Vintage Summer 2023

The VMBC Meet was a family affair! Jack Hoffman of Paulding, OH is on a Cushman Minute Miser and daughter, Jackie Hoffman-Hanlon of Fort Wayne, IN is on a 1946 Motorette. Their profile is on page 17. See inside for meet details! Photo by Dave Lappin.

Portland Excitement!

VINTAGE MOTOR BIKE CLUB Magazine is published four times each year as the official publication for members of record of the National VINTAGE MOTOR BIKE CLUB INC. It is not sold by subscription, nor is it available at newsstands or bookstores. National VINTAGE MOTOR BIKE CLUB INC. was founded in 1972, annual membership dues are $30 ($40 overseas); this includes membership in the VMBC, four seasonal issues of this magazine and FREE advertising privileges in accord with the concepts and aims of the Club. National VINTAGE MOTOR BIKE CLUB INC. is a non-profit organization, chartered in the State of Ohio.

VMBC OFFICERS

President: Paul Gerhardt

400 W. Sparrow Road, Springfield, OH 45502 pgerhardt@woh.rr.com

937-605-4531

Vice President: Tom Zimmerman

589 S. CR600 E, Portland, IN 47371 momtom2four@gmail.com

260-726-5104

2nd Vice President: Doug Baldanzi 2432 Kenwood Ave., San Jose, CA 96128 408-482-7349 dbassembly@comcast.net

Treasurer: Carmen Craig carmencraig51@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Dave Lappin dave@lappin-design.com 706 South Marlan Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

Secretary: Debbie Jackson VMBC; P.O. Box 709; Portland, IN 47371 dkayjackson82@gmail.com 260-251-8575

Tech. Advisor: Mike Cianciola 1633 Portland Ave., Memphis, TN 38127 901-357-5003

Tech. Advisor: Glen Jones 765 CR 418, Clanton, AL 35045

Tech. Advisor: Ted Lusher 8432 Azalea Glen Rd., Glendale, OR 97442 415-250-7279

Tech. Advisor: Bill Opsahl 11593 Island Ave., Matlacha, FL 33993 239-282-1284

Ride Coordinator: David/Bonnie Kincaid 6022 Boner Road, Boonville, IN 47601 812-455-1592

Safety Coordinator: Doug/Debbie Baldanzi 2432 Kenwood Ave., San Jose, CA 96128 408-482-7349

Safety Coordinator: Nick Jandeska 315 S Pine St., New Lenox, IL 60451 815-530-5404

Meet Coordinator: John Oxley 414 N. Walnut St., Hartford City, IN 47348 765-348-1346

Meet Coordinator: Bill Warwood 3037 Alliance Road, Rootstown, OH 44272 330-322-8625

Asst. Editor: Brenda Lappin 706 South Marlan Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

NOTE: All Officers and Editorial Staff, including Spouse are Executive Board Members also.

Richard Slentz 5586 E - 100 N, Hartford City, IN 47348 rls4577@outlook.com • 765-348-1631

Steve Lorenz

106 S. Washington St., Arcadia, IN 46030 arcadia.cushman@frontier.com 317-984-2874

Pam/Rick Gabbard 4798N-CR400E, Winchester, IN 47394 rgfence@yahoo.com • 765-584-4047

Ray Gabbard 5578 E 700 S, Portland, IN 47371 Rmgabbard48@yahoo.com • 260-335-2666

Rick/Patricia Gabbard Jr. 406 W. 3rd St., Ridgeville, IN 47380 rpgabbard@aol.com • 765-857-2576

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Bill/Harriett Charles 3448 Sunnyside Dr., Beavercreek, OH 45432 bill.charles@att.net • 937-429-5114

Denise Vanderhorst 3928 White Spruce Court, Dayton, OH 45424 dlvbrownie@aol.com • 937-235-0696

Larry/Pat Wood

2081 Newmans Cardington Road E., Waldo, OH 43356 740-726-2656 • lawpressman@aol.com

Jim Winter Jr.

2258 Cascade Ridge Drive, Jackson, MI 49203 517-750-8712

Sherry Axe

115 E. Baker St., Portland, IN 47371

No further payment of dues for devoted service to VMBC

Darren Chafin

Pam Gabbard

John Barnes

Steve Crowl*

Michael Packer*

Everett Lee

Garrett Chafin*

Ray Gabbard

Warren Naufzinger*

Ken Meinzer Sr.

