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Originally posted by HarleyCreation
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My bitsa '36? It came from here and there. Cases were found at the Adams County Colorado swap meet back in the early '80's. Frame found in a garage in Napa, CA. One tank at the AMCA meet in Orlando, FL. Wheels from the Cow Palace meet in Daily City, Ca, Rear half of fork from Dave Lietner and on and on.
Be sure to visit;
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Herb, The picture is a good one in my opinion. It shows Al sitting sideways on his parked 36EL. It appears to be white and equipped with saddle bags and a chrome muffler. There is a clear view of the right side of that great looking engine. I made a copy of the picture but it did not copy well. Als family is still motorcycle racing. Just 2 years ago at some dirt track races in Seymour Wi. there was a Campchure in the line up. I have heard that name more than once in my 37 years of riding knuckleheads. Thank You for all of the information and the great reading.
I am taking off of work Monday the 13th and visit all of the places I can find from the pictures in your book. I know where a some of them are. The great story and history of this event will be flowing through my thoughts that day. Too bad my 36EL is not a complete 36. Only the motor is and the rest of the bike is 46 but it is a good combination and a great ride. Who knows maybe the motor, EL1658, was in Shawano back in 36.
Dave, Thanks for posting that picture. I went by the old train station on the way to the library yesterday. I believe it is the same building shown in your picture.
BobComment
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Herb,
Dad worked there for 55 years,Exp. engineering(Dept. 43),I checked my Milwaukee Pirates photos,have some from 47 Gypsy Tour Wisc. Dells.
He was of the old school who was married to the place. Ken's dad worked there for a LONG time too, but I forget exactly how long. Joe Geiger holds the all-time record at around 63 years and 11 months. Geigern was secretary in the engineering department and I missed him by just six months![/QUOTE]Ken S., # 6457
1926- H-D BAF-Peashooter
1954-H-D PanheadComment
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Ken! Wisconsin Dells your say? Now, I can conjur up a bit of a mental picture. I spent some time in Wisconsin when I was a kid and remember some areas fairly well. I never got to Shawono but did spend a few days in Wittenberg.. I've been thinking about getting back down there for the last couple years and this thread has definitely sparked the idea up again!!!
Cory Othen
Membership#10953Comment
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Ken, The Wisconsin Dells area is a very beautiful area but has become very commercialized. Because of its close proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago it is a very busy place in the summer time. Almost all of the people are in the city though and beautiful country back roads are very enjoyable. I will be passing through there Saturday on my 36EL headed to the Beowulf MC summer party. We usually stop at a city park near some of the water parks, and drink a few beers and take in some of the "scenery".
BobComment
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I mean Cory !Comment
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Bob! My most vivid memories of Wisconsin involve the scenery. I was fairly young but it stuck with me. I would love to travel some of those back roads on a motorcycle. Enjoy that ride on the '36 and I hope you get enough scenery at the water parks!!
Cory Othen
Membership#10953Comment
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Can someone explain to me what Dells are? I have heard of the farmer in the dell but have no idea what it is.Be sure to visit;
http://www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com/main.php
Be sure to register at the site so you can see large images.
Also be sure to visit http://www.caimag.com/forum/Comment
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Chris The Wisconsin Dells is an incredibly beautiful stretch of the Wisconsin River in central WI that now lends it name to a town and surrounding area that is aTheme Park heaven and tourist trap.
JerryComment
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Here Chris,Can someone explain to me what Dells are? I have heard of the farmer in the dell but have no idea what it is.
(Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) a small, esp wooded hollow
[Old English; related to Middle Low German delle valley; compare dale]Robbie Knight Amca #2736Comment
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Jerry is right. Wisconsin Dells is a huge Tourist trap but the river and surrounding areas are very beautiful. Here is a link to a por quality video I took while passing through the Dells saturday. Also a couple from Beowulf 39 summer party. Now its off to Shawano to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the big event.
Bob
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxh6HFMpbi4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHJ-au6BZK0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v8IuSMwKroComment
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That's amazing! I wonder if your dad was 2nd to Joe Geiger in number of years worked there? Should be a plaque for those guys.Originally posted by milw.pirates View PostComment
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I don't know if anyone else has said this, but the "Dells" is where the Wisconsin River cut a deep picturesque gorge (the "dells" or "dallas") into Cambrian age sandstone strata during pro-glacial times. The area is commercialized to the max. There are also some buttes or mesas in that area rising from the extinct lakebed of Glacial Lake Wisconsin. Dry forest of jack pine and pin oak, plus swamps. Great country!
Speaking of great riding country, I see that the Chief Blackhawk Chapter Davenport Meet will be having some organized rides in surrounding areas of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. That area along the Mississippi River is premier riding country. Some of it is part of the old Galena lead and zinc mining district full of twisting valleys and ridges and tons of backroads. Coulee Country.
One of my favorite destinations out there when I was a young guy on a motorcycle was in NE Iowa along the Turkey, Volga, Iowa, Maquokata, and Wappisipicon rivers. Dreamy country you can get lost in and not care. Friendly people too. Also good fossil hunting (which I was into at the time) and how that BIG dent got into my brother's 47WL rear fender, which was mine then.Last edited by HarleyCreation; 06-13-2011, 12:03 PM.Comment
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Bob,Originally posted by bobphd View Post
Since you are so dedicated, a loyal Club member (and you like my book!) here is a little something for you upon your return on retracing the steps of the 1936 Shawano motorcycle rally.
Your 1936 "61 OHV" model twin Harley-Davidson shows up as follows in the 36 regs.
"#2294 Frank Plesee, 2530 N.51st St., Milwaukee, Wis., 36EL1658 solo"
Unfortunately I can't tell you anything else about Frank Plesee. I can't recall ever hearing his name mentioned before. But that was the original owner of your bike (motor) in the grand and glorious year of 1936. Wonder if he's still around?
PS: Find any castoff parts on Lime Kiln Hill? VL ham-can sidecover maybe?Last edited by HarleyCreation; 06-13-2011, 12:05 PM.Comment
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Wow Herb, way to top off a great day. Giving me the original owner and address of my 36 motor. I am glad to find out that it is a Wisconsin original. I got it in a parts purchase almost 30 years ago in Appleton Wisconsin but never knew where it came from. I will be doing a little research on the original owner and the bike will be parked in front of that address sometime in the near future.
I had a great day riding through the areas from the 36 rally. I have rode these areas many times as I am only 12 miles from Shawano but this was special for me. Here are the links to the crappy videos I took today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDq0BsCqBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaA6yvqwFfI
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?...?v=WN9ATwBMZMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwMjsrpwIHU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUspZ7G6vDIshawano train station 2.JPGopposite community hall.JPGComment
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