The year, 1971. The place, downtown Minneapolis. The bike, a 1964 Triumph TR6 with 10in-over front end, surfer cross, metal flake and lace paint job, rebar highway pegs, shorty mufflers and semi-high-rise handlebars. Jerry Mueller, Virginia Dale, Colo., was the “dude” — duly equipped with harness boots, bell-bottom pants, hippie shirt, long hair — and no fear, as this photo shows him popping a wheelie.

“I don’t ride as boldly as I used to,” Jerry says today, “and I wear a full face helmet to cover my silver-turning hair. But I still enjoy it and still grin every time I get out. My daughter, Mandy, heard stories of her dad showing off and always said, ‘Yeah, he’s just exaggerating.’ When I showed her this picture and asked her what was under the front tire she said, ‘Lots of air, Dad.’” MC