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WTT's John Dills' Panhead on IronWorks Cover |
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Sunday, 31 January 2010 |
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I thought I'd share the news about our good friend and painter John Dills and his 1953 Panhead Chopper's cover appearance and three page spread in the March issue of Ironworks Magazine. Johns been helping out here at the museum for about five years, and has probably painted over 40 bikes for us since 2005. John likes to say that he "paints for parts", and over the last several years, he'd collected enough old H-D stuff to build his dream bike. Last winter, we got to work, and between John, Matt, and myself, we had her running down the road in just a few months. The entire build was a lot of fun! Completed about a year ago, it didn't take long for it to catch the eye of builders and enthusiasts everywhere. A big thanks to Marylin Stemp of IronWorks for seeing that John's '53 made it into IronWorks!
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1937 Harley UMG Videos Now Online! |
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Wednesday, 27 January 2010 |
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After years of searching out the few remaining parts for the 1937 Harley-Davidson UMG, I'm proud to say that what is possibly the only remaining Harley UMG Flathead is finally finished and back in running and roadworthy condition. I can't stress enough how rare of a motorcycle this machine is. Originally built for the New York Police Department, H-D produced very limited numbers of these from 1937 to 1939. You see, the NYPD had always used Indians......and around mid 1936 Harley decided they wanted a piece of the contract. The NYPD had one of the largest motorcycle squads in the country, and you can imagine that Harley was eager to sell another three or four hundred bikes, especially to an entity as prestigious as the NYPD.
However, it wouldn't be as easy as you'd think. You'd think that the new, powerful H-D 61 OHV motor would be a shoe-in for the job, but as the department had always used Indian's flathead motor, Harley decided to base this new machine around their 74" U-Model. Often referred to as an "Indian-ized Harley", the UMG featured, like Indians, a left-hand throttle, right-hand shift, three speed transmission, and "heel-to-go" clutch. All opposite from a standard Harley. The UMG was painted none other than "Indian Red" and also featured an indian-type Bosch Magneto/Generator, which is where the machine picked up is lettered model designation -- U-model, Magneto, Generator.
To my knowledge, this is the only remaining UMG in existance.
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Dale's 1915 HD Cannonball Ride |
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Tuesday, 19 January 2010 |
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Here it is! My 1915 Harley-Davidson that I'll be riding in the first ever Cannonball Run. I know it looks a little rough, but its a great bike with a great story. The bike is a true survivor, sold new in North Carolina in 1915. After sitting in the original owners barn for over 60 years, the machine changed hands in the 1980s, moving just a few blocks down the road, and remaining untouched until I received a phone call on a sunny August afternoon. After so many years of neglect, the bike was at Wheels Through Time just a few days later.....ready to be brought back to life for the first time in who knows how long. Check out the rest of the 5 Part series on my 1915 Cannonball Machine!
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Motorcycle Cannonball Update!!! |
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Saturday, 02 January 2010 |
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 Much progress has been made on the two machines that Wayne Stanfield and I will be riding in the Cannonball Run this coming September 2010. For those of you who haven't heard yet, the Cannonball Run, which was set up by my good friend Lonnie Isam, Jr. of Sturgis, SD, is a coast-to-coast motorcycle run for machine made before 1916. So far over 50 riders are entered, and for the last several months, everyone has been working hard to get their machines into tip-top running shape.
