Today in motorcycle history, June 17, 1975

                                

 

  An electric powered Corbin-Yardney motorcycle climbs Mt. Washington, New Hampshire.

 

  During the week of June 15-20, 1975, the first annual alternative vehicle regatta was held at Mt. Washington, New Hampshire.  The regatta was created by environmentalist Charles McArthur, who sincerely believed that the rally was necessary to gather together and test all possible forms of alternative transportation to the internal combustion engine.  The regatta placed emphasis on low energy consumption and minimum pollution.

  Mike Corbin, president of Corbin-Gentry, and Dr. A.W. Petrocelli, Chief Operating Officer of Yardney Electric in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, met in March to make final arrangements for the high energy density silver zinc battery to be used in the Mt. Washington attempt.  On June 17, 1975 this super battery, with a total energy content of over 4,680 watt hours, successfully powered the Corbin designed motorcycle 8 miles to the summit on an average grade of 12%, through 99 hairpin turns, in 26 minutes nonstop.  

  On June 18, this same winning combination made 2 nonstop trips to the summit, thus setting another record.

  Corbin-Gentry seats and accessories company name came from Mike Corbin and the beautiful southern singer Bobbie Gentry (Ode to Billy Joe), who had nothing to do with the company but was great to look at.

 

  Mike Corbin was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2000.