Fred Hirsch*

Ed Weitzel*

George Fox*

Rick Gabbard

Robert Menard

John F. Martin*

Charles Reese

Larry Brinkerhoff*

Eldon Miller

Joyce Lee

Leland Branyan*

Ron Bussey*

James Whetsel

Bill Charles

Advertising Sales: John & Joanne Oxley 765-348-1346

jp.oxley49@gmail.com

Eldon/Rowena Miller

620 N. Pierce St., Portland, IN 47371

Paul/Desi Brackman

117 Honeysuckle Lane, Portland, IN 47371 260-726-9458

Kenny/Sandy Fields

Fairmount IN 46928 765-948-3541

Jeff Reindl Grove City, OH 614-871-6061

Donald Harrill*

Doug/Debbie Baldanzi

Steve Lorenz

Tom/Doris Zimmerman

* Indicates Deceased Life Members

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The 2023 meet is over and it was a great success. It was fun seeing kids having a good time riding their mini bikes and small motorcycles. If any of you have never come to one of the safety meetings, you should try it and listen. Each parent needs to fill out a paper with their name and telephone number on it. The paper is then numbered and their child gets a wrist band with the same number, so parents can be called if their child is riding unsafely a 2nd time or is hurt. We had a safe year because there were no accidents or any child hurt on the fairgrounds. This system really works! These children and young teens to the age of 15 have to attend these safety classes each day.

I believe we were successful in renting the

fair grounds from Saturday to Saturday. We had the banquet on Friday at noon so people from a long distance could come to the banquet and still get home for the July 4th holiday. The meet times always need to be okayed with the fair board so that we do not interfere with any of the fairgrounds activities. We used to have our meet in August, but it got to be so late that the kids were starting back to school.

No one on the board or otherwise can change policy about equipment used on fairgrounds or how people ride on fairgrounds because of liability. If there is a question about the type of unit that can be used, safety will always be the overriding factor.

EDITOR’S NOTE

We thoroughly enjoyed talking to people at the meet. One of our goals was to interview members for Member Profiles that will be in this and upcoming issues of the club magazine. We plan to be at the meet next year. So, when time gets closer to the 2024 meet, let us know if you want to be interviewed. We’ll also reach out on the VMBC Facebook page about this prior to the 2024 meet in Portland.

Our first Member Profile is about father and daughter duo, Jack Hoffman of Paulding, OH and Jackie Hoffman-Hanlon of Fort Wayne, IN (see page 17). While a few of our interviews were planned, most of them were impromptu. That made it fun for us and hopefully for the interviewees.

My wife, Assistant Editor, Brenda and I had a great time at our very first VMBC meet! We finally got to see many of the friendly faces in person that we had only seen in print! We weren’t prepared for the size of the meet. We were very grateful to have a golf cart to traverse the Jay County Fairgrounds. I think we may now know our way around the place! And now we understand why the Portland meet is so popular and why the attendees enjoy it so much.

It’s time again to clean house in the Exchange Place. After this issue, all Exchange Place ads will be removed. So, you will need to check to see if you have an ad that you want to continue for the Autumn through Summer 2024 issue. In any regard, you will need to submit or re-submit your ad to be included.

One of the board members wanted to mention that a member lost a wallet with $300 in it and that it was returned to the owner with all contents in it. That’s good news!

As before, keep those articles and photos coming. It’s your member magazine. We look forward to hearing from you! And a big thanks to Steve Abbitt for taking most of the photos you see in this issue.

Dave Lappin, Editor

Paul Gerhardt, President

2023 BANQUET

JUNE 30, 2023

Meeting called to order at 12:54 p.m.

Opening prayer

Ray Gabbard - Ray also talked about everyone being positive about the meet. That members are supposed to be here to have a good time and make lasting memories.

Treasurer’s Report

As of 6/30/23 there is $80,067.33 in the First Financial Money Market Account

There is $24,754.97 in the First Financial Checking Account

Secretary’s Report

In 2022-23 there were 1,252 members, which includes 80 new members. There were 376 members paying for a lot space and 138 people attending the banquet.

Prior to the meet this year, there were 531 paid members, which includes 129 members using a lot space.

This year we made $114 from the Show Bike and we made $115 from the auction. Auctioneer Zane Shauver donated his time.

Voting back in the following board members:

Jim Winter

David & Bonnie Kincaid

Rick and Pam Gabbard

Steve Lorenz

John and Joanna Oxley

Bill Warwood

Paul Gerhardt

Tom & Doris Zimmerman

Nick Jandeska

Kenny Fields

Jeff Reindl

Judges: Ted Lusher

It was motioned by Ray Gabbard that all be voted back in/seconded by Mary O’Keefe –approved.

Recognitions:

10 years - Wes Holliday and Larry Ritchie

25 years - John Oxley, Anthony Salvaggio, David Schlaack, Harley Whiting

30 years - Rick Gabbard

35 years - Robert Weidlich, David Allers

45 years - Gerald Burnside and Art Gaier

Herb Singe Award – No one eligible

Unique Hauler by Terry Hawke

– No one eligible

Poker Run – First Place – Lacey King

Second Place – Allen Woodworth

Door Prizes were handed out.

We do not have a date for next years meet. When we do, Debbie will put it on Facebook and our webpage (vintagemotorbikeclub.org)

Meeting adjourned at 2:02 – Motioned by Tom Zimmerman and seconded by Jim Winter.

