Post Messenger Recorder -

"Because they are made right here in Wisconsin!" That's the answer you get when you ask the members of the Apparitions Motorcycle Club, based in Monticello and New Glarus, why they ride Harley Davidson cycles, and have for the past half century.

"But the Apparitions haven't been around for half a century have they?" one might ask. They certainly have, and are darn proud to have three original members, Denny Marty, Jim Moser and John Yaun, still riding with them. To celebrate this half century mark, the club will be holding a 50th anniversary party on June 22nd, beginning at Noon at the clubhouse, located at N6371 Holstein Prairie Road, Monticello, just off Green County Hwy J.

The club began in early member Bill Saunders' basement one night in 1969, when a few area Harley riders met to discuss starting a club. Their monthly meetings were held in Ralph Yaun's Meadow Valley school house on Meadow Valley Road for a number of years, until they outgrew the school house. Jim Moser, a 1964 New Glarus High School grad, said, "Ralph was very good to our club, renting the school house to us for $10 per month."

One of the early members, Steve Yaun, died at Guantanamo Navy Base in Cuba during a training exercise. And, over the years, age and cancers have taken the lives of several other members, who are still remembered by their riders brotherhood.

Moser said that they all had one thing in common - they rode Harley Davidson bikes, and enjoyed riding together in a group once each month when they took an all-day ride to various places in the tri-state area. The guys seldom ride single. Often times their wives and girlfriends ride with them as they explore the back roads of rural Wisconsin.

An unidentified 1972 newspaper article tells of the election of new officers for the club, Ken Duerst, President; Denny Marty, Vice-President; Mark Hoesly and Bill Hoesly, Road Captains; Blake Armson, Chief Mechanic; Charlie Bethke and Dave "Bear" Stuessy, Club Enforcers; Jeff Kernen, Treasurer; and Joe Joyce, Secretary.

That same year, the club sponsored a barn dance which drew approximately 500 participants who engaged in Frisbee tossing and a tug of war between different cycle clubs in attendance, including the Beowulf MC, Darlington; CC Riders MC, Madison; and the Goodtimers of Freeport. Music was provided by Yancy Derringer, a Monroe rock band.

To recognize their members of 20 years or more, they are given awards. The 20-year riders are given a Patriarch patch, and those with 25 or more years are given a gold ring.

With a growing membership, the group moved to their current location, N6371 Holstein Prairie Road, rural Monticello, where Marvin Thoman helped out the club by renting them eight acres of land which the club ultimately purchased and built a permanent club house and meeting room.

Moser can't say enough good about both Ralph Yaun and Marvin Thoman. "Both of them have treated us very well over the years!"

Among the general public, bikers are sometimes given a reputation they do not deserve. The Apparitions tolerate no bad behavior in their group. "We police ourselves so the police don't have to." Carrying that sentiment a bit further, they said "We want to be good members of the community. We've kicked out 16 members for making asses of themselves." The group also lobbies the Wisconsin Legislature on issues that affect bikers.

Over the past 50 years the club has taken part in numerous fundraisers for various groups in Green County. Their list is long and impressive. "We want to prove the public wrong about cycle clubs!" And they do.

Each year since 2011, they've donated a scholarship to a New Glarus High School senior and also one in another Green County village. They've also contributed monies to Gifts of Foster Hope, Badger Care, Green Cares, the New Glarus and Monticello Fire Departments and Monroe EMS.

To fete their half-century of riding together, which was what brought them together in 1969, the club will be holding a 50-year anniversary party on June 22nd, beginning at Noon at the clubhouse. There will be a short program at 3:00 p.m., and a group photo at 3:30 p.m. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the first of two bands will entertain those in attendance. There is no admission charge, and the celebration is open to the public. Drop in and thank the members for all they have done for so many people and groups in Green County.

The only caution is watching out for Ike, the guard dog. But it is easy to win Ike's heart, just ask this 10-15 pound, very lovable dog to give you a high five. Do that, and you will immediately win Ike's heart as he gives you a great high five.