With a lot of skill and a little luck Dale was able bring the old girl back to life. (Photo: Neale Bayly) » More Photos

Sitting in the dirt snapping pictures, I am overwhelmed to see the bike running through this terrain and just purring along, never once stalling out. Sure a little smoke pours out going down hill on the overrun, and she is pretty noisy, but to think this is the first time anyone has ridden this bike in close to fifty years is just incredible. Dale is grinning from ear to ear and having a blast as his dog, Shiloh, shadows his every move.

We return the bike to its proud position at the front of the museum, where Dale excitedly points out a few small oil leaks on the ground. “Not bad” he beams. I have to admit I am impressed. The bike is for the most part is oil-tight, and the small amount of leakage underneath is fairly minimal after 30 minutes of hard riding. A small group gathers and Dale gets lost in conversation, so I step back and enjoy the scene. Dale is regaling his audience with an incredible tale that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. I have seen a tired, rusty, broken down, 80-year-old motorcycle come back to life in front of my very own eyes. What could possibly be finer?

See the Photo Album

Read Part I

Read Part II

Read Part III