PORTLAND MEETING OF THE M.O.C.S. CLUB

like to keep doing things the way we have in the past. Moving forward into the future, we will have to do things differently. M.O.C.S. has resources for holding our annual event in Kenton, OH for about three more seasons. It was determined that this model for the club is not sustainable, so a “new” 6-member board was voted into office for a term of two years. Rick Bard, Pres. stepped down March 23, 2023 and the Pres./Sec./Tres. format of governing the club was abandoned.

The Mid-Ohio Classic Scooter Club was formed in 1996 by a small group of hobbyists. Growing to nearly 300 members in the early twenty teens with membership and participation from states as far away as VA, GA, AL, MI, & TN. Recently the club has declined to less than 80 active members, suffering from declining interest, aging of members, and lack of any sustained new membership. Twenty-six M.O.C.S. members met at the V.M.B.C. show in Portland on 6/28/23 to discuss these trends.

It is apparent that only a handful of members would like to disband the club, most would

The board will meet remotely several times over the months leading up to the 28th Annual Kenton Show in May 2024. They will be developing a family friendly format to lead M.O.C.S. into the future, leaving a legacy for the founding members, future members, and scooter fans everywhere. Please feel free to contact the Board members for your concerns, input, or words of encouragement. The Board consists of Rick Bard, Tom Losekamp, Pete Trippel, Jon Gochnauer, Jim McCarthy, and Jeff Reindl. Contact information can be found in the newest club roster which was disseminated at the meeting.

Jeff Reindl

Carmen Craig - Vintage Motor Bike Club Treasurer

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Please have the board consider having the meet start on the weekend, possible Fri/Sat/ Sun with the balance of the meet following. This would give more working people a chance at going to and being a part of the meet. Front load the meet and have the flea & swap market go on till the end.

Modern golf cart traffic congestion might want to regulate/control before long? Maybe one day or hour without them!

Thank You,

Terry Hawke (33 year member and sponsor of the Unique Hauler Award)

Thanks to Phil Blackhurst for this vintage Powell Streamliner ad.

A little R&R at the meet.

