Chuck Boehler

Chuck Boehler

Chuck Boehler of Jamestown became a well-known figure in the sport of motorcycle racing, both nationally and internationally.

Boehler was instrumental in organizing the Chautauqua Lake Cyclists Club around 1950 and held the title of president for several years. Much of his time was donated helping to organize road rallies, poker runs, hill climbs, motocross, enduros, observed trials and scrambles.

From 1967-1974, Boehler was in charge of the motocross races which were held on Creek Road in Gerry. He started his own motorcycle sales and service shop in 1962.

A lot of Boehler's time was donated to training the local youngsters to ride. He also sponsored them and assisted them in acquiring parts for their machines.

Boehler won approximately 500 trophies or medals. He attended events in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Canada and England. In 1975, he won Senior Class championships at Zoar Valley and Blumont.

In the years of 1964, 1965 and 1971, Boehler had his most outstanding achievements. In 1964, he was invited to compete in the International Six-Day Trials in Germany. Unfortunately, political unrest cancelled the event. He was among four cyclists from the United States to be on the Greeves squad.

Riding a 250cc Greeves, Boehler was again one of four named to compete in the 50th annual international Six-Day Trials in the Isle of Man, England. However, mechanical problems forced him to drop out. Being invited to that was quite an honor, considering the large group of well-qualified riders. It is like an invitation to the Olympics.

Boehler was chosen for the two England events by the American Motorcycle Association, who in 1960 had classified him as a Class A rider. Additionally, Boehler was the 1968 and 1970 American Motorcycle Association Sportsman champion.

After his racing career ended, Boehler became a promoter and always gave of himself to help youngsters get a start in the good facets of motorcyling.

Chuck Boehler was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. He died in 1999.

Visit the CSHoF Museum

Arrangements can be made for a group to tour the museum anytime it would like by contacting Grace Dolan at 716-484-1224 or Bill Rollinger at 716-763-8229.