Doris & Russell's Harley Horsehides

I'd always been into old stuff,and since no one ever knocked on my door offering me antiques,I spread the word.No was was immune to me mentioning that I loved vintage...anything.When I overheard a co-worker talk about her father's estate,and how they didn't know what to throw and what to keep,I told them I'd be thrilled to lend a hand (and eye)

Her father (Russell) owned a bike,cycle and repair shop.I met her there,and made a handful of trips there as we whittled things down.He'd lived through the great depression and held onto things.And things.If it could be used or re-purposed,he saved it.I was amazed at the parts,manuals and paper in the cabinets.It was a lot of fun to read the old magazines (and prices!) of yesteryear.

A few weeks after our meeting,she mentioned her parent's had motorcycle jackets.When I finally SAW what she was talking about,I was amazed.Here were two chain stiched,long sleeve shirts,both Harley jackets and the decorated hat with numerous AMA pins.Complete with a studded DORIS and a white rawhide cord so the wind wouldn't blow it away.Other than being dried out a bit,they were in terrific shape.

It wasn't a matter of if I could afford them,it was a matter of how.I've kept the "package" intact,and have to smile whenever I look at them.To think of the rides these have been on.How tightly Russell's jacket may have been squeezed on a river ride,or thrown down on a bar floor.These were their "Sunday best" and I bet they'd never imagined they'd exist 60 years later.

Ride hard,live free-Russell & Doris,heres to ye!