THE NAME "RETREADS"
The name RETREADS comes from the name of vehicle tires which were initially used during World War II. Retreading (putting new treads on used tires) was a process that permitted many civilians during the war years to continue to use their vehicles when their tires wore out, as new tires were very hard if not impossible to get during those rationing days.
Similarly, many of us began our motorcycling years back when we were young. When we got married and started raising a family, many of us had no time or money available for such luxuries as motorcycles. However, once the children were well on their own, and free time and more money were available, our thoughts of motorcycles returned and we were itching to get back on the bikes we loved so much. So in a way, we were "Retreaded."
ORIGIN OF THE RETREADS
The "Retreads Motorcycle Club International" was conceived and started in 1969 by five men through a Letters Column in a motorcyclist magazine. George Spidel, a Navy Chief, of El Cajon CA, had read a letter to the editor in a national motorcycle publication. The contents of the letter are long forgotten, but the writer's signature stirred George's curiosity. It was signed "Sheep Dip". George wrote to the magazine with the request that they forward his response letter to Sheep Dip. Instead, they published his letter in its entirety with an explanation that they were not a clearing house for letter writers. But they did publish George's address.
Sheep Dip never did answer, but five other motorcycle riders did: Bob House of Topeka KS; "Kanney" Brown of PA; Maurgaurity Laughland of London, England; Jack LeCain of British Columbia, Canada; and Ludwig Speidel of Quebec, Canada. George made copies of those letters and sent them to the other five. Then he copied the answers to those and sent them out again. Before long it was a regular thing for these six geographically separated riders to write each other. George copied the letters and circulated them to the entire group.
In time, the group agreed that they should form a correspondence motorcycle club. An inquiry to the AMA for a charter brought back the information that they would have to have ten members in order to qualify.
Once again, George appealed to the Letters column of the motorcycle press. Soon after, ten kindred spirits applied for their AMA charter. The RETREADS became a formal club in July, 1970. Their monthly newsletter was called the "RECAP" - another name given retread tires.
George was the first president of the RETREAD organization. He held office from 1969 until 1974, and then again from 1978 until 1981. Bob House then took over the reins and held them until Larry and Marlene Patton, present president and secretary respectively, took over several years ago.
About the RETREADS Crest
The CHIEF is a field of GOLD representing the Golden years, with the name RETREADS thereon. The Bar Sinister is BLUE and BLACK, upper Sinister field being RED with Stallions in place. The lower dexter field being WHITE with Roman Numerals XL in RED letters and the word "PLUS" underneath.
The name RETREADS is obvious. We have reached an age where a retread is necessary!
The shape of the Retreads Crest was taken from a U.S. Navy award plaque presented for that which is considered to be the best!
The GOLD field at the top is to denote the Golden years over forty.
The BAR SINISTER which slants upward from left to right across the field signifies the BLACK and BLUE marks that we all acquired while we were learning to ride.
The WHITE field symbolizes our purity of mind and thoughts, and also the color of our face in the first tight squeeze.
The RED Roman Numerals XL "Plus" designates our age of over forty...and as everyone knows, life really does begin at forty!
The BLUE overbar above the field of gold is reserved to designate the state, region, or province in which the wearer resides.
The RED field which contains the rampant stallions is for the valor and blood that we have shed.
The STALLIONS who appear so proud, represent the strength and stamina of the Retreads. Used as a pair, they indicate that we work together as a team.