The Cannonball will be no easy race to win. As a matter of fact, it will be extremely difficult to even finish. Approximately 3400 miles on a nearly 100 year old machine..... The route has been set, as Lonnie got the help of world famous rally organizer, John Classen. The route, which stretches east to west, from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to Santa Monica, CA was chosen for several  reasons, including mileage, road condition/type, weather trend, etc. Keep in mind that the machines we're riding, most of which were never meant to sustain speeds over 35 or 40 mph, are not meant for any road. The route had to be carefully chosen, and John did a great job of putting it all together. Over the past few months, Matt and I have been working hard to get the machines that Wayne and I will be running back into roadworthy shape. Both are 1915 Harleys, one restored, and one original. The first step for both machines was an engine rebuilt. Although I had been into one of the engines before, it never hurts to take everything down and have another fresh start. So that's what we did. I've been comparing several different components from similar years, including pistons, cylinders, cams, valve pockets, etc, in an effort to find a great combination that will produce enough power, but not too much. The idea here is endurance, and often, the lower compression, detuned motors have the ability to stay together longer than, say, a hot rod stroker. Sure, the stroker would be faster, but I hold the belief that Harley-Davidson knew how to get the most out of their machines back then. Their main goal in those days was durability and reliability, and that's exactly what the Cannonball Run is all about.  We've also been brainstorming as to what chassis adjustments we should make to try to gain an extra advantage. For example, we're changing the handlebars to be more accommodating to long distance riding. The original style handlebars are very hard on the wrists, and offer much less control than later style bars. Aiming to get our hands in front of us, as opposed to underneath us, we decided on a set of Duo-glide buckhorn style bars. With a more forward set of foot controls, the riding position would be revolutionized--comfortable, with plenty of control.
We also decided to run a set of smaller wheels. The early teens bikes have such a higher center of gravity. By running 26" tires instead of 28"s, we can drop the machine down a bit, and make it much more road friendly. Combine that with interchangable gearing on the rear hub, and these machines will be ready to go anywhere. We'll be continuing to work on these machines for several more months, so stay tuned for whats next.
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009 |
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 Each year, as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, our riding season here in the mountains unfortunately comes to a close. Its during these times that I have an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the year that's gone by, hopefully with joy, happiness, and thanks.
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, we're reminded of the great people, places and things that come into our lives and have an opportunity to recognize how those aspects have made us better people. I've got a lot to be thankful for....too much to mention in just a few words. The love and support of family, good health, great friends with whom I'm fortunate to share my passion. Its during this time of year that its so important to make the most of what you have and give thanks to those who care. So, Happy Thanksgiving, from myself and everyone at Wheels Through Time. May the rest of 2009 be a great one, and may 2010 bring you all happiness, love, and joy.  This year has been a great one. The museum is currently bigger and better than ever, with more rare machines than ever. Some of the rarest bikes in the museum have made their way here this year, including the 1929 DAR boardtrack racer, Jack Pine endurance racers, several great dirt-track machines from the earliest days of dirt track history, and last but not least, a 1916 Harley-Davidson Sidecar....that you drive from the sidecar. Most of these machines have already been brought back to running and operating condition, and a few more are on the workbenches as we speak.
We've had a lot going on back in the shop this year. We've finished a total of 10 new machines for the museum so far this year, and have a few more planned to be finished by year's end. Currently, I'm working on two Harley-Davidson VLs...one a 1936 hot-rod and the second a 1934 crustoration. They're both going to be great project. Last year, I asked my friend Brian Haenlien to build a hopped up motor for our land speed racing VL -- a task that Brian took with pride. He did such a good job on the motor, that I've convinced him to build another one to put in a road bike. We're pretty excited about the build, and have all the confidence in the world that it'll do a 100 mph when its done....full fenders and all.  Matt's been hard at work in the shop on a great project that's sort of new ground for all of us -- building a genuine 1920s-era Harley Cutdown. "What's a cutdown?" you ask. Its a customized, literally "cut-down" Harley from the early days of motorcycle customization (before choppers, there were bobbers, and before bobbers there were cutdowns). Matts made some serious progress so far. The engine, which came to us as sort of a mystery motor, with parts from different years, and combinations for a fast motor, has already been rebuilt as of last week, and the transmission and clutch will be wrapped up any day now. We found a nice frame in the back of the shop that'll fit perfect with the project. Its a 1918 or '19 frame, that needs a bit of straightening. Then the plan is to modify it to lower the engine and shorten the wheel-base. The original style teens and twenties Harleys sit pretty high, and aren't your most agile bikes, so the plan is to drop it way down, get it closer to the ground, and make it more "race friendly". Matts really excited about this....."Its not too often that you get to chop a teens harley" he says.
We'll be producing new videos on each of these builds as they progress, and will be posting them, as well as countless other shows about whats going on at the museum and in the shop, in the video section of our website. So stay tuned in....I know that you're going to like what you see! 
