Another Flathead Jedd Short Story

A Harley Story
by
Flathead Jedd

The year was 1947. The place, Long Beach California. The man, Philip Cronan. Phil was a World War Two veteran, proudly serving in the European theater with the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Upon being discharged from the service Phil got a job with the City of Long Beach as a Police Officer. After a few years, Phil became a Motor Officer for the city. Being that he lacked seniority within the motor squad, his mount was the oldest in the fleet. A 1940 Harley Davidson big twin flathead. But that was all about to change. His time had come and he was next up for a new bike. In May of 1947 he wish came true. He was assigned a brand new 1947 Harley Davidson UL, shop number 502. His first new motorcycle.
From the moment Phil took possession of the bike, it was love at first site. The police garage kept up on the maintenance, but Phil supplemented with his own oil changes and clutch adjustments. See Phil’s true passion was motorcycles. The police job paid the bills and why not get paid to ride, but his real desire was racing. Phil was a member of the Wing Nuts Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles and loved racing on the weekends. Since he had a new bike, he was king of the track. Every night before a race Phil would strip off all the police equipment and disguise the bike as a class C racer. He would then race, win and put the bike back together before the next days work. This went on for many years without any one the wiser. When Phil finally retired from police service, he was able to buy the bike from the city for a mere sum of $50 and to keep it in it’s race clothing, never having to put the fenders and pursuit lamps back on the bike.
Phil kept riding and racing the bike well into the 1950s, until the side valve technology just couldn’t keep up with the overheads. He eventually sold the bike and purchased a new Panhead. The old UL floated around from owner to owner over the years but never left Southern California. In the early 1980’s the Flathead appeared in the May 1981 Easyriders Magazine as a featured bike. It was rode around the San Fernando Valley in that configuration for several years until the owner ran into a curb and bent the forks. It was pushed into his garage and there it sat for many years.
Now enter Flathead Jedd. The year was 1997. 50 years after the birth of the UL. Jedd acquired the bike from the recent owner in a trade for his 1927 Ford hot rod. The first thing Jedd did was strip the bike down an resurrect it to it’s former Class C glory. Jedd as a big fan of the post war era of motorcycling saw no other way to build the bike than as a 40’s bobber. So it was put together as you see it today. The irony was that Jedd was a member of the Wing Nuts Motorcycle Club. The same club that Phil had been in. This was pure happenstance. The history of the bike wasn’t revealed until after it was owned by Jedd. Even more bizarre was that Flathead Jedd was called “Flathead” before ever owning the bike. No one ever knew why, including Jedd. It was all just meant to be I suppose.
The above story is completely fictitious and came from the warped mind of Flathead Jedd. There are a few facts that are true, but for the most part it’s complete garbage.

Four Aces MC Sweater

Came across this recently. Needless to say I love it for so many reasons.

Wing Nuts Awarded at Day in the Dirt

Cindy from Century Cycles awarded the Wing Nuts with the coveted (and made in her trailer) Spam award, for best Triumph motorcycles at the event. Here Wes stands proudly with our trophy in front of the NLAMC booth.

Day in the Dirt

Wes and I spent the last two days out in the dirt at LACR for the Day in the Dirt motocross event. Neither of us have a motocross background so it was pretty cool to see up close and personal. LACR has an amazing track. We brought out the desert bikes to show them off and everyone seemed fascinated by the "two springers" with metal fenders. The gentleman in the picture actually competed in the vintage class with his Triumph thanks to a donor part from a Wing Nut bike. He won something, so I guess that means we won something. Everyone came up to us and said "hi." Looks like next year we may be crazy enough to give the track a try. The most fascinating bike I saw out there competing was an Evo Sportster in full motocross frame and suspension. I tried to get a picture of the bike, but after he disappeared into the 7 story drop, we never saw him again. That friggin motor weighed more than most of the bikes out there!

My daddy's a cop! Why won't anyone date me?

More Turkey Day Madness

Thank to a reminder from a true blind bastard, I remembered about the most appropriate picture in my collection. Who would have thought I could easily combine Thanksgiving and motorcycles.

Happy Turkey Day!

Have a happy Thanksgiving from the Wing Nuts, but don't eat too much. We wouldn't want you to get stuck.

Mc Hal Helmets

Saw this up on ebay. Very cool helmet bag. From what I know Mc Hal helmets were pretty big from the late 50s through the 70s. don't know too much about them, but the ones I've seen look pretty neat.

