A Legacy Forged in Roaring Engines: The History of Muskegon Motorcycle Club
Step back in time and discover the rich, century-spanning legacy of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club (MMC) – a story deeply intertwined with the birth of American professional hill climbing and an enduring passion for two-wheeled adventure.
Our journey begins in 1919, when Dan D. Raymond, a visionary with a profound love for riding, established the Raymond Motor & Cycle Company on Ottawa Street in Muskegon. This passion quickly ignited a community, leading to the official founding of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club in 1920. It was a pivotal moment that would set the stage for decades of thrilling motorcycle action.
Just one year later, in 1921, the fledgling club made a bold move that would etch its name into history: leasing the formidable Mount Garfield sand dune. This iconic landmark became the site of our very first motorcycle Hillclimb, an event that captivated onlookers and laid the foundation for a legendary tradition.
Recognizing the immense potential of this unique terrain, the Muskegon Motorcycle Club made Mount Garfield its permanent home in 1923, purchasing the 40-acre site. The excitement was palpable; that year, over 3,000 roaring fans gathered to witness the spectacle of our Hillclimb, a powerful testament to the growing fascination with motorcycle sport. A humble farmhouse on the property was transformed into our clubhouse, and dedicated members tirelessly worked to improve the hill, adding crucial wooden steps, an observation tower, and a specialized clay surface to ensure optimal traction for the daring competitors.
The club's dedication and the exceptional challenge of Mount Garfield did not go unnoticed. In 1929, a landmark achievement arrived when the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) bestowed upon the Muskegon Motorcycle Club the prestigious National Championship Hill Climb award. Though the economic hardships of the Great Depression temporarily slowed momentum, the spirit of the club and the undeniable appeal of Mount Garfield persevered. By 1939, the AMA once again recognized Mount Garfield's premier status, choosing it as the venue for the National Hillclimb event. This significant year also saw the construction of our iconic concrete staircase – each of its 313 slabs bearing the name of a valued sponsor, symbolizing the strong community support that has always been a hallmark of the MMC.
Mount Garfield proudly holds the distinction as the birthplace of professional hill climbing in America. The outbreak of World War II brought a temporary silence to the engines, but the club's spirit remained unbroken. We returned stronger than ever in 1946. In 1949, a poignant stone monument was erected at the entrance to Mount Garfield, a solemn and enduring tribute to our cherished members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.
Continuing the Roar: The Modern Era
For over a century, the Muskegon Motorcycle Club has proudly carried forward the torch of this incredible tradition. We continue to be the proud hosts of the AMA Pro National Hillclimb Competition at Mount Garfield. Mark your calendars for the next chapter in our storied history: the National HillClimb is scheduled for August 2nd, 2025, with Amateur Hillclimb events on August 3rd, 2025. (While traditionally an even-year event, we're thrilled to present this special odd-year spectacle!) We invite you to join us and witness firsthand as we keep the legacy alive.
Expanding Horizons: Dan Raymond Park
Our dedication to the sport of motorcycling extends beyond the legendary slopes of Mount Garfield. The club demonstrated its forward vision by purchasing nearly 200 acres in Bridgeton, Michigan, establishing Dan Raymond Park in honor of our esteemed founder. This expansive facility has become a vital hub for a wide range of motorcycle events throughout the year.
Dan Raymond Park features its own formidable Hillclimb, aptly nicknamed "The Wall" due to its steep and challenging incline. The park also boasts a newly renovated dirt dragstrip, meticulously upgraded with lighting in 2013 and further enhanced in 2016, offering a top-tier experience for dirt drag racing. The club frequently hosts multi-day events at this dynamic location, with rustic camping sites available, proving immensely popular with attendees seeking a full immersion in the motorcycling lifestyle.
A Legacy of Diverse Motorcycle Sport
Throughout our history, the Muskegon Motorcycle Club has embraced the full spectrum of motorcycle disciplines. Beyond our famed hillclimbs, the club has a long and proud tradition of organizing and hosting a multitude of exciting events, including:
- TT Scrambles
- Dirt Drags
- Field Events
- Motocross
- Trials
- Ice Races
- Burn-Out Pits
- And many other thrilling competitions and gatherings.
The Muskegon Motorcycle Club: Over 100 Years of History, Passion, and an Unwavering Commitment to the Sport of Motorcycling.
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Dan D. Raymond opened the Raymond Motor & Cycle Company on Ottawa Street in Muskegon. The Muskegon Motorcycle Club was founded in this building in 1920 and founded the Muskegon Motorcycle Hill Climb out of the building in 1923, both the club and hill climb are still going strong today. Jim Snell then brought the first licensed Harley Davidson dealership to Muskegon in 1961 and ran it out of the building until the very large addition was added in the early ‘90’s. |
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Raymond organized the Muskegon Motorcycle Club in 1920 and in 1921 leased a nearby sand dune, Mount Garfield, for a motorcycle hillclimb. |
The Muskegon Motorcycle Club purchased the forty-acre site that included Mount Garfield in 1923, the same year that over 3,000 spectators attended the climb. The club also purchased a farmhouse, which was converted into a clubhouse, and improved the hill with wooden steps, an observation tower, and clay surfacing.
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The Muskegon Motorcycle Club received the National Championship Hill Climb award from the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) in 1929. |
Though the Great Depression curtailed participation in the popular climb, by 1939 the AMA once again decided to hold a National Hillclimb event at Mount Garfield. For the event, a concrete staircase with the name of a sponsor etched in each of the three hundred and thirteen stair slabs was installed. Mount Garfield is the site of the first professional hill climb in America.
The climb was suspended during World War II but was resumed in 1946. A stone monument to the members of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club that died in World War II was erected at the entrance of the Mount Garfield grounds in 1949.
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The club purchased nearly 200 acres in Bridgeton Michigan and named the park in honor of the club's founder. Dan Raymond Park is host to many motorcycle events throughout the year and features a Hillclimb so steep it is named "The Wall". The park also features a newly renovated dirt dragstrip complete with lighting in 2013 and updated in 2016. |
The Muskegon Motorcycle Club still hosts the National Hill Climb Competition held at Mt Garfield every other August on even-numbered years. The next National HillClimb is scheduled for the first Sunday in August 2022..
