Two of Indians first and finest team members Walter Goerke and A.G. Chapple on the road during the New York Motorcycle Club's Spring Run in 1909.
Arguably the most beloved pastime for motorcycling enthusiasts is when we are able to gear up with our friends, head out into wind, and experience the world together one mile at a time. Rides, runs, tours, and for a lucky few maybe even a cannonball or two, whatever the name or destination motorcyclists have been collectively enjoying each other's company and machines since the very beginning. Here, George Reitchey, P.W. Stevens, Harold Nichols, and H.G. Truppner, four friends from from Newark, NJ stop for a snapshot with their Yale 7HP twin's during the 1911 FAM Eastern Tour.
Four stars of the Indian racing team John U. Constant, Charlie "Fearless" Balke, Eddie Hasha, and Frank Hart during the races held at Fort Erie, Ontario in July 1911.
Meet Martin Schroeder, here showing off his factory works Harley-Davidson 11k racer after his run in the 1914 Savannah 300 mile endurance race. A Savannah local, Martin acted as Vice President of the Savannah Motorcycle Club and was an avid racer in regional events throughout the teens. As VP of the infamous SMC Martin helped clean up the clubs reputation and aligned them with the FAM, playing a large role in coordinating competitions in the area including the 1913 and 1914 Savannah 300 endurance races. For the 1914 event, Martin was selected by Harley-Davidson to be one of their factory supported competitors, one in a ensemble of eight men who comprised Harley's first ever factory works team. And what would a factory racing team be without factory racing machines?