Winners

Looks like all three of these guys won something. Hope they didn't all share the one bike.

GI Jonesin' to loose the shield and fender

Motorsickle Parking Only Pal!

I'll just park around the corner.

Double down

A couple of racers, stripped machines for tearing it up....or getting stuck in the mud.

I ain't movin' ma!

I ain't goin' no wheres 'til y'all give me back my shine. Yes sir.

Chicks, man

I'm way off my game. Are those JDs? They seem to look huge to me. Perhaps the gals are tiny.

How's about a pair o' Crockers?

Happy guy

It's not the size that matters with this happy rider.

Indian Racers

These guys look like they seen a ghost. I know the feeling. Here's to long lost friends. You know who you are.

Blind Melon take his first ride.

This kinda looks to me like Blind Melon. Eyes closed, tongue out, making the "plbbbbst" sound with his mouth. Yep I'm sure this is Blind Melon.

Norton Racer

Desert Sprinter

Everyone has different "secret" styles of riding across the desert fast. Bud Ekins always said get way back on the seat and let er rip. This fellow seems to be taking the opposite approach. I know when I'm off road, I use a whole lot of body english. Had a crowd watching me once. Thought the were marveling at my skill. Later some kid told me they was talkin' bout calling the paramedics cuz it looked like I was having a seizure while riding the bike.

Our friend Norbert

Wing Nut friend and NLAMC customer Norbert on what may be the final ride of the season. German winters get mighty cold. I always forget about seasons and a deeply apologize to our friends that have to "garage up" for the winter. I'm going to keep riding and thinking of you.

FHJ

Just me and my gal

Thanks for sharing this picture and letting me post it. Appears to be a happy couple.

Some Day

Sorry I've been off line for a few. Been busy with the family. This photo seemed appropriate. Nice little desert sled the kid's on.
FHJ

I'm in!

Big man on a little bike (ala Chris Farley)

It looks as though he is daring you to make fun of him, so he can punch your lights out.

Crazy little single with lotsa luggage

Anyone have any idea what this little bike is?

No more faking.

I guess she feels more comfortable as a passenger. No problem,who doesn't like a pretty lady on their bike.

Faker!!!

The tell tale kick stand. I believe by definition this is what is referred to as a "poser."

Flathead Jedd's 65 Triumph T100SC Desert Sled

Well she's finally together with the help of Jeff and Wes. So here's a list of the cool stuff. Bates seats, MCM Desert Pipes, Q Remote Filter, Bash Guard, Hand Guards and relocated oil filler neck. It's as period as I can make it. I'm still considering changing the bars. They're comfortable, but don't look great. Also I'm going to put a bigger front tire on it. This bike is fun! Handles like a little bike, goes like a big one.

You talkin' to me? You must be talkin' to me, cuz I don't see anyone else.

This bad ass biker looks a little like Lt Dangle.

Chuck is one lucky SOB

Chuck has got it all. Hot bike, hot chick, cool sweater and torn jeans. I like this guy.

She's got it all.

wheel covers, crash bars, saddle bags, hottie rider. Yes sir this Harley is accessorized.

Duking it out,,speedway style

Kickin' up some more dust.

Here's a pretty cool shot of some early speedway type bikes. I like the angle. Think the photographer was on the track? Sorry about the water mark, but some people just don't like to share.

Nicely accessorized Panhead

Wheel covers, wrists slappers, fender trim, bumpers. Now ain't dat sompin"?

Heavily wooded Beezer?

Can anyone tell what this little sickle is? It appears to have a plunger frame which makes me think BSA, but I can not be sure.

Biker Chick

Her parents must have hated her wild looks. Just look at that Buco motorcycle hat! She's obviously somebody's ol' lady now.

AJS for sale

Slingin" sickles. These are my drug dealers.

A day of firsts

Ok so here it is the 1st of Nov and it's been a day of firsts. I finally got some pictures of our new sweaters, albeit no close ups. I got to ride my T100SC in all it's desert garb for the first time. Although I rode on the street to the all British ride at Hansen Dam. Brent became a member, so first ride for him as a Wing Nut, even though he's been on every ride. Wes rode my UL for the first time and I have photographic evidence of him riding a Harley. And for the first time I stood next to a Gold Wing wearing my Wing Nuts sweater. That will never ever happen again.