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Sunday, 01 November 2009 |
Two New Books that'll keep you reading, and reading, and reading........As a true motorcycle enthusiast, I'm always looking for great new reads about old motorcycles and the people who have ridden, raced, restored and collected them. Over the past several decades, I've read literally hundreds of motorcycle-related books, each of which have fueled my interests, sparked my motivation, and taught me something new. As you can guess, I'm a big history fan, and books that look backwards at our two-wheeled history seem to move me the most. Today, I'd like to tell you about two new books that have just hit the shelves. Each are outstanding works, highlighting aspects of the old motorcycle world that are often overlooked, forgotten, or never told. Each are "must reads" for any true motorcycle fan, and I am proud to say that they're two of the best published motorcycle works that I've ever had the pleasure of reading.  The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900 to 1950
by Cristine Sommer Simmons
Cristine Sommer-Simmons is outstanding asset to the history of American motorcycles. Through her passion to recognize and progress the role of women in the historically male-dominated world of motorcycling, Cris has become not only a recognized figure in the motorcycle industry, but one of the premier motorcycle authors and journalists of her time. "The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950" highlights a history that has been overlooked from the very beginnings of our motorcycle heritage: Women and motorcycles. A large format, 240-page hardcover, this fantastic book was published in June of 2009. Covering the first 50 years of the 20th century, "The American Motorcycle Girls" combines hundreds of photographs, first-hand stories, interviews, and commentary by Cris herself in a beautiful layout out that will keep you reading from start to finish. From the minute I opened my copy in the mail, I knew it was something special (It's got a great photo of a attractive young woman on a period-modified '37 Knucklehead!). Before long, I was immersed in the countless pictures and stories, eagerly flipping pages to see what was next. From cover to cover, this book will keep you enthralled, and is sure to teach you something you didn't about women in motorcycling that you didn't know. Learn more at The American Motorcycle Girls Official Website
 The Vincent in the Barn
By Tom Cotter
I met Tom Cotter about a year ago, and from the first time we spoke, I knew that he was a unique individual. Tom had written several books that I was familiar with, including "The Hemi in the Barn", a book that highlights great stories about rare and interesting automotive finds. During his first visit, we had a great time touring the museum and sharing stories of how many of the machines at WTT came to be. When Tom contacted me about his upcoming book, "The Vincent in the Barn", I was fascinated with the idea. He mentioned that, similar to "The Hemi in the Barn", his new book would highlight many great stories of rare and significant motorcycle treasures found over the years. As there are hundreds of great stories housed here at the museum, Tom asked if I would be willing to share a few of those for the book. I was honored, and told him I would be more than willing to help in any way I could. A year later, I received the finished, published work in the mail (autographed by Tom), and immediately began tearing into the package to see this collection of great stories. The book is fantastic....a 256-page hardcopy that is an instant classic. In "The Vincent in the Barn", Tom shares some of the most outstanding stories on great motorcycle finds, the people who found them, and the circumstances under which they were found. A true cover to cover read, the book is filled with first hand accounts, told by Tom, about many of the rarest motorcycles in existence. With tales such as "The Race Engine in the Trailer House", "The Hyperterrestrial Hopper", and "Easy Russ, Junky Joe, One-Eye Roy, and the Snoop", this book is sure to peek your interest if you love hearing how barn finds came to be. Countless stories on uncovering many of the rare machines at Wheels Through Time are highlighted, ranging from hillclimbers and boardtrack racers, to prototypes and production models. I, myself, still get excited reading Toms translation of machines I found 25, even 30, years ago. To get a copy, click here. So if you're looking for great reading, maybe a good holiday gift for family or friends, or a way to unwind delve deeper into motorcycle history at its finest, be sure to pick up a copy of Tom Cotters "Vincent in the Barn" and Cris Sommer Simmons "The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950". These are two reads that you certainly won't regret, and will cherish over and over for years to come!
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The 2010 Cannonball Run!!! |
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Friday, 25 September 2009 |
The 2010 Cannonball RunCoast-to-Coast on Pre-1916 Motorcycles
Sponsored In Part by Wheels Through Time
 Gentlemen....start your engines!
