Matt Olsen And The AMA Vintage Days

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The event in Lexington Ohio, takes place from July 24th through July 26th. The weekend’s festivities include vintage racing, North America’s largest swap-meet, bike shows, demo rides and more. Matt Olsen, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s Youth Coordinator, is planning on riding his 1936 Harley Davidson EL from South Dakota to the AMA Vintage Days to participate in the AMA’s 85th anniversary parade. What makes Matt’s trip so unusual is that he and his passenger, Mara Butler, plan on riding the 1,100 miles in 24 hours with no chase vehicle or support team.

“We would love to qualify for the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1,000 award,” Matt explains. “In order to qualify for an IBA Saddle Sore 1,000 award, you have to ride at least 1,000 miles in 24 hours. And we want to do it on a 71 year-old Harley-Davidson. We want to shatter the general motorcycling public’s perception that the old and collectible motorcycles belong in museums, or that they can’t be ridden.” Matt explained. If Matt and Mara succeed, Matt’s 36 EL will be the oldest Harley to qualify for an IBA award. You will be able to check on their progress by going to his BlogSpot (updated at each gas stop)

15 Responses to “Matt Olsen And The AMA Vintage Days”


  1. 1 nicker Jul 21st, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Go Get-em Mat….!!!

    Mailing in my AMCA membership form tomorrow.
    I’m still in the market for an M35 foam float…. 🙂

    -nicker-

  2. 2 Curt! Jul 21st, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    Matt is one of the fine young up and comers of the AMCA. It was a gas watching him, his dad and a couple other guys, build the Knuck at Davenport a couple years ago. Keep on truckin’ Kiddo.

  3. 3 ian Jul 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 am

    That is what its all about – well done

  4. 4 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Jul 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Matt is a great embassador for our antique association. Some of us ride our old iron every day dispelling the old notion that old bikes can’t be ridden. Classics can only be fully appreciated by being ridden. I’m looking forward to doing some miles with Matt.Keep up the great work Matt. Go get em

  5. 5 Michael Schacht Crocker Motorcycle Co. Jul 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Besides the beautiful Knucklehead builds, Matt has done an equally great job heading up the AMCA Youth Program for the last several years. No doubt in my mind, he will be President one day! Great guy and builder. Carl, you did a good job!
    See you at Davenport!

  6. 6 Matt Olsen Jul 22nd, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Hi guys,
    Thanks for the comments and encouraging words. I have been planning this trip for a couple of weeks, a couple of my friends that knew about the run were giving me a hard time and trying to convince me that it couldn’t be done.
    I got a little nervous last weekend, and decided to try a shakedown run on my way home from an A.M.C.A meet in Wauseon Ohio I rode my dad’s 39 EL and I loaned my 36EL to a friend of mine from Cyprus. We rode 1050 plus miles in 22 hours. I broke the h.d. record with a 39 EL, then my friend Iacovos broke it again on my 36 el.

    We took 4 or 5 videos through out the trip and I posted then on my youtube site, you can see them at http://www.youtube.com/gosonytv.

    I am heading back to Ohio at 2am. Tonight with Mara, if our trip is successful, my bike will be the oldest harley to carry two people in an Iron Butt Run, as well as the oldes Harley to finish a iba run. Wish us luck and check in on my site to see where we are at and how the trip is coming along.

    Best,
    Matt Olsen

  7. 7 Darin Maltsbeerger Jul 22nd, 2009 at 9:18 am

    Matt, I hope the weather holds out for you. Sounds like a great ride and one that a lot of us would like to make with you. From one South Dakotan to another, “Good Luck and Safe traveling.”

  8. 8 kody wisner Jul 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 am

    good luck Matt.

  9. 9 Sugar Bear Jul 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am

    Matt, good luck. Show’em how it’s supposed to be done!!!

  10. 10 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian MotorCycles Jul 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 am

    Hey Matt. You can’t wear out an Indian Scout or it’s big brother the Chief, they’re built like rocks to take hard knocks. It’s the Harley’s that cause all the grief!!!! Looking forward to riding with you mate

  11. 11 Lyle Jul 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 am

    Maybe the Indian guys need to step up to the plate now. last i checked the oldest two bikes to complete the IronButt were Indians with a 36 being the oldest. Looks like Matt may tie that record. Say Hi to your Dad from me.

  12. 12 J Jul 22nd, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    Sweet ride- nice color combo!

  13. 13 Michael Schacht Crocker Motorcycle Co. Jul 22nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Have a safe ride Matt and see you at Davenport!

  14. 14 Roadside Marty Jul 22nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    Congratulations Matt!!! You are truly a man among men ,not just for your limitless energy and enthusiasm for anything motorcycle related but because your also a hell of a nice guy that I’m fortunate enough to call my friend!! Can’t wait to see ya in Sturgis..The Roadside Marty

  15. 15 Joe Mielke Jul 23rd, 2009 at 12:04 am

    Great stuff Matt, Wish I was runnin with ya. Best of luck. Hope to see you soon.
    Peace
    Joe

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