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April 2012

President Gene Walker 5531 Lardon Rd NE Salem, OR 97305-3248 (503) 428-6641 (503) 371-4363 Vice President Gary Kelley 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802 (503) 860-6442 garyk@amcaotc.org Treasurer Tom Ruttan 3761 SW Olson Ct Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (503) 638-1746 tgruttan@earthlink.net Secretary Shannon Kelley 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802 (503) 784-0760 shannonk@wildriders.org

Welcome Tony Kirk


On behalf of all the members, Id like to welcome Tony Kirk to the club. Tony lives in Medford Oregon and is interested in antique motorcycles, cars and riding his66 HD FLH and 48 ULH around southern Oregon. Heres how Tony describes his reasons for joining the club. I want to find out about any nearby runs, shows, and swap meets. Id also like to meet good people with a common interest or two. Sound familiar? Well Tony, I think you came to the right place. We have several members located around Medford and Grants Pass looking for the same things as you. Welcome to the club Tony. Thank you for your patience getting signed up. Were looking forward to seeing you and your bikes at an upcoming event. Reader Contributions Next up is a reader contribution. David Morrill, Confederate Chapter Member, read the board track racing and rider profile articles in last months Trail Gazette. By coincidence, David recently wrote an article for the Birmingham History Center entitled: Record-Breaker Gene Walker: Birmingham's Lost Racing Champion. David contacted me to submit his article for publication in the Trail Gazette and to ask whether the Gene Walker of Birmingham might be related to Gene Walker, OTC President. It turns out, to the best of our knowledge theyre not, but Im happy David decided to share his story of the Birmingham Gene Walker with us.

Rider Profile Eugene Walker, USA


By David L. Morrill Confederate Chapter Birminghams historic Elmwood Cemetery is the final resting place of several Alabama sports legends, from Paul Bear Bryant to Dixie Walker. There is another legend buried there, who is all but unknown in his home town. During his career, his exploits made the sports pages of the major newspapers, and his untimely death was mourned by fans nationwide. In the northeast corner of the cemetery is a simple marble headstone that reads: Gene Walker 1893-1924. John Eugene Gene Walker got his first motorcycle in 1910 and rode it to deliver mail for the local Post Office. But in 1912, the Alabama State Fair sponsored a motorcycle race at the Birmingham Fairgrounds Raceway, and it was Gene who won the final race of the day. Bob Stubbs, a local Indian Motorcycles dealer, took note, soon putting Walker on a new Indian eight valve racer and racing him out of his Indian downtown Birmingham dealership. Big Bikes, No brakes Early racing motorcycles were little more than large bicycles, with large powerful engines, and no brakes. They could reach speeds of 90 mph on the race tracks of the day, and racing them was a deadly serious business. The races at the Birmingham Fairgrounds drew large crowds, who came to see the top amateur and professional riders lap the dirt track at a blistering pace.

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012 By the fall race of 1913, Gene had established a reputation as the man to beat, winning every race he entered during the week long fall program and setting a new lap record for the track. That record became the center piece of Indian Motorcycle Companys advertising that year, and a 1920, Motorcycle and Bicycle Illustrated magazine declared Walker a Champion of Champions.

Birmingham Fairgrounds Raceway 1913/14 , O.V. Hunt

Gene Walker Daytona Beach, Fl. 1920, Don Emde Collection

The following October, Walker entered his first professional race, the F.A.M. (Federation of American Motorcyclists) one hour race, at Birmingham. While he didnt win, he was able to set a new lap record, and ran with the lead pack throughout the race. By 1915, Walker was hired as a factory rider for the Indian Motorcycle Company and moved to Springfield, Mass, the companys headquarters. Walkers first National win came in 1915 at the F.A.M. National race in Saratoga, N. Y. He would go on to win several professional races and set several track records each year for the following two years. The next few years were quiet ones for Walker, as professional racing was virtually curtailed for the duration of World War 1. As his mothers sole support, Walker was not subject to the draft. He continued to race in local events around the south and worked as a motorcycle machinist for William F. Specht Jr. at his Harley Davidson dealership on 3rd Avenue North. According to one newspaper account, he even performed duties of a motorcycle cop during the winter. Walker returned to professional racing in 1919, winning six National Races. In April 1920, Walker, riding his Indian Power Plus racer, set the first official motorcycle land speed record of 115 m.p.h. on the sands of Daytona Beach, Fla.

