Also handy should one wish to take up falconry.

The only brake is a tiny rear brake and the pedal is at least 6" above the floorboards. This machine was more concerned with going rather than stopping.

I think this is a 1918 Indian Powerplus. It isn't all polished, but it looks well-loved.

The gauntlet style gloves are most practical when riding a motorcycle. They prevent bees, wasps etc from flying up your sleeve. I learned this the hard way last summer (seven stings/bites one fine July day).

As an old bike rider with far too many miles under my belt, I look at this photo and can only imagine a bone shaking ride followed by a bathroom visit.

It's the Library of Congress.

I'm marveling at the Presto-Lite tank spanning the handlebars to power the gas headlamp AND tail lamp.

Take a close look at the speedometer and its connection. It is driven of the big gear on the rear wheel opposite the chain drive. Also note that there are no front brakes and the rear drum brake is mechanically actuated by the right foot lever. Nice bike!

In this amazing photo, the motorcycle policeman is dreaming of the day when DC police motorcycles will be gleaming with chrome and glistening lacquer paint.

He hopes that day arrives before his retirement. He's already got the spiffy uniform!

Officer Mad Max must be quite coordinated to work all three levers on the right side (shift check clutch?—maybe and what?—spark advance??) while using his elbow to press on the siren and other had to steer.

MANY too many great details in this picture to list. Beautiful shot!

What a filthy bike. Must not have been a requirement to keep it looking presentable. His uniform has got to be ruined after each shift just by sitting on this thing and tooling about for 6-8 hours.

[This was taken in February, so most of that is probably slush-related. - Dave]

The tall hat, the robust jacket, those huge, almost superhero gloves, officer barreling hunched over through twinkling city streets as his siren blares and his headlight shines on the getaway car around every curve. I want to see the movie.