10 YEARS

MEMBER ANNIVERSARY LISTS - 2023-’24

COONEY BARGER

DONALD THOMAS BEACHEM

STEVE BENDER

TREN BRADFORD

LARRY BRADLEY

BOBBY BRIEGER

TONY BROWN

GEORGE BUCHER

DAN BURRISS

DAN CHANDLER

JEAN L. COGDALL

JIM DIGMAN

LARRY EVANS

EDWARD GENSHEIMER

JOE GILL

RODGER GLASPELL

SCOTTY HANBERRY

WES HOLLIDAY

JOHN HOOS

JOSEPH “FRED” JENNINGS

BOB KURKOWSKI

FARRELL MEANS

TIM MULLEN

ROBERT MURPHY

KEVIN NORMAN

JIM O’CONNOR

JACK PATTEN

JOSEPH PENZERA

JEFFREY REINDL

JOHN RIEDTHALER

LARRY D. RITCHIE

ROBERT ROUTLEY

ROBERT CLARENCE ROUTLEY

DAVID ROUTLEY

GARY RUPPRIGHT

JIM SCHROCK

JOE SEALS

BOB SOKELAND

WARREN SOWERS

DAVID STANKIEWICZ

KEITH STIEBER

GILBERT STREETER

BILL TRAUFLER

JIM UMSTEAD

20 YEARS

DEAN BERGDALL

JIM BUTTELWERTH

JIM CARLSON

DAVID G. COOPER

BILL COTTERMAN

GARY L . GREER

NELSON HURT

WILLIAM A. LEES

ROBERT LEONHARD

GARY LICHTENBERG

JASON MATCHEN

LARRY MCCOY

BOB PEMBERTON

JACK PENTZER

JAMES PFETZING

DON W. REVELLE

FRED RICHARD

J.GREG TOELKES

TOM TOLLEFSON

WILLIAM TOMER

PETER TRIPPEL

BOB WELTIG

KOREY WILLHITE

25 YEARS

DAN BAKER

JIM BECKER

RONALD BEITLER

ROBERT BROOKS

CHARLES COPLEY

TIMM GILDEA

DENNIS HARMON

DARRELL HICKS

EDWARD LAWRENCE

TYLER MAYBERRY

JACK C. NEWHOUSE

JOHN OXLEY

ROGER PRIGGE

ANTHONY SALVAGGIO

DAVID M. SCHLAACK

DAVE SCHROER

JOE SUMMERALL

ROBERT WEIDLICH

HARLEY WHITING

TOM WORCESTER

30 YEARS

STEVE BECKHAM

JOHN L. BENNETT

GARY BLOOMFIELD

HARRY BUILDER

ALBERT R. COMBS

THOMAS D. DAVIS

MICHAEL DOMANSKI

ARTHUR E. FERGUSON

KEITH FISHER

KEN FRY

RICK GABBARD

BILL GIBSON

EDWARD GRIGSBY

CARL W. HAFER

STEPHEN HUFNAGLE

FREDERICK JOHNSON

BOB LEWANDOWSKI

KIM MARTIN

FRANK MATHISON

TIM A. MILLER

JEFF MISCHKE

RICHARD POWELL

A. BEN RIDINGS, DDS

JAY STILKEY

GENE THOMPSON

THOMAS WULPI

35 YEARS

DAVID ALLERS

LOU CAMPO

RICHARD DEBUSE

A.J. GAGLIARDO

FRED W. KOEHNKE

BYRD M. MARSH

STEVE MOUNCE

JAMES E. OWEN

JAMES R. PANCOAST

L. LOUIS PEREZ

DAVID W. PRUITT

BUTCH ROBBINS

TOM ROBINSON

ED WADLEY

40 YEARS

DR. JOHN BIAL

JOE CARGOLA

CHARLES A. CUDDINGTON

LYNN RIDGWAY

RON ROBY

GALIA SAAR

LARRY THOMPSON

45 YEARS

GERALD BURNSIDE

DAVID M. COFFMAN

ART GAIER

DENNIS B. WARREN

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS

Here are a few of this year’s People’s Choice Winners. We hope to have the full list in our Autumn issue.

This 1964 Cushman Golfster won First Place in the 3-Wheeler category at the Portland meet. Owned by Joe and Lisa Smelser of Pendleton, IN. See story on page 13.

Art Gaier of Versailles, OH won First Place in the Best Bicycle category for his 1895 Remington Bicycle.

Terry Hawke of Walled Lake, MI won First Place for Best Display and Third Place in Best Motor Scooter for his 1954 Pony Cycle.

Art Gaier of Versailles, OH won First Place in the Best Motor Bike for his 1923 Evans Power Cycle. He also won Second Place for Best Display.

Martin and Judy Kotz of Cambridge Springs, PA won Second Place for Best Motor Scooter for their 1948 Whizzer Pacemaker.

This vintage Oscar ad was submitted by Phil Blackhurst of Sigourney, IA.

The National Motorcycle Museum is widely known for its massive, and diverse, collection of motorcycles. But some are surprised to know the Museum also has a significant bicycle collection. As their histories are joined, John Parham knew it was logical to tell the bicycle and motorcycle stories side by side. This featured bike is a Merkel bicycle, likely made for Merkel by Miami Cycle. It was not unusual for motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson to contract with

bicycle makers, but specify frame design, components, paint and badging to be employed. Merkel motorcycles are known for their unique orange color and many of their bicycles were done in the same orange.

What is very rare about this Merkel is the “tank” which is unusual to come across. As with more modern bicycles, this could be used to contain a battery for lighting, though we are not certain if this frame originally employed this tank, or if it was added later. The

brazed, not lugged, frame and tank are more recently painted so clear evidence is lacking. Other frame design features like the “split” bottom bracket, holding the pedal crank, and the stays, holding the rear axle as well as the fender mounts and seat post help, but there are no “serial numbers” visible. The fork design does not show up in Merkel catalogs we have reviewed, nor does the eagle Diamond Perfection seat, but most features say Miami Cycle/Merkel, as do the one piece pedal crank, clover sprocket and the Pirate #1 pedals.

In the ‘teens and early ‘20s era, this was a top quality bicycle with few being made, few still existing from Miami’s 1912 to 1923 production of Merkel bicycles. When you visit the National Motorcycle Museum make sure you spend some time with the bicycle collection. Bone shakers, penny-farthings, early tricycles, stylish pre-World War II designs and even some Schwinn Sting Rays are all here to help you trace well over 125 years of early two-wheeling design and technology.

25 year member, Anthony Salvaggio

Members waiting for the festivities to start.

35 year member, Robert Weidlich

the banquet.

It all started when my wife said, “I think I would like to have a golfster.” So, in 2021 when we went to Portland for the VMBC meet, I was on the hunt.

I found a nice 1964 shark nose; just what we had been looking for. I asked the gentleman selling the golfster if I could test drive it. “Of course,” he said.

After driving it and settling on a price, we started to chat about where he was from. It turned out that he and his friend were from Nebraska. He was the head engineer at Cushman, and his friend, was the head mechanic. We had just met Bob Ewoldt and Jerry Fleck. We asked if they would sit in our “new” golfster for a picture. They were happy to oblige.

Fast forward; after some wiring to accommodate new headlights, tail lights and some undercarriage ground effect lights, minor body work, a paint job, new seats, and a roof, we were ready to take her to Nebraska for the National Cushman meet.

