858 South Land Park Drive, a 21-and-over spot featuring fine bar food like fried pickles and Mexican hot dogs. Local spinmasters DJ Billy Shult, DJ Wet Weather, and DJ Fuscia are sure to get dancers out on the floor.

Sunday, October 20th: Guido Veloce Group Annual Open House

10:00 AM: Meet at Sacramento riders’ favorite, 5 Sips Coffee and Tea, 3020 Freeport Blvd, for a short ride through town ending at Barber’s Shop Automotive, 614 16th Street, for a Sacramento tradition: the Guido Veloce Group’s Annual Open House.

Delicious Italian red sauce over pasta with hearty meatballs, photo ©Kate Dana

This beloved event features a pasta sauce contest, delicious Italian bread and antipasti, and a vintage car and bike show popular with The Burgundy Topz. The Topz are known for their creative touches, and legendary members often show up at Barber’s, so expect some surprises and laughs.

Where to Stay

The Citizen Hotel

  • Address: 926 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Reservations: The Citizen Hotel
  • Features: Historic charm with boutique styling, located near Capitol Park.
A bed with fluffy white pillows and soft sheets across from a wall-mounted television and armchair in a hotel room, photo ©Kate Dana

EconoLodge Downtown Sacramento

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

  • Address: 1209 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Reservations: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
  • Features: Moderately-priced, convenient location downtown, spacious rooms.

Sacramento Hostel, Hosteling International USA

  • Address: 925 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Reservations: HI Sacramento Hostel
  • Features: an inexpensive, community-like option centrally located in a historic mansion. Budget travelers note: HI USA’s mission as a nonprofit is to serve hostellers. Hostel accommodations are available only to visitors from outside a 30-mile radius of the hostel.
A colorful mural of Johnny Cash painted on the side of a building with a large, white, 1950's vintage car on the street below, photo ©Kate Dana

Visitors note: Sacramento is a beautiful city to explore, but it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing issue of homelessness. Rally-goers should plan accordingly by securing safe parking for their vintage bikes and staying aware of their surroundings, particularly when parking overnight.

What to Pack

Though the first weeks of October in Sacramento are often still in the high 90s, comfortable riding weather does exist here, with afternoons in the 80s and cooler evenings. Don’t let “Hot-tober” fool you! Pack light layers for daytime rides and a warm jacket for those crisp evening meet-ups.

Two people, on a vintage Lambretta and a Vespa, Italian motor scooters, ride together on a street in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Bring comfortable riding gear, including your riding jacket, gloves, and helmet. A sharp outfit for Saturday night’s event is always a good idea. If you’re concerned about the chance of rain, bring a poncho or waterproof jacket, just in case.

How to Get to Sacramento

Driving from the North

Driving from cities like Redding or Chico? Take I-5 South to Sacramento, a scenic drive through Northern California’s landscapes.

Driving from the South

Heading up from San Francisco or L.A.? Follow I-80 East from the Bay Area or I-5 North if you’re further south. 

As always, with any road trip in California, it’s wise to leave extra time for traffic, tolls, and construction delays, especially on weekends.

✈️ Flying in? Check prices now and book online!

Flying into Sacramento Airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837, see daily flights from airlines like Southwest, Delta, and Alaska Air. SMF features lovely artwork from local artists, comfy lounges, and tasty farm-to-table dining options.

“Leap,” the 56-foot-long red rabbit inside SMF Terminal B, created by Lawrence Argent for the Sacramento, CA International Airport, photo ©Kate Dana

Don’t miss the huge red rabbit sculpture, “Leap,” by Denver artist Lawrence Argent. Why a local artist wasn’t selected for the focal point of the airport still leaves many confused, but apparently, people still love the creation.

Taking the Greyhound or Flixbus

For riders traveling from nearby cities like San Francisco, Reno, or Santa Rosa, the Greyhound or Flixbus can be a convenient option, with service directly to downtown Sacramento.

Sometimes, due to traffic or endless construction, buses are often delayed by up to 2 hours, so you may want to book a seat on an earlier route.

🚌 Scooter down? Book the Bus. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Riding Your Scooter: Back Roads

Scooting to a rally can be an awesome adventure! For those riding their vintage scooters, the backroads through Woodland and Davis from the Bay Area typically include CA-160, and from Chico or the north, include California Highways 45 and 70.

Smaller highways take longer but provide scenic alternatives and are safer for vintage bikes. It’s also safer to ride in groups. Be wise, take breaks, and plan an overnight stay along the route if you’re coming from further out.

Riders on vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters, ride together on the street in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

About Sacramento, CA

Sacramento has come a long way in the past 50 years. Once known mainly as the State Capital, the city has become a hub of culture, history, and outdoor beauty.

Today, Sacramento boasts a mix of old and new, with stunning historic architecture alongside trendy neighborhoods filled with food, art, and music. October’s weather is ideal for riding, with sunny days and crisp fall air, perfect for taking in all the city has to offer.

