Volume 5, Issue 1: Spring 2009

The spring issue takes us to the past, to the 1950s in North and South America: James J. Ward chases after a small batch of Matchless G45 racers stamped and branded as AJS 10Rs, which competed in the Venezuelan national championship.  Contributors to our Roundtable offer fascinating new takes on the classic biker film, The Wild One (1953).

Other essays in this issue trace the more recent history of motorcycle rights: Gary L. Kieffner highlights police bias against motorcyclists in the American Southwest and Midwest, while Darilynn (Dee) McClure offers a tale of involvement in the movement.  Plus, we include an interview with Sputnik, Chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association, as well as reviews of recent books and DVDs: Bodies in Motion, Feasting on Asphalt and The Pink Angels.

 

Image: José Antonio "El Negro" Vivas airborne on the AJS 10R at the 1955 Championship Race in Lima, Peru.

Photograph courtesy of Octávio Estrada, from the family of José Antonio Vivas.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Click here (or on “Current Articles” at left) for the latest issue’s articles and reviews.

And don't forget to check out our Resources page, where you'll find an interactive timeline of motorcycle travel literature, links to educational websites, and--new to this issue--information about Riders for Health.

Call for Papers: 40th Anniversary of Easy Rider

Special Exhibit in Trier, Germany: Motorcycle: Speed and Rebellion, May 28-June 27, 2009