AMERICAN Pickers star Mike Wolfe has revealed the identity of a mystery motorcycle rider from an early 1900s photo.
The History Channel star first shared the photo on his Instagram feed days earlier, asking fans to reach out with any clues as to the biker’s identity.
Mike Wolfe, seen in a still from an Instagram Story, has revealed the identity of a biker he found an old photo of on a pickCredit: Instagram/mikewolfeamericanpicker
Mike Wolfe (not pictured) shared the above photo on his Instagram, seeking clues about the mystery man’s identityCredit: Instagram/ mikewolfeamericanpicker
On Saturday, Mike, 60, returned to the social media platform with an exciting update.
After sharing the original snap, asking, “Early Flying Merkel Photo I’ve never seen this bike before. If anyone is familiar with this bike or this rider please chime in on this post,” he’s identified the rider.
“Thank you @frettedrevival for solving the mystery of the motorcycle raced in the photo I posted a few days ago!” he wrote.
“Introducing Charles Fearless Balke. Started racing for Merkel around 1908 and later went to Indian and Excelsior. He passed in a tragic accident on his bike June 8, 1914, just shy of 23 years old.”
Mike went on, “I love the community of History warriors that come together to keep all of these epic stories alive.”
Mike Wolfe was able to identify the biker as Charles Fearless BalkeCredit: Instagram/ mikewolfeamericanpicker
Charles Fearless Bulke, seen above, was a motorcycle rider in the early 1900sCredit: Instagram/ mikewolfeamericanpicker
WHAT A FIND
Fans in the comments praised the reality star for doing his research.
“Abosolutely fabulous pictures, sorry to say, but they are also very sexy,” one commenter gushed.
“Lovely story,” another posted.
“What a turnaround of events for that rider so much more than an old picture but loaded with history,” a third fan praised.
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“Awesome story,” a fourth fan commented.
“Excellent story Mike. Like everything you publish. I am a lover of everything that is from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s. What was manufactured in those years is unsurpassed today. I hope one day to visit you and meet you in person,” someone else shared.
“Fantastic collection of historic photographs!” another fan wrote.
PICKING AGAIN
Fans are eager for American Pickers to return for a new season, despite the show’s ratings struggles.
Earlier this month, