Near naked motorcyclist made record run

If you're like me, you doubted your eyes the first time you saw a picture of Rollie Free making his speed record run stretched out full length on a Vincent motorcycle and wearing only a bathing suit. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum web site has an excellent review of a new book on Free's record-setting run.

In Flat Out! The Rollie Free Story, author Jerry Hatfield tells how Free eked the final bit of speed from his Vincent Black Lightning by donning a woman's bathing cap. The AMA review includes an audio clip of Free describing how he had practiced his "flat out" riding position since the 1920s.

To purchase a copy of Flat Out! The Rollie Free Story, send a check for $54.96 (Texas residents: $58.95) to Jerry Hatfield, 605 Hinsdale Dr., Arlington, TX 76006.