Riding Bike In 1950s: Stories Of Riding & Racing Motorcycles In The Golden Age: 50S Motorcycle

The first motorcycle was sold in 1894, a product of Germany, while the first race--of about 400 km--was held in France only a few years later. Until the 1950s, the World GP races were held exclusively in Europe, and dominated by European manufacturers.

First-hand accounts of riding & racing motorcycles in the 1950s. Thus begins this journey into memory, back to a time that has to be called the Golden Age of Motorcycles. British bikes--BSA, Triumph, AJS, Matchless, Norton, Velocette--had invaded roads and race tracks previously dominated by Harley-Davidson and Indian. In the open land surrounding cities bikers were blazing trails, making Hare and Hound courses. If there was a rule it was "run what ya brung", never mind about insurance, licenses, headlights, mufflers, crash helmets. There never was a time when so many were so free on two wheels.