Today in motorcycle history, March 13, 1919

  I came across this article from the March 13, 1919 issue of the"Motorcycle and Bicycle Illustrated" magazine that detailed the objectives and rules for the Gypsy Tours for New York and New England.  Being the kind sort I am I thought I'd share...

 The objectives were first, "to provide a good time for the riders, and theirs wives, sisters, and sweet-hearts" (say what?); and second, "to create a more favorable public opinion of the motorcycle and motorcycle riders." 

  These early Gypsy Tours were really, really organized, dare I say a precursor to the modern mc's, with a "Tour Master" and two aides leading a large group of riders sectioned into "companies" of 10 riders and a captain; and "pathfinders" scouting out and marking the route up ahead.  The riders wore visible numbers and were supposed to ride in numerical order, with the sidecars taking up the rear of the company.  The riders were also required to carry documentation; these "checking cards" were reviewed each morning by the "Tour Master" or his aides.  This way there was no confusion over who's got the beer.