As we were riding around, we stopped at a table that had some pictures on it. The one picture was of Bob Ewoldt being presented with the Worker of the Year award. The table belonged to his son, John. We immediately

said, “Do you recognize this golfster”? He said, “Is this my dad’s? We said “Yes”, and he said, “I used to drive the tar out of that thing.” He gave it the once over and really seemed to approve of what we had done to the golfster.

We took the golfster to the VMBC meet in Portland this year; coming full circle from where it all started. We took First Place in the People’s Choice 3-wheeler class. We hope Bob would be proud of what we have done.

Joe and Lisa Smelser, Pendleton, IN

Golfster purchased at VMBC meet in 2021.

Updated Golfster.

Buster Tankersley of Flowery Branch, GA on his Rabbit.

PORTLANDFUN !

Great

Simplex

David and Bonnie Kincaid

Plenty of bikes and wares on display

Lambretta

And they’re off!...in the Mini Bike Games!

A Cushman Minute Miser and Golfster... lookin’ good!

There were characters to be seen at the meet, that’s for sure!

Even a lemonade stand could be found. Simplexes were abundant at the Swamp.

Photos by Steve Abbitt and Dave Lappin

This group comes back from the last ride of the meet.

MINI BIKE AND BICYCLE GAMES

Olivia Smelser volunteered to do the Mini Bike and Bicycle games this year. Kenny and Sandy Fields took the lead to oversee the games and had Olivia’s help along with grandkids, Hali and Damon. The games were a success. We had 10 total participants in the Mini Bike games and 6 in the Bicycle games.

Mini Bike Games:

Alexis Tipton, Ashton Conn, Cole Sackett, Camden Buckland, Danielle Sommers, Drake Sommers, Gunnar Schomer, Holden (sorry no last name), Hazel Gallagher and Jack Gallagher

Jack Gallagher won 1st place in the paper toss, 3rd place in the slow race and 2nd Place in the straight and narrow.

Holden won 1st place in the straight and narrow.

Cole Sackett won 1st place in slow race and 2nd place in the paper toss.

Danielle Sommers won 2nd place in the slow race.

Hazel Gallagher won 3rd place in the straight and narrow.

Bicycle Games:

Gavin Woodward, Camden Tigner, Hazel Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Sophia Yanez and Hunter Prince

There were 4 games: Paper Toss, Slow Ride, Straight and Narrow, and Water balance. All of these kids did a great job with Sophia Yanez coming in First in all the games.

The kids enjoyed ice cream after the games.

Kenny and Sandy look forward to hosting the mini bike and bicycle games again at the 2024 Portland VMBC meet.

Kenny and Sandy Fields

MEMBER PROFILE: JACK HOFFMAN AND JACKIE HOFFMAN-HANLON

ing with daughters, Jackie Hoffman-Hanlon and Linda Miller. They work on their scooter projects together.

Jackie is currently building a Safti-Cycle and comes to the meet to find parts. She got her first motor scooter from her husband for Christmas. It was a 1946 Motorette (as seen at left).

Jack got the “scooter bug” at age 12 when he got a Whizzer. He also had a Doodle Bug when he was young.

Both Jackie and Jack really enjoy making new friends and seeing old friends every year at Portland.

Jack’s favorite scooter is a 1953 Cushman Eagle that he purchased in Michigan.

It has been a family affair at the Portland Meet for Jack Hoffman of Paulding, OH and daughter, Jackie Hoffman-Hanlon of Fort Wayne, IN.

Jack has been coming to the meet for 20 years. For the last 14 years he has been attend-

One of Jack’s favorite scooter memories is when he got a used Whizzer. It cost him $65 and was purchased in Fort Wayne, IN. When he was 12, he would ride his Whizzer to school. It was a one room school house and he would get there early to build the fire in the pot belly stove and earned 50 cents a week doing so. Also, to help pay for his Whizzer, he picked up corn left over in the corn fields after harvest.

MEET EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS: KENNY AND SANDY FIELDS

Kenny and Sandy Fields have been Executive Board Members since 2021. Kenny started attending the Portland VMBC meet in 2003 with his parents Dick and Betty Smelser. Kenny became a member of the VMBC in 2011 and purchased his first Cushman scooter. It was a 1959 Highlander which he purchased from Bruce Althouse. Kenny still has this scooter and enjoys riding it on the many rides put on by the meet.

Sandy started attending the meets in 2017 and purchased two scooters from Bruce Althouse, a 1957 modified Highlander and a 1967 Minute Miser named “Tweety.” Unfortunately Bruce passed away shortly after buying these two Cushman Scooters.

Kenny bought a 1960 Eagle in 2021, which he loves. This summer, he had to rebuild the motor and put in a new wire harness. He rode the Eagle on all the rides in Portland. Kenny’s

granddaughter attended for the first time this summer. Hali is 16 and she loved riding Kenny’s Highlander and went on a couple of rides with him.