Despite that success, Indian released Walker in 1922 for his refusal to ride in the dusty track conditions at the sports biggest race of 1921 in Dodge City, Kansas. The company reconsidered that decision when he continued to win races on privately owned Harley-Davidsons. Walker rejoined Indian for the 1924 season, winning the Championship race on the board track at Los Angeles, California. On June 7, 1924, Gene was practicing for a race on the half mile dirt track at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. While taking practice laps he swerved to avoid a woman crossing the track and crashed. The severely injured Walker was transported to Rosenkrans Hospital where his condition seemed to improve, but on June 21, 1924, Walker died of his injuries. He was 31 years old, and was survived by his wife Eunice and three young daughters. His youngest daughter was born seven months after his death. A few days after Genes death, Birmingham News Sports writer Zipp Newman, eulogized the hometown celebrity under the headline: MOTORCYCLE RIDING HAS LOST ITS GREATEST STAR IN THE DEATH OF WALKER Throughout his career, Walker always claimed Birmingham as his home and continued to send a portion of his earnings to his mother in Birmingham. He made the name Birmingham a household word. He saved his money and looked after his family.

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012 I'm glad I did, because it gave me the opportunity to talk with so many AMCA members about anything and everything related to our sport of antique motorcycling. Most rewarding were my chats with many of the senior members of the Club who attend this meet. There are so many interesting stories these members have to tell, going back to the early days of the Club. And if there was one theme to all the stories I heard from these senior members, it had to do with the fun theyve had over the years, interacting with other members and just talking about and riding old bikes. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it continues in spite of their age. I mention this subject for a reason. While sitting around the table at the Meet banquet on Friday night, the AMCAs Assistant Chief Judge, Don Dzurick, suggested that the Club should record the history and stories that our Senior members have to offer, so that these are available in the future. This would be similar to the history being recorded from members of the U.S. armed forces who served in World Wars I and II, along with the Korean and Vietnam wars. I announced this project to the members attending the banquet, and I will recommend it to the Board at our meeting in Daytona. What the Club needs to get the project started are members who have the skills to make digitized recordings and archive them for access on the Club website or some other location that members can access. This is a worthy project. If you can help, please email the Operations Manager at AMCAoperations@gmail.com There were 35 motorcycles entered for AMCA Judging at Fremont and many more offered for display. Considering the size of the meet, I think the turnout was excellent, and it demonstrates that members continue to be enthusiastic about the AMCA Judging Program. The owners enjoyed the process, and the satisfaction with the program was consistent with the survey the Club compiled that is reported in the spring issue of The Antique Motorcycle magazine. Chief Judge Carl Olsen, his assistant, Don, and all the volunteer judges are to be commended for a great job. Special thanks go to Omaha Chapter Deputy Judge Paul Shedd, who made all the prejudging arrangements and is a testament to the importance of Chapter Deputy Judges in our system. Again, thanks to all.

Indian Motorcycle Memorial Ad 1924, Don Emde Collection

During his 10-year professional career, Walker won 19 championship and numerous nonchampionship races on both board and dirt tracks. He set track records on many of the tracks as well as several motorcycle land speed records. His lap record at the Birmingham Fairgrounds Raceway was not broken when the track stopped racing for World War 1. In 1998, Gene Walker was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Associations Hall of Fame. About the author: David L. Morrill of Sylacauga, AL. is a retired Orlando Police Officer, former racer, motorcycle racing enthusiast and Florida State University graduate.