Next September 10-22, 2010, for the first time in nearly 100 years, motorcycle icons, collectors, and racers will bring out their oldest for one of the most anticipated races in almost a century. Called the Cannonball Run, the run will follow in the footsteps of our motorcycle forefathers, with a race from coast to coast....winner taking all. But here's the catch -- in order to compete in the race, riders must do it on a motorcycle built before 1916! About a month back, I began talking with my friend Lonnie Isam, Jr. of Jurrasic Racing about doing a long distance run on old bikes. While Lonnie and his dad love all types of motorcycles, their true passion is motorcycles of the pre-1916 variety. So it only seemed natural to focus this run on bike from that era. Lonnie had been wanting to hold a pre-1916 endurance run for some time now, and recognizing the accomplishments of riders from that era, followed in their footsteps by making the race coast to coast. This way, not only the machines endurance would be tested, but the endurance of each rider as well. While the Cannonball Run is named after motorcycle endurance legend Cannonball Baker, the run also pays tribute to another icon of endurance riding, George Wyman. Back in 1903, George Wyman became the first person to traverse our great continent on a motorized vehicle, making the run from coast to coast on a 1903 Yale California motorcycle. Riding from San Francisco to New York, Wyman encountered many obstacles and mechanical problems during the run, but his perseverance, determination, and, of course, endurance showed the world that such a thing is possible. He did it in just fifty days.  The 2010 Cannonball Run will consist of a twelve day run, with the route yet to be determined. Lonnie has give participants four options to choose from: Vancouver to New Hampshire; Los Angeles to Virginia Beach; Portland, WA to Portland, ME, and Seattle to St. Petersburg, FL. While all of these are approximately equal in mileage to that of Wyman's run, each route consists of different terrain, road conditions, elevations, and weather patterns.
When Lonnie asked me if I'd be interested in participating in the Cannonball Run, I didn't have to think twice. While I've been a part of countless endurance races over the years with old bikes, including four Great American Races with a '36 Flathead, a coast-to-coast run on my 1917 Henderson, and a 24-hour endurance run at Talladega with a '37 Knucklehead, I'd never been a part of a multi-rider event where each and every machine had to be made before 1916. My excitement was apparent, and I let Lonnie know that I couldn't wait to join in with dozens of other old bike nuts and put some of the oldest iron here at the museum back on the road. When he asked if I knew anyone else that'd be interested in doing the run, countless names came to mind....but one in particular -- Wayne Stanfield. Wayne and I have been great friends since my first Great American Race way back in 1985, and of all the old bike riders I know, Wayne is at the top of the list. A true endurance champion, Wayne has won the Great American Race five times, and has more endurance accomplishments than anyone I know. In 1995 and '96, Wayne piloted my 1936 Experimental Harley to second and fourth place finishes in the Great Race, becoming the first participant on a motorcycle to both compete and finish the grueling event. In 2007, at the tender  age of 59, Wayne became the first person to complete a 24-hour endurance run on a 1937 Knucklehead in over 70 years, running an unbelievable 1375 miles in 24 hours! Yes, if ever there was an endurance champ, its Wayne Stanfield, and on the sole basis that Wayne is the true definition of a thrill-seeker, I knew he'd love to join in. In choosing which machines that Wayne and I would run, many factors came into play. Overall, the Cannonball Run will consist of three different classes: The Single Cylinder-Single Speed class; the Twin Cylinder-Single Speed Class; and the Multi Cylinder-Multi Speed Class. I've got many capable machines here at the museum, but choosing one that would be competitive its respective class is important. Being that both Wayne and I would be competiting, we figured it'd be a great idea to be in different classes. In picking which machines to field, we came to the decision that, back then, one of the premier machines on the market was the 1915 Harley. 1915 was an interesting year, as Harley-Davidson offered both a Single-Speed twin and a 3-speed twin to their customers. Believe it or not, we've got one of each here at the museum, and those are the machines that Wayne and I will be riding. With over a dozen riders already entered in the event, the 2010 Cannonball Run is already gaining momentum. I'd expect anywhere from 30 to 50 riders in total, making for one heck of a cross country journey. Please log onto www.motorcyclecannonball.com to learn more about the 2010 Cannonball Run and to show Lonnie and all of the other riders your support. His site contains great information on the history of the Cannonball Run, rules and guidelines for the 2010 event, and a forum where we can exchange thoughts and ideas about the run. If you're not excited yet, you will be. I know I am! 