Jack Hoffman is on a Cushman Minute Miser and daughter, Jackie Hoffman-Hanlon is on a 1946 Motorette.

PORTLANDFUN !

When

Out

Photos by Steve Abbitt and Dave Lappin

I’m a little bigger...!

These well-behaved kids listen intently to the rules of riding.

for a ride on the fairgrounds.

All lined up with trophies!

Riding in the nightly parade. There were plenty of show bikes on display.

ERWIN, TENNESSEE RIDES

Ijust returned from a week long ride in Erwin, TN that was sponsored by the MidCarolina Cushman Club. I rode about 1,100 miles in a week. Some of the attendees rode the Snake (Highway 421) 1-1/2 times. Many of the rides were so enjoyable, I wanted to go back and ride them again!

The group would start at 9:30 to 10:00 every morning. We would run between 30 to 60 mph on these mountain roads. All of us had vanguard motors, and a few had the 2-speed transmissions. Most had the variable clutch systems which helped in navigating the turns. The 2-speeds were a little better on brakes because we could use the engine to do some braking.

Rain was in the forecast for a couple of days, but, we only got caught in it one time. We stopped and some put on rain suits but the

rain stopped about 2 miles down the road. Our get together was just about riding, and ride we did!

You needed to have V-Twins or a modified OMC for these rides, plus a lot of experience. We were going for ice cream one day and one fellow got so excited when we pulled into the gravel lot, he used his front brake too much and laid his bike down. He has a beautiful bike and he scratched the clutch cover. Our stop was all in vain though, as the shop was closed (no ice cream).

I hope you all enjoy the pictures, (see the back cover for a group photo). I was able to meet with old friends and make new ones. I became closer to them because of the time we spent together. Looking forward to next year.

Paul Gerhardt

THE PONY CORRAL GALLOPS FORWARD

I’m writing this shortly after getting home from my 32nd VMBC meet in Portland. Time always goes by fast during the meet and the recovery always takes longer after getting home, go figure! Why having so much fun takes so much out of me? Well, it’s because we ride a lot ~ talk a lot ~ walk a lot ~ and eat a lot. Pick any three of the four and that’s enough to wear out any able-bodied American.

Every time we go anywhere we ask each other; what did you like best about our trip? We share our stories and adventures that most standout. This year besides all of our friends we see during the meet, my best story is about a particular Pony Cycle that is the missing link between the first motor scooter my Grandpa & Dad bought in 1949 and the first production bikes made in 1953. ‘Yes,’ Ron, a man I met last year at the meet, drove all the way over just to show me a bike his family has had forever. This is the missing link and he had no idea how important the design and features on this bike meant to me. As we looked over the bike, Ron got excited and stated that “your Grandpa probably had his hands on this bike, and maybe even rode it as it was being developed.” I’m sure he did, as the bike was built in the early 1950’s, pre-production with many design changes. It’s amazing to think that this bike existed, let alone I get the chance to touch it. Ron is going to restore this bike and hopefully it will be completed by next year. Out of nowhere a simple picture of a Pony Cycle and a conversation about his bike has filled in some missing pages to the family history. Stories like this where all around Portland during the meet and friendships are new and reacquainted every year.

I hope next years adventures are just as exciting, not only at the meet in Portland but also the 75th anniversary in Clarkston, Mich. I have been asked and understand that coming to both might be too much for some, so we will recognize and provide the following spot at the 2024 VMBC meet. You can bring and display your bike and/or parts as long as you want, hopefully all the Pony Cycle’s are together in one spot a certain time each day. This area, know as the Farmers Building, is a raised up stage with a secure roof and perfect for showing and storing your stuff, if you want to. I don’t care if your bike is finished or just a basket case, show or sell, restored/original/custom/rat rod, all are cool and welcome. I would like to help out as best I can with you getting a complete bike so contact me with questions and to see if I have any extra parts. The great thing about a rare bike is, it is rare. If you have a complete bike all the better because parts are slim and hard to find sometimes. Our Pony Cycle community is small, but very special to me and all my family.

So show me what you got!

Save the date: July 4th 2024, Clarkston, Mich. VMBC meet to be determined at a later date.

Jan & I, at the last minute, decided to check out the Clarkston 4th/July parade this year, and they had an opening. A beautiful hot summer day for a parade and tons/tons

Missing link bike, design/develop/ experimental early 1950’s

Two of my uncles designing the M/W Deluxe scooter (in the office)

of spectators along the 1-1/2 mile slow pace route. We didn’t have any candy to pass out but the spectators loved the Klaxon horn (sound your Klaxon) on our military sidecar we were on. Very few knew of Hawk Tool or the fact that these were made locally right here in Clarkston, MI. When the viewing stand announced local made scooters the crowd gave us a huge applause and cheers. For all that come next year, I know we will get a small town welcome. The parade route is somewhat mild, but don’t worry, you can always walk the bike if you have to. Note; you don’t need to be

in the parade, it is a long ordeal, but still bring your bike. We have an area to display them. We hope to give the spectators, during and after the parade, a nice show of all the different Hawk Tool made scooters.

