Reading-Standard 61ci V-twin 1909 works racer &Paul Derkum board track photo

Description

A superb and extremely rare image showing a
1909 Reading Standard 61 c.i. V-twin OHV works racer
with boardtrack rider
Paul Derkum
posing. According the spec. sheet that came with this image, it was shot in the
Reading
Standard factory
in
Reading
,
Pennsylvania
, on
February 12, 1909
; apparently when Paul Derkum
received delivery
of this new racer. This image was shot over 100 years ago…
The following information is written on the spec. sheet of the negative:
Date: February 12, 1909
Location: Reading-Standard,
Reading
,
Pennsylvania
,
U.S.A.
, delivery new motorcycle racer
Rider: Paul Derkum (posing in factory)
Vehicle: Reading Standard 61ci ohv BT twin – track racer 1909 W.
Archival Code: 190983562-112-RS
Board track racing was as popular as it was dangerous in the 1910s and 1920s.
Basically racing was done on a wooden, banked oval that was made up of two by fours.
The rough wooden surface was often heavily splintered due to the unleash of raw motorcycle power on the soft, easy to deteriorate, wood.
Not only that, but the bikes normally had a total-loss oiling system.
After its lubrication duty, the oil simply seeped out of the engine on the wooden track, making it besides splintery also very slippery.
Combine this with the fact that the riders did not have the protective clothing as they have now and mix in the speeds that easily exceeded
100 mph
and you will understand that board track races were greeted with great excitement, fear, and anxiousness by both the public as the riders.
Clearly the board tracks were not the most ideal venues for racing, but in an era where spectator orientated bicycle racing domes initially were also considered ideal for motorized bicycle racing, it was hard to change locations.
Board track racing was a true American specialty, though in other parts of the world it was done as well, though these tracks were often much shorter.
The men that raced on these early tracks were specialists that rode on the limit of what the motorcycle could possibly offer, despite all the dangers.
No wonder that these men grew out to symbols of pure motorcycling heroism! Excelsior, Indian, Harley-Davidson and Reading-Standard all did their best to obtain the highest result possible.
This wonderful photo reflects that golden era of board track racing with all its great and interesting machines.
Exciting times!
We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of other bikes, and various motorcycle and car (!) (world) champions on various kinds of machinery. Please check out our auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! The auction selection is refreshed and changed continuously.
This is your rare chance to own this
non period
photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
Check out our auctions or contact us for more motorcycle (racing) photos!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.