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The AMC chapter events have been blessed with nice weather all year and this one was no exception. Considering how much rain the area has had all summer thats saying something. Started early AM in high 40s but the sun quickly warmed to perfect riding temps for riders and the old bikes.
Rich Spagnolli was able to coordinate a last minute change of plan when he learned an old time steam show/festival we were going to attend did not have room for us. So instead we visited an elderly gentlemans (87 y/o) garage who had about 14 Indians back to 1911. I did not think to ask his permission to use his name here so out of respect for his privacy I will not. His father was an Indian dealer and at age 16 he started riding, wrenching, and collecting them and never stopped. Of course he aquired these bikes when they were still dirt cheap compared to today. Equally as impressive as the bikes were the parts he has accumulated over the years. Then if thats not enough he had a binder full of various original Hendee and Indian documents from his fathers business dating back to the early and mid teens and later.
Visiting this humble Indian enthusiast was an experience those there will not soon forget. For me this was better than Christmas as a kid and want to thank the owner again for being a great host. He told stories and gave history lessons to the "class" on various bikes starting with the 1911 Twin which proudly displayed its original seat and a spark plug. We all had time to thoroughly talk with the owner and look at his collection. He also had some other unusual vehicles as you will see in the pics.
The pictures are in no particular order but you will know which ones are from the garage visit. Thanks to John Ritter for getting the only two action shots on this run. Hopefully I got the years and info right on the titles. Wish I'd have taken better notes. Just too much to take in on one visit.
Photobucket Pics
http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/ma...3%20Road%20Run
Photobucket Slidshow
http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/ma...3%20Road%20Run
Rich Spagnolli was able to coordinate a last minute change of plan when he learned an old time steam show/festival we were going to attend did not have room for us. So instead we visited an elderly gentlemans (87 y/o) garage who had about 14 Indians back to 1911. I did not think to ask his permission to use his name here so out of respect for his privacy I will not. His father was an Indian dealer and at age 16 he started riding, wrenching, and collecting them and never stopped. Of course he aquired these bikes when they were still dirt cheap compared to today. Equally as impressive as the bikes were the parts he has accumulated over the years. Then if thats not enough he had a binder full of various original Hendee and Indian documents from his fathers business dating back to the early and mid teens and later.
Visiting this humble Indian enthusiast was an experience those there will not soon forget. For me this was better than Christmas as a kid and want to thank the owner again for being a great host. He told stories and gave history lessons to the "class" on various bikes starting with the 1911 Twin which proudly displayed its original seat and a spark plug. We all had time to thoroughly talk with the owner and look at his collection. He also had some other unusual vehicles as you will see in the pics.
The pictures are in no particular order but you will know which ones are from the garage visit. Thanks to John Ritter for getting the only two action shots on this run. Hopefully I got the years and info right on the titles. Wish I'd have taken better notes. Just too much to take in on one visit.
Photobucket Pics
http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/ma...3%20Road%20Run
Photobucket Slidshow
http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/ma...3%20Road%20Run
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