Hall of Famer Joe Bolger passes

Joe Bolger, a 2004 inductee into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, died April 21 at the age of 90.

Bolger was a five-time New England Scrambles Champion in the mid-1960s and the 1970s. He also was a self-taught designer and engineer who worked in metal and wood in a small shop behind his home.

In 1974, Bolger created a linked, rising-rate, long-travel suspension that was put into production as the Ossa BLT, meaning “Bolger Long Travel.” He also designed an “equalizer” that reduced or eliminated chain flex, which was often the downfall of the early motocross machines with long-travel suspension.

Among the many patents he held was one for a bead breaker for troublesome big tires on small ATV wheels.

As an organizer, Bolger was instrumental in establishing popular Northeast versus Canada off-road racing events in the 1960s.

Bolger also was a contributing editor for Cycle World and Cycle Sport magazines.