Bob Lanphere had a passion for motorcycles. He loved them and the people that rode them. Bob served in the military soon after he graduated from high school. When he returned home in 1955, he joined Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club (MSMC) and spent much of his time riding and racing for BSA. He earned his associate degree prior to beginning a family with his wife and four children, while simultaneously nurturing a strong, burning passion for motorcycles. In 1964, Bob opened a motorcycle dealership in downtown Beaverton, Oregon. It was slow at first, as nobody was very familiar with the new Japanese brand, Honda, but Bob worked many hours to make sure his business grew into a success.
After 10 years, Bob was asked to open a new Honda cars dealership, and thus began the growth of his legacy; by the turn of the century Bob was one of the most successful local auto dealers, owning 20+ dealerships and a construction company. He never forgot about the moto community despite all of his success, and treated his fellow riders like a secondary family. Bob's ideology can be summed up by a common quote of his: "If you can do what you love and do it with your family, then you are very lucky." He was an active sponsor and contributor for many local events. Sadly, Bob passed away peacefully on October 9, 2015 while on a cruise. He was 81 years old.
In his memory, MSMC has chosen to hold a summer Gran Prix in his name. The Bob Lanphere Memorial GP race will take place on July 31, 2016 in Tillamook, OR. The event will include a 10-mile closed course, and for Experts, a section of endurocross track that features a log matrix, boulder section, and tractor tires. There are multiple classes set to race, including Team, Experts, Amateurs, Women, and Vintage. MSMC will contribute $500, which will be matched by Bob Lanphere Jr., for a $1000 total in cash prizes, which will be divided between AA, Expert, and the Team Race. MSMC is expecting that many riders will attend, and the club hopes to make this an annual event.
If you are in the area and looking for a great race to participate in, come on out to the Bob Lanphere Memorial GP. Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club hopes to see you there! Please check out the event's Facebook page for more information.
