By Ben Getz

In a modern twist of the Old Testament plagues on ancient Egypt, once a year for four days, the tiny Oregon town of Athena is besieged by swarms, an infestation, if you will: Wombats, Rats, Squirts, Thunderdogs and Road Toads.

Also, there are more loose Aces than a Vegas poker party.

The town’s very core squirms under a pall of blue smoke, as these creations take to the streets.

In the year 2014, the visitation was nearly divine, as it marked the 50th anniversary that the quirky motorcycle marque Hodaka generated from this very hamlet.

Now, with 2019 marking the 20th staging of the storied “Hodaka Days” celebration, it is good to reminisce and look forward to future events.

The half-century mark of this brand took on special meaning in a variety of ways. Several of the original PABATCO (Pacific Basin Trading Company) employees who started this enterprise are still around: Marv Foster, Chuck Swanson and others. Yet, there has been the loss of some of the founding members, who will be much missed by all. RIP Harry Taylor and John Freeborn.

A shared fierce passion, this “Hodaka-ness” creates a large blended family, some traveling from as a far away as Mexico and Australia, as well as all points of the United States. And they call Athena, Ore., home for the long weekend.

Australian Moto author and editor of VMX magazine, Ken Smith, had just released his noteworthy and definitive production, “Hodaka,” and was on hand at the 2019 event to sign copies, tell stories and bask in the festival atmosphere. What perfect timing to bring a delightful addition to the coffee tables and reading rooms of the masses!

So much of the back story of this hardy machine’s history is laid out for readers, from the meteoric rise and popularity of the affordable, well-targeted product, all the way to its demise when the little company found itself spread too far across the Pacific and unable to keep pace with the needed changes and market demands.

Hodaka zealots Paul and Patty Stannard have been the main ringleaders behind this 20-year string of events remaining the “Strictly Hodaka” — and now, Preston Petty Products — folks they are.

Great stories abound from Hodaka’s roughly 14-year-run, and some of the accomplishments Hodaka was able to achieve during that time are quite impressive.

More than half a century later, the gleaming chrome tanks and popping two-stroke engines still carry their eclectic and passionate riders around in style.

The 2014 gathering’s parade hosted 135 machines, the most ever, and it was a treat to be surrounded by the raucous swarm.

Always noteworthy at these events are the bikes on display, whether in the judged show or just as a statement from the owners. Rare later versions, such as the partnering with Rickman Mettise and Steen, or beautifully customized examples like the Ace 100 café machine of Dave Michaels—a firefighter from Halsey, Ore.—adorn the city park.

If you have been around motorcycles for a few decades, the names of just a few of the celebrity guests will surely ring a bell: Preston Petty, Brad Lackey, Peter Starr.

At Hodaka Days, not only is there the opportunity to meet these real-world folks, but you might just find yourself hanging out sharing a glass of wine and banter in the evenings’ family reunion-like surroundings.

The type of event that Hodaka Days has become illustrates the power of admiration, devotion and connection that something as insignificant (in the bigger picture) as a motorcycle can create and maintain in a small segment of motorcycle enthusiasts.

This brand did so much with so little at a time when the riding public wanted it. Even though it was overwhelmed by the big-four Japanese brands and the Euro Trial marques, it is not uncommon to hear a wide variety of riders tell stories of their first ride on a Hodaka with huge smiles on their faces.

Hodaka means “mountain” in Japanese and this little motorcycle company created a mountain of fans, new and old, and continues to add credits to its history, even into its second half century.

Perhaps if the brand is ever revived, it will make a “Mountain Mole” model. I’d buy it.

For the latest updates on Hodaka Days, visit www.facebook.com/StrictlyHodakaMotorcycles/.

Ben Getz is an AMA member from Moses Lake, Wash.