A view of the Sacramento River featuring the gold Tower Bridge and pyramid-like Ziggurat buliding in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

I moved here in 2007, left to live abroad in 2012, and returned in 2018; as of 2024, I have just over 10 years of living in the capital city. Sacramento gets a bad rap sometimes for its crime rate, but honestly, it’s just funky and affordable enough to live and people are pretty awesome here.

Sacramento is a convenient 2-hour drive to many places like Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Reno, Nevada, making it easy to travel out of town for festivals, concerts, and other scooter rallies.

An aerial view of the winding Sacramento river thorough green fields of agriculture and brown fields of hay and soil, photo © Kate Dana

Finally, most people here have Sactown pride and get offended when others disrespect the city or call it degrading names not worth mentioning. As for me, I know it’s a fun place to ride and we put on a great rally for guests. So come on! Let’s get down to the details.

Where to Eat and Drink

Many Sacramento spots offer something special, whether it’s that first sip of coffee in the morning, a savory lunch to keep you going, or the perfect drink to unwind with after a day of riding. Here’s a short list of favorite local places for coffee, cocktails, meals, and snacks.

Food and Dining Options

La Fiesta Alteña

  • Address: 2700 E Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817
  • Website: La Fiesta Alteña
  • Signature Dishes: fresh mariscos mixta tostada, Chile Colorado plate
  • Note: A landmark from the early 2000s, La Fiesta offers, authentic Mexican flavors with a friendly staff in a casual atmosphere, plus, a free salsa bar with meals. ¡Andalé!
A tasty, fresh tostada de mariscos on a plate next to chips and salsa and a bin of hot sauces, photo ©Kate Dana

Tower Café

  • Address: 1518 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
  • Website: Tower Café
  • Signature Dishes: Famous French toast, portobello mushroom sandwich
  • Note: The line starts early for brunch at Tower Café: an iconic spot for Sacramento scooterists, several of whom worked at Tower Records back in the day!

Petra Greek

  • Address: 1122 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Website: Petra Greek
  • Signature Dishes: Gyro plate, souvlaki platter, baklava by the piece
  • Note: Relished by Midtown dwellers since it opened in 2010, Petra Greek offers some of the best Greek food in the city from its small but mighty location.
A plate with fresh hummus, dolmas, salad, tzatziki, and pita bread at Petra Greek in Sacramento, CA photo ©Kate Dana

Coffee and Tea/ Cocktails and Mocktails

Sacramento has some incredible coffee places with multiple locations and loyal customer bases. If you love coffee, consider supporting these locally owned places rather than the big box chains when visiting our city.

For Coffee and Tea Lovers

Broadway Coffee/Hippy Tea Co. 

This cozy café is located near Oak Park and is known for its relaxed vibe, a great selection of teas, awesome owners, and friendly staff.

  • Address: 3200 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
  • Website: Broadway Coffee
  • Recommended: The creamy, smoky Matcha Latte or lively Banana Iced Tea
Warm pastries and café con leche on a table with a plush lavender chair in the background, photo ©Kate Dana

Temple Coffee Roasters

Temple is a Sacramento coffee institution with several locations, including the meet-and-greet Friday night at 2200 K Street. If you’re looking for another spot, try the S Street location, which has seating inside and out, perfect for sitting and sipping.

  • Address: 2829 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Website: Temple Coffee
  • Recommended: Cappuccino made with locally roasted beans, fluffy-sweet affogato, or their famed Nitro Cold Brew
A person's hand serves a frosty affogato , an Italian-style coffee and ice cream drink, photo ©Kate Dana

Old Soul at the Weatherstone 

Situated in Midtown, Old Soul has been a favorite since the early 2000s with a community-focused atmosphere, plus a second location in Oak Park. Both spots have indoor and outdoor seating.

  • Address: 812 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
  • Website: Old Soul Co.
  • Recommended: The velvety Vietnamese Iced Coffee or luscious, Lavender Mocha 
  • Note: Old Soul locations open and close early, so plan your visit accordingly.

Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters

This East Sacramento gem is a little further from downtown, but it’s worth the trip. There are other locations but this one has the best seating and is a favorite among scooter girls for coffee dates.

  • Address: 4749 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
  • Website: Chocolate Fish Coffee
  • Recommended: Flat White or Pour Over coffee: both highlight their fresh, New Zealand-inspired roast.
  • Note: Try the avocado toast made with top-shelf, extra-virgin olive oil.
Black coffee sits in a mug on a diner table scrambled eggs and bacon in the background, photo ©Kate Dana

Milka Coffee Roasters

Housed in a spectacular, historic building in the Mansion Flats district, Milka is known for its minimalist style and quality beans. It’s the perfect place for a meet-cute or impromptu date.

  • Address: 1501 G St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Website: Milka Coffee Roasters
  • Recommended: The small, mighty Cortado and the spicy-sweet Chai Latte.