Pictures are reminders of the past and help us all remember stories and events. The VMBC magazine is doing a great job along with the officers/volunteers of the club, ~ THANKS ~ for all your dedicated work.

Terry Hawke (son/grandson/nephew) of Hawk Tool & Engineering Co.

Final design for the Pony Cycle

50th anniversary Clarkston parade 1999 (family)

50th anniversary Portland VMBC meet 1999 (Mom & Dad with original bike)

70th anniversary Portland VMBC meet 2019 (VMBC friends)

Farmers Building next year 75th anniversary Portland Clarkston park for our 75 anniversary picnic (behind Hawk Tool)

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BICYCLE, MOTORBIKE AND MOTORSCOOTER SHOW & SWAP MEET

15th Annual

Comfort Suites adjacent to the MarketPlace

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, September 7, 8, 9, 2023 at The Hartville MarketPlace

1289 Edison St. NW (State Route 619) Hartville, Ohio 44632 Approx. 10 miles SE of Akron

Out Of Production Motorbikes, Motor Scooters and Classic Bicycles Welcome (No Judging)

Open To The Public No Admission Charge

Each vendor or on-site camping space (no hookups): 12' x 30', $10 for duration of show

Contact www.hartvillemarketplace.com, FaceBook, or 330-877-9860 for additional venue information

Food and restrooms available on-site

Full hookups available 3/4 mi. from the MarketPlace at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton on Rte. 619 www.akroncantonjellystone.com (330) 877-9800

Comfort Suites, 953 Edison St. NW call 330-587-4347

FOR MEET RELATED QUESTIONS CALL JACK BURNS 330-571-3217(cell) JIM CHRISTNER 330-608-2802(cell) BOB HIRSCHFELT 330-699-9798

Vintage bikes aplenty!

A Simplex ready to be restored.

A nice Doodle Bug!

Riding the fairgrounds.

A 1948 Cushman Road King ready to go to market.

This vintage BSA Sunbeam scooter ad courtesy of Phil Blackhurst of Sigourney, IA.

EXCHANGE PLACE

Buy - Sell - Trade

The FREE advertising privilege to all Vintage Motor Bike Club members of record, as noted in past issues of the VMBC magazine, has no limit as to the number of words permitted. This privilege is limited to motor bikes, bike motors, power-assisted bicycles, mopeds and scooters and their related components, parts, accessories and literature. Ads for motorcycles per se are not acceptable and the VMBC reserves the right to refuse any ad request it deems unsuitable for inclusion in these columns. Personal messages will be removed from all submitted ads at the discretion of the editor. Since all ads are accepted in good faith, any willful misrepresentation may lead to revocation of this free privilege.

All Exchange Place ads and removal requests should be emailed directly to the Editor at: dave@lappin-design.com. Once a year (for the Autumn issue), you will need to resubmit your ad(s). The ads will run in consecutive issues through the Summer issue (after which the ads will be removed), unless we receive notice to removed prior.

FOR SALE

1963 Cushman Eagle OMC, Electric start engine, New 10” tires and rims, Runs perfectly, Older restoration, OH title, Ready to ride and enjoy, $4,000, Call Adam 937-416-0804

Fork-Lock Theft Kit for all Cushman Eagles with telescopic forks. This bolt on kit will lock the steering at full right turn with your padlock. No drilling or welding needed. Full money-back guaranteed. $36.96 includes shipping in the US. Dean Bergall 260-747-5947.

Cushman truckster 1978 - new engine, aluminum diamond plate bed and floor. It has a lot of new parts. I have $8000 in it. Asking $4000. No title. bill.charles@att.net

1958 Cushman with Reiss 3-speed transmission, (they are well worth the money), solid state ignition, new tires, runs great, $6,000. OBO. Ron Kuhlman, Gilman, IL. Phone 815-265-7514.

1964 Super Silver Eagle, 5,000 miles, second owner, painted 1980, $5,000. Ron Kuhlman, Gilman, IL. Phone 815-265-7514.

Set of four stemmed glasses, dated 1978 Cushman, $185.00. Cushman National Meet Pins, Missing #1 and #11. $180.00. Cushman Quart Oil Can, $350. All items are plus shipping. Ron Kuhlman, Gilman, IL. Phone 815-265-7514.

Electric starter generator kits for Standard Cast Iron Eagles. Contact: Nevin Swigart, 301 W. Wenger Rd., Englewood, OH 45322. Ph. (937) 836-8269 evenings.

1958 Zundapp Bella, 200 cc, ES. Show winner scooter. See cover of Autumn 2013 Vintage club magazine. Ohio title. $6500. OBO. Bob Lassiter, 216-9900804.

