Octogenarian Biker Reflects on Lifelong Love of Motorcycles

82-year-old Peter Boyles shares his passion for riding and the history of motorcycle culture

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In this opinion piece, 82-year-old Peter Boyles reflects on his lifelong love of motorcycles, from growing up around a local motorcycle club in his youth to becoming a member of the Ugly Brothers Motorcycle Club later in life. Boyles shares stories of his early experiences riding, his transition to a motorcycle trike after a minor stroke, and the freedom and community he's found through the motorcycle lifestyle.

Why it matters

Boyles' story provides a unique perspective on the enduring appeal of motorcycle culture, especially for older riders who have been part of the scene for decades. His reflections shed light on how the motorcycle community has evolved over the years while still maintaining a sense of freedom and rebellion that has attracted riders for generations.

The details

Boyles grew up in the steel mill town of Verona, Pennsylvania, where he was fascinated by the local motorcycle club called the Harmar Villains that would ride across the river to a diner called the TV Diner. After getting his first taste of riding a motorcycle at age 13, Boyles went on to own a variety of bikes over the years, including Harleys, Hondas, and even a chopper. He is now a member of the Ugly Brothers Motorcycle Club and has had the opportunity to connect with other motorcycle enthusiasts like the late actor Peter Fonda. When Boyles had a minor stroke a few years ago, he transitioned to a motorcycle trike, which he has customized and won awards with at motorcycle shows.

  • Boyles is now 82 years old.
  • He got his first taste of riding a motorcycle at age 13.
  • Several years ago, Boyles had a minor stroke and transitioned to riding a motorcycle trike.

The players

Peter Boyles

An 82-year-old man who has been passionate about motorcycles since he was a child growing up in Verona, Pennsylvania.

Harmar Villains

A motorcycle club that Boyles was fascinated by in his youth, as they would ride across the river to a local diner called the TV Diner.

Ugly Brothers Motorcycle Club

The motorcycle club that Boyles is currently a member of.

Peter Fonda

The late actor who Boyles had a lengthy conversation with about the history and meaning of motorcycle culture.

Devil's Head Choppers

The shop in Castle Rock that customized Boyles' motorcycle trike, which has won awards at shows.

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What they’re saying

“If I have to explain it, you won't get it. There are certain kinds of girls that always want to go with you and others who won't get on for all the tea in China.”

— Peter Boyles (glendalecherrycreek.com)

“We know that these kinds of clubs and thought processes had their beginnings after the Second World War. The original Hells Angels were a bomber crew. People like the Top Hatters, and the Boozefighters, and the early outlaws, and now I see these young men back from Iraq and Afghanistan with tattoos on their bodies that say they're Infidels doing the same thing the men in the '40s did after the Second World War.”

— Peter Boyles (glendalecherrycreek.com)

What’s next

As the weather warms up, Boyles expects to see more motorcycles on the road as riders take advantage of the changing seasons.

The takeaway

Boyles' lifelong passion for motorcycles and the motorcycle community he's been a part of for decades provides a unique perspective on the enduring appeal of the motorcycle lifestyle, even as riders age. His story highlights the sense of freedom, rebellion, and camaraderie that has drawn people to motorcycles for generations.