Before there was ABS, before hydraulic clutches, before heated vests and waterproof gear, before the world was completely ‘civilized’, people rode.

Back when a trip to the valley from Central Oregon was a weekend adventure (or longer in winter), when pavement was a luxury.

Years ago Mike missed out on buying an old Harley because he was afraid to ask the owner about it (he’s not shy anymore!).  Even though the owner sold the Harley to someone else, we spent a great afternoon looking through his photo albums and reliving some of his memories of riding in the days between the ‘war to end all wars’ and the war that could have ended it all.

He was kind enough to loan me his original photos, which I had copied.  These are scans of those tiny copies.  I’ve done the best I can in Photoshop, and I was able to clear up some images so we could read signs that weren’t legible in the originals.

Click the photo links or check out the enlarged images at our flickr page here http://www.flickr.com/photos/ducatisti/sets/72157604622466422/

Blue Mountain Pass in Oregon

Flat Track racing in Bend Oregon 1940's - 1950's

Dirt Track Racing in 'downtown' Bend Oregon! You can see Awbrey Butte on the left.

Lavalands in Central Oregon. After seeing this, I've officially removed my name from the 'tough rider' list - I've ridden this stuff on my KTM 250 - but on that bike, fully loaded? Dang!

Ranging a little further afield - Sequoia National Park

Entrance to Sequoia National Park. Isn't that sign incredible?

Somewhere in the California desert, or maybe Death Valley.

Entrance to Death Valley at Towne's Pass. This is a dirt State Highway. Modern riders are officially spoiled wimps (I can say this, I'm the wimpiest of them all).

So, do the pictures make you wish for the good old days of uncrowded roads and the spirit of true adventure?  Or are you glad to be riding in the 21st century?