Beads of sweat dance from furrowed brows while eyes lock in concentration. An engine roars. The sound of knuckles cracking is muffled. A strong aroma of burnt rubber mixed with dirt and exhaust slides through air. The American Motor Drome riders take their positions and begin to whip their antique Indian Scout and Harley-Davidson motorcycles around the 30 foot wooden cylinder known as The Wall of Death. At speeds of around 35mph, the skilled riders perform acrobatic stunts. They spin their legs over their seats to ride sideways, reach their arms toward the red and white tent above, and precisely remove dollar bills from patrons’ hands who watch, mouths gaping open, at the top of the 14 foot wall. With greased back hair, collared shirts, and black Dickeys pants tightly tucked into sticky leather boots, the team of Hobo Bill, JR Sparks, Arielle Flight, Preacher Man, and Charlie Ransom capture a quintessential American Nostalgia.

This style of extreme motorcycle thrill shows has been a woven thread throughout America’s midways for over one hundred years. Today, however, this group is only one of three that remain. With their dynamic performances and iconic daredevil charm, the riders hope to keep this small bit of Americana alive.