AMCA Presidents Newsletter


By Richard Spagnoli, AMCA President I attended the AMCA Omaha Chapter National Meet in Fremont, Nebraska, this past weekend. Chapter President Scott Swaney and his meet committee did an excellent job of organizing the meet. For those who haven't attended the Fremont Meet, it is held inside a building big enough to accommodate vendors, old-bike displays and the large number of enthusiasts who attend. Because everyone is in the same building, this meet develops a sense of camaraderie that emphasizes what the AMCA is all about. I attended this National Meet for the first time last year and had so much fun that I told Scott I would return again this year.

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012

Presidents Newsletter (continued)


The Friday night banquet was full of traditional Midwestern hospitality, with good food, plenty of "war stories" about old-bike experiences, entertainment by the Gilmore Brothers and just plain friendship. Just what this Club is all about. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the banquet and to convey the Club theme for this year, which is to thank all of the volunteers who make the Club function as it does. I indicated some of things the Board has been doing, including the possibility of increasing the number of National Road Runs and encouraging those who haven't attended a Road Run to do so. You probably know by now that I am partial to Club sponsored Road Runs, and if your Chapter is thinking about running one, I urge you to call or email Rick Najera (415-469-8359 or loride17@aol.com ) for information. The Board approves Road Runs more than a year in advance, so it is important to get your application in as soon as possible. The Board and I are off to the Sunshine Chapter National Meet in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, March 9-11. If any of you are planning to attend this meet, please stop and chat with any Board member you see. I plan to attend as many National Meets as possible this year, plus at least two Road Runs. After Florida, I will be off to the meet closest to my home, the Perkiomen Chapter Meet in Oley, Pennsylvania, where I got started in the AMCA. Ride the old bikes as you always have and we all will see you down the road. Thanks again for listening. Richard - 724-861-4681 rspagnolli@aol.com

Ongoing emails with chapters and national regarding AMCA policies. WVM Chapter sent a Swap & Show flyer for their event in April Ishi Chapter sent a Swap & Show flyer for their event in May Business: Were waiting for an AMCA board decision on our 2013 bid for a national. The vote occurs in March. Not too soon to think about a location. Gene reviewed the roster and plans to reach out to members who haven't been in contact recently. Gene would like to speak with each member to get their input on club activities. Gene led further discussion on memorial bricks. We agreed to establish selection criteria to evaluate member-submitted nominations. Selections would occur during our Business Meetings on an as needed basis. Gene cited several examples of member dedication we could use as guides in determining criteria. Well continue discussion of selection criteria in future meetings. Memorial nominations should include nominee background information, their participation in club activities, length of membership, a photo and at least two member testimonials describing the nominee's service to the club. Gene reviewed the Antique Motorcycle and Special Interest license plate information he has collected from the DMV. Gene mentioned the main DMV office in Salem has all the plates on display. Color matching is made easier by viewing the originals when repainting a plate. 2012 Gold Rush Run: Gene asked if additional help would be needed for this year's road run. Gary said we need a few volunteers. Contact Gary if you'd like to help out. The current list: Jim & Rosie Singhose - Routes / Road Captain Tom Krise - Assistant Road Captain Norlene - Thursday snacks, Friday Dinner Pat Smith, Chase Truck Ben and Niki Beberness - Registration Carol Smith, Hospitality Shannon Kelley - Beverages Need run staff volunteers for: Awards, coffee & doughnuts, run packets and RV site coordinator Meeting adjourned at 2:50.

March Meeting Minutes


Gene called the meeting to order at 2:06. Attendees: Gene Walker, Jackie, Chuck Hodson, Tom Ruttan, Pat & Carol Smith and Gary Kelley Treasurers Report: TomR presented the March report. Correspondence: Received a new member application (Tony Kirk) and one renewal. David Morrill, Confederate Chapter, submitted an article.

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012

April Business Meeting Agenda


The April Business Meeting is being held at the Powerland Texaco Saturday, April 14, 2012. Topics well discuss: Review of February meeting minutes Treasurers report 2012 Road Run Committee Report New Business Our Business Meetings are where we discuss issues important to Chapter operation. Your thoughts are needed to make decisions for the future. We hope to see you there.

