WOW! Thanks for the replies men! I recognized all the names that did and I'm sure you all played a part in bringing me up to speed at some point. The weekend was chaotic with a 12 hour work day on Saturday. Up late that night doing last minute details before the Concours event on Sunday. I arrived at the meet just after 8:00 am and rode to my spot on the lawn. 136 motorcycles in total, I was placed in Japanese 69-89 with 16 others. As the morning progressed and I looked at my competition, I was glad I had read such positive comments here the night before. I felt great about that, but not with my chances at this meet. A few said since I rode it in, I should have entered the "Street" class, but whatever, I had entered in Concours two months back. My neighbor and my wife tried to cheer me up with the fact that it's still a great looking bike and I ride it all the time. I'm happy with it and that's most important. (I really wanted a trophy though!)
The judging was odd to me. Several judges came, did a few bikes next to mine, in no apparent order and moved on passing me by. A second group of two, did the same, one or two near me, then walked on. Finally, a lone judge came, took my paperwork and proceeded to judge it. I guess they use those that are familiar with certain models, was all I could come up with. After his walk around, he looked up and said "You rode her in huh?, I can smell her." with a grin. I smiled back and said she gets out a few times a week, but with her chambers on. He seemed to be quite serious with his scouring of the bike, but at that moment, he smiled back.
After it was judged, I actually bailed with the wife and headed home for a catnap. We got back to the meet and my bike at the assigned time to see the head judge award another bike in my class first place.
We figured we'd go check out the whole show since we had time before I could move the bike anyway. We spent a few hours drooling over the selection of motorcycles and cars. It was overwhelming and a surprise to see how many motorcycles were brought in haulers, trailers or trucks. We found a spot at the stage and watched all the winning cars do their award receiving drive bye's. The last car rolled through and we headed back to the H1. I saw some plastic on my seat from a distance and said, "Some f------ left his trash on my bike." It's a huge park, so I figured it was a dog poop bag from some other make enthusiast, showing his thoughts on my Kawasaki. My wife said "No, it's a plaque!" Sure enough when we got to it, there it was. Wrapped in plastic, a plaque for Second Place! We were shocked, then smiled from ear to ear with a high five and a hug. Not many around at this point as most non winners had left during the awards ceremony, we stood there with smiles in amazement. I was lucky no one grabbed it and split. We never would have known I had placed. That's good karma right there.
The ride home, though short, was awesome! A little power wheelie past the wife in the Tahoe, smiling under the helmet the whole way home.
My neighbor Vic, who deserves a shout out for sharing all his knowledge as well, stopped by the house to see the plaque. I had text the pictures to him in my excitement. "I knew it" he said, "and you ride your bike too!". I have to ride past his house to leave mine and I'm sure he's inside smiling when he hears me roll past.
So there it is. Long, but that's the end of the story. Well, the beginning. Now I get to enjoy riding my H1 for years to come.
Thanks again men. As I said before, couldn't have done it without all your help. Ride safe.