Naknek's First Motorcyle

As you motorcycle aficionados know, the Indian Motorcycle is where it all started. Pictured here is Naknek's first motorcycle. Matt Andersen is seated on an Indian motorcycle in the late 1930's. The photo was taken on the Naknek Packing dock. Later, this motorcycle was driven to Levelock in the winter. Alec Alexander headed for Levelock with it in the early spring, probably following the dog team trails, with a small dog team sled in tow with supplies. It is not known whether it made it all the way or not. The bike had an ancient ignition system on it, probably a magneto type for spark, which eliminated the need for a battery.

As a side note, and coincidentally, for biker fans, the 65th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held in Sturgis, SD starts today, August 8th, and runs until August 12th. Over 500,000 people attended last year. J. Clarence "Pappy" Hoel, the founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, began his motorcycling enthusiasm in 1936 when he purchased a franchise from the Indian Motorcycle Company.

©Photo from the Monsen Family Collection

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