Five Sips Coffee & Tea

Located near William Land Park, Five Sips Coffee and Tea is a perfect, laid-back coffee shop and a favorite meet-up spot for weekend scooter rides in Sacramento.

  • Address: 3020 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818
  • Website: Five Sips Coffee
  • Recommended: The Honey Lavender Latte or refreshing, Signature Iced Tea. If there’s coffee cake in the pastry case, get some! It’s a slice of heaven.
A green Lambretta, vintage Italian motor scooter parked in front of 5 Sips Cafe in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Libations: Beers, Wine, Cocktails, and Mocktails

Nico Wine

  • Address: 1409 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811
  • Website: Nico Wine
  • Signature Items: The Orange Wine and Natural Rosé are house specialties.
  • Note: This small, intimate wine shop with a modern, European-like patio offers delicious, natural wines and tasty mocktails like Stagrestis Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso.
An orange, 1973 Vespa Italian motor scooter parked in front of Nico Wine in Sacramento, CA ©Kate Dana

Lefty’s Taproom

  • Address: 5610 Elvas Ave, Sacramento, CA 95819
  • Website: Lefty’s Taproom
  • Signature Items: Enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers like local favorite Farmers Light lager, hard seltzers, and Sanpellegrino Italian non-alcoholic sparkling drinks.
  • Note: A favorite among Sacramento scooterists Lefty’s is a laid-back spot with an impressive beer selection and large outdoor patio: the perfect post-ride stop.
Several vintage Italian motor scooters in the parking lot outside of Lefty's Taproom in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Fox and Goose Public House

  • Address: 1001 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811
  • Website: Fox and Goose
  • Signature Items: The Full English Breakfast and Caerphilly Grilled Cheese
  • Note: A proper English pub at the end of the popular R Street corridor known for its vintage décor and trivia nights.

Willy’s Cafe and Bar

  • Address: 4065 McKinley Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
  • Website: Compton’s Market
  • Signature Items: Grab a Local Craft Beer or one of their signature Wine Spritzers.
  • Note: A standard in East Sacramento, Willy’s Cafe and Bar inside Compton’s Market is an unexpected, fun place to chill for drinks and snacks while shopping.
Colorful, vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, Italian motor scooters parked near a sidewalk in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouse

  • Address: 1322 V St, Sacramento, CA 95818
  • Website: Urban Roots Brewery
  • Signature Items: Pair their famous House BBQ Plate with a refreshing Pilsner or try the apple walnut salad with pickled cranberries and a Hazy IPA.
  • Note: Just a stone’s throw from downtown, Urban Roots is a fantastic combo of brewery and smokehouse and a favorite meeting spot of the Sacramento rally crew.

Points of Interest

Old Sacramento

Explore Sacramento’s historic waterfront district near the lustrous gold Tower Bridge, perfect for photo ops with your shiny vintage bike. Stop by local favorite Candy Heaven for retro candies, saltwater taffy, and nostalgic treats staffed by unique, friendly characters.

🤩 Book Now and enjoy this Awesome Old Town and Food Walking Tour

Clarksburg Wineries

Located near Sacramento, the Clarksburg area offers picturesque vineyards and local wine tastings, and the view is amazing if you ride along the river. Stop by Bogle Family Vineyards 37783 County Rd 144, Miner’s Leap 54250 South River Road, or Heringer Estates 37375 Netherlands Rd, for fabulous views, friendly service, and flavorful wines.

🍷 Book Now for this incredible Old Vine Express Train Ride and Wine Tasting

A vintage Lambretta Italian motor scooter and a vintage Volvo car parked on the street in front of a white building in historic Locke, CA, photo ©Kate Dana
A vintage Lambretta and antique Volvo parked across the street from Al the Wop’s in Locke, CA

Al the Wop’s in Locke

A former biker bar now owned by Bay Area scooter club members, Al the Wop’s, 13943 Main St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, is a must-visit for those looking for a unique, offbeat stop in the Delta region.

Just a short, scenic, riverside ride from Sacramento, once you reach Al’s, try the crispy fried Brussels sprouts or the Big Ol’ Steak, served with an expansive menu of soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Be sure to check out the area near Al’s, resplendent with local wineries and farms!

🍷 Book Now and indulge in this amazing Clarksburg Wine Tasting Tour

Wrap Up

The Burgundy Topz Scooter Club’s Son of the Beast may be one of the year’s best vintage rallies and one for the books to wrap up the scooter season.

Whether you’re coming for the rides, the camaraderie, or to experience Sacramento’s unique charm, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Remember to book your accommodations early and prepare for an unforgettable weekend! See you there!

Cocameca founder Kate Dana with a vintage, orange 1973 Vespa Primavera 125 Italian motor scooter with the gold Tower Bridge in Sacramento, CA, photo ©Kate Dana

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