When Larry Fletcher organized Chicago's first Mods vs. Rockers bike and scooter rally in 2005 he had a wealth of experience from which to draw. Mr. Fletcher, a beer importer and vintage bike enthusiast, had organized The Brighton Bash, a vintage bike event, at his Ace Cafe Chicago in 1997, and he continued to organize vintage bike shows and ride-ins with the 59 Club Chicago throughout the next several years.

When Laura Pliskin, a freelance art department coordinator from Pittsburgh, decided to organize Pittsburgh's first Rockers vs. Mods event (Mods vs. Rockers and Rockers vs. Mods are used somewhat interchangeably) she had no experience whatsoever. What she did have was enthusiasm for the vintage bike scene -- and for Mods and Rockers culture.

Ms. Pliskin was first exposed to British Mods and Rockers online -- Mods being tidy skinny-tie, suit-jacketed scooter riders, and Rockers being rather less tidy leather-jacketed motorcyclists, so named for their love of American rock 'n' roll. Reaching their heyday in 1960s Britain, Mods and Rockers gained notoriety after several well-publicized -- some say well-exploited -- brawls were reported by the hungry British press. Ms. Pliskin devoured everything she could read about them on the Web and remembers thinking, "How amazing to have been alive during that time, when two of motorcycling's subcultures were so dedicated to their passions."

After finding that Mods vs. Rockers events were cropping up around the country, she wondered, "Pittsburgh has the vintage bike culture, so why not have an event here?" She was already a legend in her social circle for organizing outrageous theme parties, but she knew it would take more than the idea to make an event happen. Fate stepped in when a co-worker remarked that his girlfriend, Nicole White, was starting a party planning business. The two women met and bonded instantly.

Ms. Pliskin is a motorcyclist -- she rides a 1969 Honda CB350 -- and is the self-described "idea man" of the duo. Ms. White doesn't ride, and is the more grounded of the two. Ms. Pliskin says Ms. White has been instrumental in organizing the nuts and bolts of Rockers vs. Mods Pittsburgh, securing such necessities as insurance coverage.

Back in Chicago, Larry Fletcher's Ace Cafe had closed, but his vintage bike events were gaining momentum. Chicago had a burgeoning vintage scooter scene, and Mr. Fletcher wanted them involved, so he created Mods vs. Rockers Chicago to bring vintage bike and scooter riders together. In its first year, 2005, the event drew 300 riders. This year's event, held in June, drew more than 1,000 machines -- more than San Diego's 10-year-strong Mods vs. Rockers event -- a point of pride for Mr. Fletcher. In Pittsburgh, in 2010, Ms. Pliskin will be happy to match Mr. Fletcher's first year numbers.

Before organizing the first Mods vs. Rockers Chicago, Mr. Fletcher made the pilgrimage to the original Ace Cafe outside London to check out the epicenter of the scene. Ms. Pliskin's work schedule keeps her in Pittsburgh much of the time, so she hasn't had the luxury of seeing many vintage bike events. But in July, Laura met Larry at Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Race Course in Ohio. Mr. Fletcher was enthused and encouraged to see the young woman's dream of hosting a vintage event come to fruition. Says Ms. Fletcher, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?"

Ms. Pliskin was admittedly intimidated to meet the veteran of vintage events but found their goals to be much the same. After closing the Ace Cafe Chicago, Mr. Fletcher was looking for a way to keep active in the vintage scene, and Mods vs. Rockers Chicago was his path; Ms. Pliskin is looking for a way to get that same scene started in Pittsburgh.

When asked what motivated her to undertake such a massive event, which is essentially a second full-time job for her and Ms. White, Ms. Pliskin replies, "My reasons are purely selfish. I just wanted to host a ride. Honestly, I just want everyone to come and have a good time, to show up with amazing bikes and scooters. I want everyone to have an appreciation for both, to hang out, and enjoy a great party."

On Saturday, Pittsburgh is invited to the party. The Rockers vs. Mods event runs from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. in the parking lot at SouthSide Works. The event coincides with the South Side Block Party, so the area is closed to four-wheeled traffic but will be open to motorcycles and scooters with dedicated parking.

The event highlight will be a bike show with categories ranging from chopper to bobber to vintage and modern bikes and scooters. Along with myriad vendors, highlights include a pinup girl contest -- period dress encouraged -- and a day full of music from three bands, including Pittsburgh's demons of rockabilly, Highway 13, and a DJ spinning Northern soul, ska and reggae. Tickets, including a spot in the bike show, are just $10 and are available at www.steelcityrockersvsmods.com.

A post-event ride will take bikes and scooters -- both vintage and modern -- on a scenic tour of the city, and an after-party is planned at The Meter Room in Sheraden.

For Lambretta, Vespa, Triton or Vincent owners, Rockers vs. Mods Pittsburgh will be the event of the season. For riders of more modern machines, there will never be a better chance to see the vintage scene up close.

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