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Tuesday, 18 August 2009 |
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 So often here at the museum, we have visitors with many unbelievable talents. In my forty-plus years of collecting, and throughout all the years here at the Wheels Through Time Museum, I've been fortunate to meet folks from all walks of life, and share a bit of time with them to speak not only of the collection here at the museum, but about their own talents as well.
Today I'd like to tell you about a new friend, with an unbelievable talent, that visited the museum for the first time this past weekend. His name is Philip Perrine, and he's quite a guy. Philip is from Richmond, Virginia and is the first born son of a Latin professor turned artist. Highly influenced by his father during his youth, Philip took a weekend class at Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Sculpture Department. As his interest in art was apparent, he was discovered by the Chairman of the department for his work and dedication during the class. With a knack for creating three-dimensional art, Philip dropped out of High School in the middle of 10th grade, and got his G.E.D at age 17 through a loophole used by VCU. Just six years later, he graduated with a Bachelors in Fine  Arts, majoring in Sculpture and focusing in metal work. Formerly working summers for a blacksmith and machinist, Philip now works as a product development manager for McKinnon & Harris, Inc. and has been there for 12 years. When Philip came to the museum last Friday, he mentioned that he planned his vacation around visiting the museum....and he wasn't kidding. Philip spent the whole weekend here at the museum, from his arrival Friday until late Sunday afternoon. ...Just the type of visitor we love! Aside from his expertise in metalwork and sculpture, Philip creates some of the best motorcycle artwork I've seen in a long time. He had his sketchbook out all weekend, and during his time here, created some unbelievable drawings. When asked what drives him, Philip offered this simple, but profound quote: "It is amazing what you can do if you just don't quit!" Thanks, Philip, for stopping by and making Wheels Through Time your destination for the weekend. We hope to see you again soon! 
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Read more...
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One Heck of Week At Sturgis 2009 |
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Tuesday, 11 August 2009 |
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What a week. We just got back from the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD and I've got to say it was one of the most incredible weeks I've had in a long time. Several months back, I got a phone call from my friend Christine Diers from the Sturgis Hall of Fame Museum to let me in on a bit of great news. Christine informed me that I was to be inducted to the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in the Class of 2009 during this years rally. Extremely excited about the news, we began making plans for the weekend right away.  As I'd never been to Sturgis before, I thought it'd be a great idea to bring a other first-timers with me. My son Matt and good buddy Myron were up to the task. Matt had already been talking with Mike Lichter, the world-renowned Easyriders photographer who has chronicled the Sturgis Rally for over 30 years, about helping with Mikes annual motorcycle exhibit, which would be held for the first time at the Buffalo Chip Campground and Event Center. Matt and Mike picked out some great motorcycles and memorabilia for the exhibit, and we knew it would be an honor to participate.
Fast forward to July 29th. The truck was packed and we were ready to go. We decided it'd be nice to take a bit of a detour, so we headed north to Milwaukee to check out the new Harley museum. I plan on writing about our experience there in the near future, so I won't get into too much detail, but the place was UNBELIEVABLE. My friend Bill Rodencal showed us all around for the day, and let me tell you, the amount of history encompassed there is fantastic. Original paint bikes with zero miles, nearly 100 year old race trophies, original ads and artwork....I could go on and on. Heading out of Milwaukee, I decided to throw a curveball at Matt and Myron, and ride my old 80" flathead the rest of the way into Sturgis. They told me I was crazy, but I went ahead and did it anyway. Kept the old speedo at 120 the whole time (which was really only 55 or 60...you know how some of those old speedos are). There's nothing like riding an old bike to your first Sturgis ever. I would recommend it to anyone!  When I arrived in Sturgis, a few days after Matt and Myron of course, we had a full week of fun planned, which would undoubtedly include some of that great Black Hills riding I've heard so much about.
