Bob Moore

Bob Moore: A Lifelong Passion for Motorcycles and a Legacy of Leadership

For many, motorcycles are a mode of transportation or a weekend hobby. But for Bob Moore, motorcycles have been a lifelong love affair, woven into the very fabric of his identity. His journey began in 1949 when, as a young boy, he would hitch a ride home from school on the back of a neighborhood kid’s Indian Scout. It was a thrilling introduction to the world of two wheels that ignited a passion he would carry throughout his life. By 1950, Bob began riding himself on a friend’s Indian Brave, and it wasn’t long before he purchased his very first bike—a Triumph Thunderbird.

A Life of Dedication to the Sport

Bob’s dedication to motorcycling is evident in his long list of affiliations and achievements. He is a Charter Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), a Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club Life Member, and a Charter Member of the White Plate Flat Trackers Association. His involvement with the Black Hills Motorcycle Club and the Rapid Barons of Rapid City during the 1950s further exemplifies his early commitment to the sport. Even while stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico during his military service, Bob found a new family of riders and joined the New Mexico Motorcycle Club, ensuring that his love for motorcycling continued to thrive.

But it was J.C. “Pappy” Hoel—the revered founder of the Jackpine Gypsies—who had the most significant influence on Bob’s motorcycling career. Pappy personally invited Bob to join the Jackpine Gypsies in 1968, a gesture that began a decades-long relationship with the club. Bob served as the club’s president from 1971 to 1975 and became a life member in 1993 after 25 years of service. His contributions extended beyond leadership; Bob’s artistic talents are immortalized in the club’s patches and pins, which he designed, adding a creative flair to the club’s identity.

Racing, Organizing, and Leaving a Mark

Bob Moore was a formidable competitor on the racing circuit, starting in 1956. He competed in everything from scrambles and dirt tracks to cross-country events, hill climbs, and observed trials. There wasn’t a type of motorcycle competition that Bob didn’t try — and excel in. His versatility extended to the machines he rode, too. Over the years, he built and raced nearly every brand of motorcycle imaginable, from Ariel to Yamaha, demonstrating his mechanical skill and racing prowess.

In 1968, Bob retired from competitive racing, wrapping up his career in style by finishing his final season on Pappy Hoel’s Yamaha DT-1. But his departure from the racetrack didn’t signal an end to his involvement in the motorcycling world. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Bob, alongside Pappy Hoel and Al Burke, helped found the White Plate Flat Trackers Association in 1979 to celebrate and preserve the history and camaraderie of flat track racing. Serving as the organization’s first president, Bob laid the groundwork for a community that honors the legacy of competitive racers and the spirit of friendly competition.

Champion of Sturgis and the Jackpine Gypsies

Even after stepping away from the competitive scene, Bob remained a central figure in the motorcycling community. His heart was with the Jackpine Gypsies, a club whose mission has always been to promote the town of Sturgis, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and local motorcycle activities. Bob’s commitment to the Gypsies and their goals was unwavering, as he tirelessly advocated for the growth and success of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which has become one of the most renowned motorcycle events in the world.

He also played a pivotal role in supporting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, a tribute to the legends and enthusiasts who have shaped motorcycling culture. Today, his contributions continue to be felt, and his influence is embedded in the rich history of both the Gypsies and the rally.

A Lasting Legacy

Bob Moore’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and leadership. From the days of hitching a ride on a schoolmate’s Indian Scout to becoming a leader in some of the country’s most prestigious motorcycle organizations, he has lived a life that many riders only dream of. His dedication to promoting motorcycling, his competitive spirit, and his artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport he loves.

For Bob, motorcycling has always been more than a pastime. It’s been a lifelong adventure, an avenue for camaraderie, and a means to build lasting communities. As a rider, racer, and leader, Bob Moore’s legacy serves as an inspiration to generations of motorcyclists who share his love for the open road and the sense of freedom that only a motorcycle can provide.