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Hudson Valley Chapter's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Walter Davidson Sr.'s formal visit
to the Hudson Valley, June 1908, for his participation in the national FAM endurance run. "A brief history" The
Federation of American Motorcyclists was a forerunner to the AMA today. I also need to mention that Walter Davidson Sr., was
one on the then very young motor company founders! The national 1908 endurance run actually began here on Main Street Catskill,
N.Y.; covered a good section over the Catskill Mountains down into Kingston then Newburgh hence covering the Hudson Valley
South into Brooklyn to finish out on Long Island, N.Y. The sixty three entrants of various US motorcycle manufacturers were
all expected to cover a course of 356 miles total. Keep in mine that our roads in the Hudson Valley of 1908 were rough, rocky
and at times covered in mud, very severe condition to say the least. A course a few could reasonably hope to complete.
Truely an endurance run on these early machines. Our own Hudson Valley member, Tom Svack, Big Jim Mc Cauley and Rod Pink,
all professional AMA enduro riders can definitely bring you up to speed on such a test of man and machine! As most of you
are now aware Walter Davidson Sr.'s granddaughter, Jean Davidson will attend our Rhinebeck National to take part in our
program there. Jean will speak at our banquet, offer her book signing, also promoting her children's safety program ,Yell
and Tell. Jean has also agreed to come early and attend our road run to take part in our formal 100th anniversary celebration
event to be held in Catskill, N.Y., Wednesday afternoon, June 11th; opening ceremony 4:00pm ending at 6:00pm. We are currently
working out a designated arrival and set up time for our road run to climax in Catskill prior to the event. Due to anticipated
crowds of spectators and participates, the overall plan of action is to close down Main St. for our event and ceremony on
the actual site of the 1908 photograph of Walter Sr. now 100 years later his granddaughter, Jean at the same location. Needless
to say the excitement is already brewing here with the Catskill Village officials helping us every way possible. This should
prove to be a road run AMCA members will remember and talk about for sometime to come.
Here is a story from the local press about that event
Harley-Davidson enthusiasts mark centennialCatskill Daily Mail, NY - CATSKILL — The thunderous rumble
of more than 200 motorcycles, mostly of the Harley-Davidson breed, reverberated off the tranquil urban chasm that is Main
Street, Catskill on Wednesday.
The Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s Hudson Valley Chapter held a road run through
the heart of the village, showcasing vintages bikes from the turn of the 20th century.
The ride celebrates the 100th
anniversary of the moment Harley-Davidson co-founder Walter Davidson Sr. pushed his 1908 Harley-Davidson to the limit in the
Catskill Mountain Endurance and Reliability Run, organized by the Federation of American Motorcyclists.
After winning
the grueling 365-mile race with a perfect 1,000 points, his American-made brand was propelled into the international spotlight.
“The tenacity of this man throughout this endurance run — stopping to help others along the route, his decision
to pack no other clothes or spare parts, his refusal of any follow-up vehicle, unlike many other participants — he would
start the Harley-Davidson Motor Company on the path to success throughout the entire world,” said Dan Henke, president
of the AMCA Hudson Valley Chapter.
Among the bevy of Harleys, other classic brands were not afraid to relish in the moment.
Indian motorcycles, which one rider said halted production in 1958 until a revival in recent years, were popular among the
antique enthusiasts.
When asked if there was any rivalry between Harley-Davidson and Indian owners one rider donning
an “Indian” T-shirt said, “There’s no animosity anymore. But 10 or 15 years we would’ve been
going at it with chains.”
Motorcycle enthusiast Gary Hommel countered the man’s jest saying that all the
rivalry was on the track.
Harleys, however, have been a tried and true staple of the American motorcycling community
since it’s founding in 1903.
A very special guest was featured at the Main Street event, who takes particular pride
in the legacy that was launched from Church and Main Streets 100 years ago, Walter Davidson Sr.’s granddaughter Jean
Davidson.
“I’m so honored to be invited here,” she said. “It feels wonderful to come back to
this historical site.”
She said that she loves that people take interest in the historical aspect to the company
and finds it amazing that what once began as a powered bike for kids to “get to the fishing holes faster,” has
turned into a billion-dollar industry today.
Davidson and the onslaught of AMCA motorcycles will converge to the Dutchess
County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck this weekend for The Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet.
The event will feature thousands
of motorcycles and over 350 vendors, according to Henke.
Some motorcyclists traversed the nation to be part of the event,
coming from as far as California, British Columbia, Canada and Wisconsin.
“This is something I’ve been involved
in my whole life,” said Wisconsin native Seamus Leahy. “It’s a good way to meet people from all over the
country … now wherever I go in the country, I have friends there.”
Village President Vincent Seeley was
on hand to meet and greet the road warriors.
“Every day we find out a new historic value of Catskill,” he
said. “Hopefully more and more will realize the rich heritage and history that comes out of our area.”
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