First thing Monday, we all headed into Deadwood for the legends ride. Mike Lichter invited Matt, Myron and myself to participate in the Legends Ride as special guests, which is one of the biggest charity rides in the country. When the ride started, we found ourselves right out front. Running down Highway 385, we headed out of town with a group of 500 or so, which would quickly turn into less. Let me explain... The plan was to ride about 15 miles down HWY 385 then hit a left toward Nemo, and then wind up the famous Vanocker Canyon Road back into Sturgis. About 50 miles total. Well, about 25 miles down 385, we turned around and realized that the massive ride of about 500 people had diminished to less than 20. Realizing we missed our turn, the ride leader pulled us all over for a break. As we got off the bikes, none other than Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, who'd been riding out front the whole time, came back to check out the old iron. A few great photo opportunities (he evened bummed my last Backwoods Cigar) and we were back on the road. Since no one else had a map, Matt and I lead the ride back...which was a real treat.  Tuesday evening we all headed to Mike Lichter's Industry Party at his annual exhibit. This year's exhibit was titled "Rebel Rousers: Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride", and it was a first a first class show right from the start. Mike had spent the past six months gathering iconic machines, images, and personalities for the show, and it came together beautifully. Machines well recognized throughout the industry were featured, and a collection of iconic memorabilia lined the walls for an incredible ambience enjoyed by all. We brought a few key pieces as well: the 1970 Evel Knievel Iron-head 750, our Wall of Death Indian Scout and shipping crate, and of course, our original paint H-D World War II WLA....all great machines that, over the years, inspired so many of us to hop on two wheels and hit the open road.
The party was fantastic. People from all over the industry were there, from legendary builders, riders, and racers, to some of the industries newest talent and icons. Matt and I even got a chance to catch up with good friends Pat Simmons from the Doobie Brothers and his wife Cristine Summer-Simmons, who by the way, just released her new incredible book titled "The American Motorcycle Girls", which highlights women in motorcycling throughout the first half of the twentieth century.  Wednesday morning, Matt, Myron, myself, and a big group of vintage riders all headed out to the Annual Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast in Rapid City. It was a big day for me, and although I don't usually get nervous, I felt the butterflies this time around. The ceremony was first-class, and it was an honor to be included with this year's inductees. Tom Lehman of Lehman Trikes was being inducted. Cookie Crum, the first female wall-of-death rider, and an inspiration to so many women motorcyclists was in the class of 2009 as well. James Clark of James Gaskets, Lou Kimsey (founder of Easyriders Magazine), and Jack Kirchgesler (long-time Sturgis H-D dealer) also received the Sturgis Museum's top honor this year.
While the beginning of the week was jam-packed, Thursday and Friday offered a bit of a slower pace. We got in some great riding around the area, including Mt. Rushmore of course, and spent both afternoons hanging out at the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's booth right outside Competition Distributing. A perfect way to wind down from one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. For more information on Sturgis Rally, Mike Lichter's Rebel Rousers Exhibit, the Legends Ride, or the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, please visit the following websites:
-www.SturgisRally.com
-http://lichterphoto.com
-http://www.legendsride.com
-http://www.sturgismuseum.com 
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The AMCA Wauseon Swapmeet and Races |
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Tuesday, 21 July 2009 |
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This past weekend, myself, Matt, and a several others from the Wheels Through Time crew headed up to the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's Annual National Swapmeet in Wauseon, Ohio for a weekend of fun with friends and family. Wauseon is a "must do" for us every year, as its one of the biggest and best antique motorcycle swapmeets you'll find anywhere.  We arrived on Thursday morning after a quick ten hour drive and immediately began unloading the truck and trailer. This year's theme at the meet was "Bobbers", and both Matt and I decided to bring a couple of our favorites for the show. We had a full trailer heading up, as we'd also be bringing a few other scoots to get around on, as well as our new 1929 H-D 750 Overhead Valve racer that we'd be racing on Friday night.