1957 Zundapp Bella, 150 cc. Complete restoration and better than new. Original Metallic Blue Color. Class Winner. Photos shown in the summer/fall 2021 VMBC magazine. (page 30) $5500. Contact Dave at email, dldoubek1@ gmail.com or phone 864-297-4848.

VMBC Life member, selling due to health. 1978 Cushman Truckster, asking $1,000. Has a new motor, aluminum diamond plate bed, no title; 1952 Black Eagle, asking $4,000. Has been restored; 1957 Blue Highlander, asking $1,000; 1958 Red Eagle, asking $3,500. Has electric start; 1960 Black Eagle, asking $3,500. Has saddle bags and other extras; 1961 Blue and white Road King, asking $4,000. Has been restored; 1964 Red and gray Highlander, asking $3,000 Has been restored. Please call Bill Charles at 937-429-5114, Beavercreek OH.

Black Custom 1960 Cushman Eagle, Vanguard 23hp motor, bored .030, Comet clutch, with all chrome accessories that Dennis Carpenter offers. Over $16,000 invested, asking $12,500. Contact Joe Guinn, Clinton, IN. (765)8327386.

1949 Whizzer Schwinn, J motor, professional paint job, single owner; the bike has been restored and not recently ridden. $6K OBO. Serious offers onlybikeparty2@gmail.com. (send an e-mail for a picture)

1949 Whizzer Schwinn, J motor, professional paint job, single owner; the bike has been restored; the motor was rebuilt and unfinished; the motor parts are available. $6K OBO. Serious offers only - bikeparty2@gmail.com. (send an e-mail for a picture)

My father converted his Schwinn into a Whizzer before he died. The bike needs new tires, gas purged, and last I knew, leaked gas when the switch was turned on. Do you know of any enthusiasts in the central Indiana area who would take on a slight restoration project? Jim Trout, Ph. 317-752-9388 or email - jtrout@comcast.net

My father was a huge Whizzer fan. He got his first one when he was about fourteen. Over the years he accumulated a variety of extra parts. My mother would like to sell the collection of parts. She would be open to an offer for the lot. My mother lives in Lebanon, Ohio. Connie Simendinger c.simendinger@ yahoo.com or Ph. 513-319-6339.

I have a 1949 Whizzer S10 I’m interested in selling! I was wondering who could tell me the value of this bike and how I would go about selling it. It’s all original and also have original literature and bill of sale. I would appreciate any information on the value and how I can go about selling the bike. The motor runs perfect! Thank you! E-mail: lrrfreedman21@gmail.com - Larry Freedman, 570-510-6140, Lexington, KY.

1946 Army Paratroopers Two Piece Bicycle. Must be picked up at my address or might be in Portland, IN at the VMBC meet in June. Ron Kuhlman, Gilman, IL. Phone 815-265-7514. Anytime.

1958 c-90 scooter. Made by Mitsubishi and sold by Rockford Motor Company New Paint, chrome and seats mostly original, runs great and starts easily. Asking $3800.00. Been in family for decades. Harold Barry Jr, Ph. 630-8423496, Port Orange Fl.

FOR SALE SERVICES

Old style Cushman generator repaired. Nevin Swigart, #4067 Swigart Electric Motors, 301 W. Wenger Rd., Englewood, OH 45322. Ph. (937) 836-8269

The Pony Cycle family would like for you to share stories, pictures and anything interesting relating to the Pony Cycle or M/W Special/Deluxe/Supreme motor scooters made by Hawk Tool in the 1950’s. Please go to facebook@ ponycyclescooter to post.

Schwinn Stingray bicycles with banana seats with project started to convert to motorbikes. Completed or not. And Honda Mini Trail Scooters running or not and related parts. John M. Chicago Suburbs jkm7012013@gmail.com

Want to keep up on the Whizzer hobby? Subscribe to the Whizzer Newsletter. Published monthly. $25/year, all subscriptions run Jan. - Dec. Editor: Carolyn Williams, Serena, IL. carregwms58@earthlink.net. Make check (or money order) out to Mary Kay Reibel, our circulation manager. And write “Whizzer Newsletter” on the memo line. Please include your phone # and e-mail address on the check, or on a separate piece of paper & in the envelope. Mail to: Mary Kay Reibel, 304 S. Lincoln Ave., Aurora, IL, 60505. Subscription Questions? Contact Mary Kay at: mkhansenreibel@aol.com or 630-897-3601.

130 issues of the Vintage Motor Bike Club magazine; starting in 1990 and thru 2022; good condition; boxed and ready to ship; buyer pays shipping/ NW Ohio/ Asking $650.00. Contact Bill Ph. 419-203-4616

Portland Excitement!

See pages 20-21 for the story and photos.

This group of riders attended the Mid-Carolina Cushman sponsored get together in Erwin, TN from July 17-21.