Rolling Indian Museum In Torrington

TORRINGTON, CT – The occasion was somber but the memories were warm and appreciative Saturday as vintage motorcyclists and other friends remembered George Yarocki. Prior to an 11 a.m. memorial service at the First Congregational Church, more than two-dozen riders took a lap around Torrington on mostly antique bikes. They rode by places that held fond memories for Yarocki, such as the spot where an Indian dealer sold bikes in the early 1940s and the corner where he scared a friend during a sidecar ride.

Yarocki, who was known around the world for his expertise in restoring vintage Indian motorcycles, specifically the 101 Scout model produced between 1928 and 1931, died in his sleep on May 25 at age 88. A private graveside funeral was held June 1, followed by today’s service, which drew riders from as far away as Florida.

Riders gathered first at “Fort Yarocki,” the complex on Riverside Avenue where Yarocki performed miracles with old parts and passed along the knowledge he had acquired during a life-long love affair with Indian motorcycles, which were built in Springfield, MA between 1901 and 1953.

Jim Garripoli came from Wall, NJ with his blue and white 1930 Indian 101 Scout. Garripoli owns four 101 Scouts – one from each model year. He visited Yarocki every month for 17 years as Yarocki’s practice was to have owners work alongside him as their bikes were restored.

“This started from a wheel,” Garripoli said, explaining that a 1931 101 Scout that he was working on had a front wheel from a 1930. With a proper year rim located for the bike undergoing restoration, the 1930 rim was set aside. “That wheel became this bike,” with other pieces foraged from Yarocki’s extensive parts inventory.

“There’s not many guys who can build a 101 from pieces,” he said. The process took three years.

Rocky Meyer of Oakdale, CT brought his blue and red 1937 Indian Junior Scout in the bed of a pickup truck and then rode with the pack. He’s owned it for four years having found it online in California. Fearful of its rare parts being lost in transit, he had it crated and flown to Bradley International Airport.

The Junior Scout has a 30.5 cubic inch motor. “That’s the smallest V-twin they ever built,” he said. The purchase price was $15,000 and he put an additional $10,000 in making it roadworthy – with Yarocki’s help.

While Yarocki was an Indian expert, he appreciated all makes of motorcycles and admired all riders.

Charlie Gallo of Willimantic, CT rode his blue 1929 Harley-Davidson JD, which he’s owned since 1990.

“I bought it as a basket case. Took me two years to get it running, and it just barely ran,” he recalled. Over the years, he has put 60,000 miles on it. “This is something you have to live with; nurture it,” he said. “It will cruise at 55 miles per hour all day long. It’ll go faster, but it’s not happy about it.”

Does Gallo own a more modern motorcycle? Yes – a 1959 Harley-Davidson FL.

Following the parade lap through T’town, mourners gathered for a church service, which included a military honor guard as Yarocki was a World War II veteran. In attendance were family members and Yarocki’s widow, Millie.

Following the service was a luncheon where riders, family members and friends shared stories. While the day honored Yarocki, it was the dozens of vintage bikes – many of which Yarocki had a hand in fixing up and getting on the road – that provided testimony to his skill, dedication and passion for motorcycling’s early days.