Riding Pikes Peak Before the Road Existed 🏍️❄️

In 1938, three members of Harry’s Roamers Motorcycle Club, including the legendary Gyp Baker, rode their motorcycles to the summit of Pikes Peak—over 14,000 feet—on New Year’s Day. Incredibly, much of the climb was done on foot trails, because the road to the top hadn’t even been built yet.

What began as a daring winter challenge became a tradition that continued into the 1960s, with clubs like the Pikes Peak Comets taking on the mountain year after year. Some rides reached the summit. Others were turned back by snow, cold, and the realities of early motorcycles pushed far beyond their design limits.

No modern gear. No purpose-built machines. Just grit, determination, and a deep love of riding.

These pioneers didn’t just ride motorcycles — they proved what riders were capable of.