Amherst Meadowlarks MC History
By: Dane Leimbach
Following World War II, a group of local motorcyclists began gathering at Bud Ernst’s Shell gas station just east of downtown Amherst to share stories, talk bikes, and build friendships. Those conversations led to the formation of the Amherst Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club, officially established on October 21, 1954.
At the Club’s first meeting, officers were elected and a 25-acre property on Crosse Road was purchased—land that remains home to the Club today. Early members built the first clubhouse and access road, adapting over the years as utility projects and highway construction reshaped the property. Remnants of the original clubhouse still remain in the woods as a reminder of the Club’s beginnings.
Racing has been part of the Meadowlarks’ history since 1956, when the first scrambles track was built—years before motocross became popular in the United States. A motocross track followed in the early 1970s, along with hare scrambles and other riding events throughout the grounds. While racing played a major role, the Club also hosted poker runs and field events, a tradition that continues today with an annual poker run held since the Club’s founding.
Membership has grown from a small group of 25 riders to up to 125 members today, along with life members who have dedicated 25 years or more to the Club.
Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a non-profit, family-oriented organization located in Amherst, Ohio. Membership is required to access Club facilities, and the Meadowlarks remain committed to preserving their long-standing traditions, history, and love of motorcycling.
At the Club’s first meeting, officers were elected and a 25-acre property on Crosse Road was purchased—land that remains home to the Club today. Early members built the first clubhouse and access road, adapting over the years as utility projects and highway construction reshaped the property. Remnants of the original clubhouse still remain in the woods as a reminder of the Club’s beginnings.
Racing has been part of the Meadowlarks’ history since 1956, when the first scrambles track was built—years before motocross became popular in the United States. A motocross track followed in the early 1970s, along with hare scrambles and other riding events throughout the grounds. While racing played a major role, the Club also hosted poker runs and field events, a tradition that continues today with an annual poker run held since the Club’s founding.
Membership has grown from a small group of 25 riders to up to 125 members today, along with life members who have dedicated 25 years or more to the Club.
Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a non-profit, family-oriented organization located in Amherst, Ohio. Membership is required to access Club facilities, and the Meadowlarks remain committed to preserving their long-standing traditions, history, and love of motorcycling.