Indian Larry, Builder of Chain of Mystery, Featured Motorcyclist

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Larry DeSmedt was born in the Spring of 1949 and grew up in Newburgh, New York, about two hours from metro New York. He was a person driven to live life to the fullest, as they say, and was influenced by many people and things in his life, his environment. Without video games and smart phones to play with, like many baby boomers he enjoyed Lincoln Logs and then took to plastic model motorcycles and cars which were perhaps a first outlet for his creativity. As a teenager in the late 1960’s, his first motorcycle was a Harley Knucklehead, a 1939. Reading his various biographies, it appears this is what brought him focus toward things very mechanical; to ride a 30 year old Harley, you need to have mechanical skills. And as we all know, motorcycles also help in forming ones circle of friends. And so grew the life and reputation of “Indian” Larry. Artist, painter, metal fabricator, probably philosopher as well, if you looked at the work through his eyes. We lost him in 2004, but stories of his life have been written, and much resides on Wikipedia about Indian Larry.

Changes at J&P Cycles

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J&P Cycles released information this week regarding how they will implement some big changes in an effort to make their customer service even better. The changes will, over time, impact the location of retail and warehousing operations currently in Anamosa; plans call for the J&P Cycles warehouse to move to Louisville, Kentucky, the administrative offices to move to Texas, and call center operations will move to Daytona Beach, Florida. The nice showroom now in Anamosa might stay or get relocated.
Since the National Motorcycle Museum is an entirely separate 501(c)3 corporation, completely separate from J&P Cycles, and there has never been any corporate management relationship between it and the Museum, these changes do not impact the Museum. If you have donated or loaned motorcycles, they will still be at the Museum, in Anamosa, Iowa, and the Museum will be open daily, year around. The Museum and J&P Cycles do promote each other in their respective marketing work, and with J&P Cycles’ reach to over a million customers, it has been, and we trust will continue to be a helpful marketing partner for the Museum.
Said John Parham, Founder of J&P Cycles, and President of the Board of Directors of the National Motorcycle Museum, “While I know that improving customer service is important to hold a strong position in the market, and with the internet, people want everything now, it is painful to see the company that Jill and I built here in Anamosa, move its headquarters. Having retired from the company a few years ago we wish the employees and the leadership, including our son Zach who serves as Vice President/General Manager all the best, continued success and growth. And I must say we are very grateful for all of you who continue to lend your support to the National Motorcycle Museum.”
If you need further information about the National Motorcycle Museum, email Mark: mmederski@nationalmcmuseum.org
Thanks very much,
National Motorcycle Museum