By mid-Thursday morning, the fairgrounds were filling up with vendors, and both Matt and I were out looking for parts for current and future projects. This year, over five hundred vendors turned up for the meet, which usually means one thing......good shopping. As we're currently working on more than 10 machines in the restoration shop, we needed to find several pieces and parts at the meet that'd allow us to move forward on each of those. By about one o'clock that day, I already had a great head start, with several perfect parts for the '36 Knucklehead I'm working on. Matt also was having a great time, as he found a headlight, front fender, trim, and floorboards for his 1941 H-D flathead he's got on the lift in the shop.  One of the best things about Wauseon is that you get to catch up with friends who you don't get to see as often as you like. I was fortunate this year to catch up with many old buddies that I hadn't seen in a long time. My friend Mike Lange made the drive from Wisconsin. Mike and I have traded lots over the year's we've known each other, and he's also made me a few parts that are impossible to find, that always seem to work perfectly. I also got to see my dad, Bernie who came down from Chicago for the event. We hadn't seen each other in several months, and he made it down just in time to see the unloading of one of my newly completed projects -- the VEL, a bike that I built in his honor.
One of the highlights of the meet this year was the 1/2 mile flattrack races. There's always 10 or 12 different classes of racing that evening, but my favorite, and the one that the crowd always seems to love the most, was the boardtrack class. This year, there'd be more machines competing than ever, and I knew I'd have some stiff competition to place in the top few spots. The machine we brought for the races was a new one to the museum collection -- a 1929 Harley-Davidson DAR 750c.c. twin-port overhead-vavle boardtracker. We finished it just a few days earlier, with the help of Moe and my friend Brian Haenlien of Acme Cycles in Michigan. We were all a bit nervous, as the race drew closer, but the bike seemed to be telling us we need not worry, as it performed flawlessly through the initial practice laps. We really worried about the gearing on this one, as it was apparent that the bike was set up for long distance, mile-track racing, and the little Wauseon track was only about half that. But it had plenty of power to pull out of the turns and get up to speed on the short straight-aways. In the heat race, we ran up against a few problems. Almost immediately, I noticed the bike was low on power. On a rare occasion, I could turn my head and see smoke coming out of the pipes. I ended up limping it around for four or five laps, and when I came in, Matt, Moe and Brian were trying to figure out what went wrong. We immediately began preparing for worst case scenarios, but hoping for the best. Come to find out...the only problem was that the rear plug wire had come off! A potential disaster averted. We popped it back on and were ready for the main event.  We got the bike back to the pits and all relaxed a bit before the big race. We all were very impressed with the machines performance, and figured that nothing needed to be changed. The bike had plenty of power to pull away from other bikes on the straights, but to be perfectly honest, I wasn't all that confident in the bikes cornering ability (or was that my cornering ability?) I knew that a lot of my competition would be going fast, and I just hoped that I could keep the pace. With fourteen bikes on the track, there's a lot going on, and one slip up could cost you a half lap or even worse, the whole race altogether. Remember...no brakes, no clutch...which means virtually no room for error.
When it was time to race, I could feel the adrenaline running through my veins. Its not too often that you get to jump on a 70+ year old, one of a kind machine, and twist the throttle all the way around the track. As the race official signaled us to go, the guys gave me a push, and off I went. As we made our way around the track for the rolling start, I knew the bike was running great, and when I took a look ahead, I noticed that no one was ahead of me. I was right up front. The race official dropped the green flag and we were off. The bike was strong on power, and was able to easily compete with the bigger 61", 74", and larger machines on the track. I had a few laps shoulder to shoulder with my friend Frank Westphal, who's as competitive a guy as you'll ever meet. As the checkered flag waived, I crossed the finish line in fourth place. A personal best! It was a great reward to a hard week of preparation. The rest of the swapmeet was a blast, but I don't know if anything compares to getting out on the track on that one-of-a-kind racer. I had a great crowd behind me all the way, and the help of my son and many of my friends to make it happen.
Keep an eye out for this one at the races next year....I'll be gunning for first. For the full story on the Wauseon Vintage Flat Track Races, visit www.bikedays.com
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