Due to our arid climate we have a longer riding season , that along with our terrain has provided motorcyclists good conditions in which to enjoy their favourite pastime. One of the first registered clubs “The Medicine Hat Motorcycle Club was formed by Vern Meidinger and our own Dave Mann and existed from 1949-1952 after that they joined the “American Motorcycle Association” and became “Gas City Motorcycle Club” into the 1970’s. Other clubs and owner groups sprung up over the years continuing with Medicine Hats rich motorcycle heritage. One of the clubs the “Retreads” was formed for riders over forty and in 1988 club members decided to join the newly formed “United Motorcycle Club International” which it has remained until present day .
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It was not by chance we picked the above photograph to put on the rally T-Shirts as it was taken by Dave Mann in 1951 in front of the Astra Theatre on 3rd St Medicine Hat. Dave's beloved Triumph Thunderbird is one of the bikes in the picture. One of the favourite stories told is about an incident that happened on that very street in front of the hardware store just down from the theatre, you can see the sign in the picture. In those days they had a ride captain and he would indicate to all riders when to start their bikes one afternoon the captain gave his command and everyone started their bikes which blew out the window in the store.
It is with great pride we get to celebrate motorcycle history and the U.M.C.I in Medicine Hat
It is with great pride we get to celebrate motorcycle history and the U.M.C.I in Medicine Hat