Kendallville Honors a Pioneer of the Open Road
May 21, 2026
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Goshen – Kendallville, IN – MAY 2026
Long before Route 66 became a symbol of the American open road, a 26-year-old San Francisco mechanic named George Wyman climbed onto a motorized bicycle and did something no one had ever done: he rode it coast to coast. The year was 1903. The roads were little more than dirt paths and wagon trails. And one of those trails ran right through Kendallville, Indiana.
Now, more than 120 years later, Kendallville is ready to celebrate its place in that remarkable story. A special two-day event is being planned for late June — and whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, a history buff, or simply proud of this community, this is one you won’t want to miss.
The Man Behind the Legend
George Wyman was an Oakland native who had already made a name for himself as a champion bicycle racer — he was even the first American to circumnavigate Australia on a bicycle. But in the spring of 1903, he set his sights on a far greater challenge: a transcontinental crossing on a motorized vehicle, something no one had accomplished before.
Wyman made the journey at just 26 years old, navigating rough terrain, unreliable roads, and mechanical uncertainty every mile of the way. His route took him through the heartland of America — including right here in Noble County. That connection to our community is exactly what makes this celebration so meaningful.
“The purpose is to shine a light on Kendallville. It’s going to be a great festival.”— Jim Swartzlander, Event Organizer
A Modern Re-Ride Comes to Town
Adding a living, breathing dimension to the story, the kickoff presentation will feature Richard Worsham, CEO of Janus Motorcycles, who retraced Wyman’s original route in 2018 on his 250cc Janus Halcyon, completing what’s known as the George Wyman Memorial Challenge. Worsham will share his experience and bring Wyman’s century-old journey into vivid, modern context.
Tim Masterson, who runs the George A. Wyman Memorial Project, will also attend — and in a special ceremony, he will present bronze commemorative plaques to Kendallville Mayor Lance Waters and Noble County Historical Society President Bill Shultz, permanently marking Kendallville’s place in this piece of American history.
Full Event Schedule
Tuesday, June 24 — Preview Evening
7:00 PMPresentation by Richard Worsham, CEO of Janus MotorcyclesCommunity Learning Center, Kendallville
Worsham discusses his 2018 re-creation of Wyman’s original cross-country route. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, June 27 — Main Event Day
9:00 AMMotorcyclists Gather at Janus Motorcycles211 S. 5th St., Goshen, IN
Riders assemble ahead of the commemorative route ride.9:45 AMCommemorative Ride Departs Following Wyman’s original path through Ligonier and Wawaka, ending at Kendallville Powersports (S.R. 3 & U.S. 6).10:00 AMFestival Opens at Kendallville Powersports Vintage motorcycle show, food, and vendors. Bring your classic bike for the show!11:30 AMHot Dog Eating Contest At Kendallville Powersports — come hungry.1:00 PMBronze Plaque Ceremony Tim Masterson of the George A. Wyman Memorial Project presents commemorative plaques to Mayor Lance Waters and Noble County Historical Society President Bill Shultz.
After CeremonyRiders Continue Wyman’s Route Down U.S. 6 to Main Street, through Kendallville’s Historic Downtown, east on Waits Road, and onward to Butler.
Mark Your Calendar
This is a rare opportunity to connect with a piece of American motorcycling history that literally rolled through our backyard. The June 24th presentation at the Community Learning Center is free and open to all — a perfect evening for history lovers and riding enthusiasts alike. And the June 27th festival at Kendallville Powersports promises to be a full day of community celebration, vintage bikes, and good food.
If you own a classic motorcycle, dust it off — the vintage bike show is your moment to shine. And if you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to follow in the tire tracks of a true American original, come watch the riders carry on Wyman’s legacy down the same roads he traveled more than a century ago.
We’ll see you there.