Oregon Antique Vehicle Plates


Listed below are the criteria used to establish if a vehicle qualifies for antique or special interest plates in Oregon. An Antique Vehicle older than half the number of years between the current year and 1900. (To determine the year model eligible for registration as an Antique Vehicle, subtract 1900 from the current year. Divide the number by two. The vehicle must be this year model or older); or A vehicle with a year model at least 25 years old as dated from the current year; or A vehicle sanctioned by an established organization as a vehicle of special interest. The representative of the established organization must complete the section at the bottom; or A vehicle manufactured prior to 1949 or was manufactured to resemble a motor vehicle manufactured before 1949 and meets the definition of Street Rod in ORS Chapter 801. It is not a motorcycle or assembled vehicle; or A vehicle that meets the definition of a racing activity vehicle as defined by ORS Chapter 801. To Apply Fill out Application for Title and Registration. Fill out Antique/Special Interest Vehicle Declaration for Registration. Submit completed applications to DMV. Pay all applicable fees. Fees $77 title fee if submitting an application for title (changing ownership information). $81 for permanent registration period. $12 plate fee required if the vehicle does not already have a plate (see registration fee page for plate fees). Note: Vehicles registered in Multnomah County are subject to Multnomah County registration fees and pay an additional $19 at initial registration. Visit the Multnomah County website for more information. If you have questions regarding applicable fees, contact DMV.

Upcoming Events
Check out these upcoming antique and vintage motorcycle events.
Date April 14 April 28 April 29 April 29 May 5 May 6 - 8 May 12 May 19 Event OTC Business Meeting, Brooks OR WVM Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet Mt Vernon WA. ABATE of Oregon Spring Swap Meet Portland, OR Classic & Vintage Show & Swap Tsawwassen, BC Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gather Carmel, CA Los Angeles Chapter Road Run Buellton, CA OTC Business Meeting, Brooks OR Hanford Motorcycle Show & Swap Kings Fairground, Hanford, CA

May 19 - 20 OVM Motorcycle Swap & Show Corvallis, OR May 27 Ishi Chapter Show & Swap Meet Chico, CA

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Oregon Trail Chapter April 2012 If youre restoring an antique plate and cant make it to the main office in Salem, theyve put images of each years plate online HERE.
Oregon State License Plate Colors Year No year 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926-27 1928 1929 19301 1931 1932 19332 19333 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943-454 19465 1947 1948 1949 1950-55
1 2

OTC Forum Classifieds


By Our Members 1951 FL, 3 speed and reverse with 1941 sidecar. Very nice outfit, runs great, fresh rebuilt Linkert, interior of sidecar in nice shape, spare tire on the sidecar. Email gene@roguehawg.com for more information and pictures or call 541-944-7641. 2 Scouts for sale. 45-inch in a 741 frame. Needs finishing with wiring and misc stuff to get it running. Painted a beautiful, $1500.00, 2-tone blue. 52-inch in a 741 frame. Has vertical twin front forks and wheel, TT warrior rear wheel and Jr. Scout tanks. Contact Ben Beberness, bbeberness@aol.com

Numerals White Black Black Black White Black White White Black Black White White Black White White Black White Black White ----Orange White Ivory Black Black Yellow Black White Black Black Blue White White White Black Black Red Black Black

Background Maroon Yellow Light Green Aluminum Blue Yellow Red Green Light Blue Orange Red Green Yellow Blue Red Yellow Black White Black ----Black Dark Blue Black Orange Gray Black Aluminum Black Aluminum Light Yellow White Green Blue Blue Gray Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum

Editors Note:
OTC Forum Classifieds are available to all AMCA members registered on the OTC Forum. Advertisements posted on the forum are listed here when space is available. Please remove your ads from the forum as soon as possible following the sale.

Deadline for articles, advertisements or other submissions to the Trail Gazette is the 20th of the month. Send submissions to garyk@amcaotc.org

1929 plates were issued with windshield sticker for 1930. Issued June 30, 1933. 3 Issued December 31, 1933. 4 1942 plates were used with windshield sticker for 1943, 1944, and 1945. 5 Single plates were issued in 1946 only.

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Oregon Trail Chapter, AMCA 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694

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