In 1947, 4,000 motorcycle hobbyists converged on Hollister, California. As images of dissolute bikers graced the pages of newspapers and magazines, the three-day gathering sparked the growth of a new subculture while also touching off national alarm. In the years that followed, the stereotypical leather-clad biker emerged in the American consciousness as a menace to law-abiding motorists and small towns. Yet a few short decades later, the motorcyclist, once menacing, became mainstream. To understand this shift, Randy D. McBee narrates the evolution of motorcycle culture since World War II. Along the way he examines the rebelliousness of early riders of the 1940s and 1950s, riders' increasing connection to violence and the counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s, the rich urban bikers of the 1990s and 2000s, and the factors that gave rise to a motorcycle rights movement. McBee's fascinating narrative of motorcycling's past and present reveals the biker as a crucial character in twentieth-century American life.

The resurgence of interest in motorcycles, with more than 1million new sales in 2004, is reminiscent of the revved up days of the 1970s. In this new reference novice, riders, vintage collectors and hobbyists get coverage of every American-made model, pre-war to present day, to roll off the line and onto the pavement. &break;&break;From vintage models like the Flying Merkel and Excelsior motorcycles to the tried and true Indian motorcycles and evolutionary Harley-Davidson, this guide captures the technical details and history of American motorcycles like nothing else. &break;&break;Collectors, historians and motorcycle enthusiasts will find technical specifications including performance figures, horsepower, weight and more for help in identification. A collection of 1,200 crisp detailed photos also assists with identification, and offers inspiration for these enduring vehicles.

Ripped from his motorcycle by Colombian rebels and robbed of everything, adventure motorcyclist Glen Heggstad journeyed through South America, and the trip became a nightmare as he was forced to march through strange jungles carrying heavy equipment with assault rifles at his back. Even with all the hand-to-hand and sophisticated combat training Heggstad possessed, this chronicle shows that it was his shrewd thinking, precise planning, and a "do-or-die" last act of desperation that eventually secured his freedom. The shocking personal tale of an unimaginable journey through Central and South America, this travelogue details one man's capture by Colombia's rebel National Liberation Army and the eventual realization of his dream to complete his journey.

Illustrated Antique American Motorcycle BuyerÆs Guide By Jerry Hatfield. Subtitled: 1903-1936 From Ace to Yale. For the collector and restorer of early to mid-20th century American motorcycles comes this detailed identification and buyerÆs guide filled with manufacturers that dominated the motorcycle scene. Includes all Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles from 1901 to1936, and the Excelsior (1908-24), Super-X (1925-31) and Henderson motorcycles (1912-31). Plus more than 130 nostalgic marques. Filled with specs, production figures, price history and investment inf ormation, and highlighted by the exclusive 5-Star Rating System. Sftbd., 7 3/8"x 9 1/4", 160 pgs., 200 b&w ill.

AMER RAC M/C HATFIELD, J

Beginning with the early motorcycle manufacturers, such as Pope, Thor, and Merkel, this book continues right up to the long tenure of Harley-Davidson and includes a 32-page directory of manufactures. 500+ photos.