A Legacy Forged in Roaring Engines: The History of Muskegon Motorcycle Club

Step back in time and discover the rich, century-spanning legacy of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club (MMC)—a story deeply intertwined with the birth of American professional hill climbing and an enduring passion for two-wheeled adventure. Founded in 1920, MMC is one of the oldest and most respected continuous motorcycle clubs in the United States.

── The Historic Timeline ──

1919 – 1921 | The Spark and The Sand

• 1919: Visionary rider Dan D. Raymond establishes the Raymond Motor & Cycle Company on Ottawa Street in Muskegon.

• 1920: Driven by a shared love for the throttle, Raymond and seven close friends officially found the Muskegon Motorcycle Club inside his shop.

• 1921: The fledgling club makes a bold move that will etch its name into history, leasing the formidable Mount Garfield sand dune. The inaugural hillclimb draws a humble but enthusiastic crowd of about 50 spectators, laying the foundation for an American racing phenomenon.

1923 – 1929 | Building a Mecca for Speed

• 1923: Recognizing the terrain's immense potential, MMC purchases the 40-acre Mount Garfield site. The excitement spreads like wildfire; that year, over 3,000 fans gather to witness the spectacle. A farmhouse on the property is converted into the official clubhouse, and members install wooden steps, an observation tower, and a specialized clay surface for traction.

• 1929: The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) bestows its highest honor upon the club, selecting Mount Garfield for the National Championship Hill Climb. An astonishing crowd of over 10,000 spectators floods the grounds.

Did You Know? In its mid-1960s heyday, the annual Mount Garfield Pro Hillclimb drew massive, roaring crowds of upward of 15,000 fans, cementing Muskegon as the undisputed capital of the sport. Over its history, the MMC has proudly hosted more than 30 National Championship events on this legendary hill.

1939 – 1949 | Resilience and Remembrance

• 1939: While the Great Depression temporarily slows momentum, the AMA returns to Mount Garfield for the National Hillclimb. This year marks the construction of the iconic concrete staircase—each of its 313 slabs bearing the etched name of a local sponsor, standing as a permanent testament to the community's backing. Mount Garfield officially secures its title as the Birthplace of Professional Hill Climbing in America.

• 1946 – 1949: World War II silences the engines as members serve overseas. The club roars back to life in 1946. In 1949, a poignant stone monument is erected at the entrance to Mount Garfield—a solemn, enduring tribute to MMC members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

• 1961: The original Ottawa Street roots continue to make history when Jim Snell opens Muskegon’s first licensed Harley-Davidson dealership out of the original MMC founding building, before its massive expansion in the early 1990s.

Our Legendary Founder: Dan D. Raymond

The spirit of the MMC was cast in the mold of its founder. Dan Raymond wasn't just an organizer; he was an elite competitor. He was a 5-time Jack Pine Champion between 1928 and 1933—a grueling, 500-mile cross-country endurance run sanctioned by the AMA as the national road championship.

In the legendary 1929 run, Raymond scored an near-perfect 988 out of 1000 points in a race where only 41 of 91 elite riders even finished. He capped off his competitive years by winning the MMC’s own Hillclimb Championship in 1934. Though a serious accident in 1940 ended his racing days, he fiercely championed motorcycling as a legitimate sport and recreation until his passing in 1986, earning a well-deserved induction into the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Continuing the Roar: The Modern Era

For over a century, the Muskegon Motorcycle Club has proudly carried forward the torch of this incredible tradition. We continue to be the proud hosts of the AMA Pro National Hillclimb Competition at Mount Garfield, typically shaking the shoreline every other August on even-numbered years.

• Mark Your Calendars: The next thrilling chapter unfolds soon! The National Hillclimb is scheduled for August 2nd, 2026. Come out and witness history in motion.

Expanding Horizons: Dan Raymond Park

Our dedication to the sport extends far beyond the legendary slopes of Mount Garfield. Demonstrating forward-thinking vision, the club acquired nearly 200 acres of wooded terrain in Bridgeton, Michigan, establishing Dan Raymond Park in honor of our founder.

This expansive, member-driven facility has become a vital hub for year-round riding. It features:

• "The Wall": A member-favorite hillclimb so punishingly steep it commands total respect from every rider.

• The Dirt Dragstrip: Fully renovated and upgraded with professional lighting systems in 2013 and further optimized in 2016.

• Weekend Immersions: Hosting multi-day events complete with highly popular rustic camping areas, open-air showers, and space for everything from simple tents to massive racing rigs.

A Century of Diverse Motorcycle Sport

True to our roots, the MMC doesn’t just limit itself to the hills. Over the last 100+ years, we have embraced, organized, and hosted the full spectrum of two-wheeled disciplines:

The Muskegon Motorcycle Club: Over 100 Years of History, Passion, and an Unwavering Commitment to the Sport of Motorcycling.
Ride hard, honor the past, and keep the throttle open.