J. C. "Pappy" Hoel founded
the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota in 1936.
Two years later the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began with nine racers.
During World War II the rally was suspended for two years and resumed
in 1938. 2006 is the 66th annual Sturgis Rally. The rally
attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. In 2006 the attendance
was estimated over 525,000.
On August 7, 2006, the Rally was the setting for the first day of issue for
a block
of four stamp featuring American motorcycles.
.
The four motorcycles
pictured are described on the back of the stamps.
"Especially
prominent during the 1960s and 1970s,
choppers are extensively customized motorcycles that earned their name
from the process of removing, or "chopping," unwanted components.
Typical chopper features include a stretched frame, raised handlebars,
and long forks leading to the front wheel."
Harley-Davidson 1965
"With its whitewall tires, extensive chrome, large
fenders, and fiberglass saddlebags, this Harley-Davidson is considered
by many to be one of the company's most iconic motorcycles. Known as
the Electra-Glide, this model was first manufactured in 1965, when its
near features included a push button electric starter."
Indian 1940
"The 1940 entry in a series of deluxe,
four-cylinder motorcycles knows as the Four, this streamlined bike
from the Indian Motorcycle Company featured skirted fenders that
partially covered the wheels, a controversial design innovation that
soon became an Indian trademark."
Cleveland 1918
"Lightweight and affordable, this Cleveland was
popular motorcycle with a single-cylinder, 2.5-horsepower motor.
Advertisement claimed that it could travel 75 miles on a single gallon
of gas and reach speeds of up to 35 to 40 miles per hour."
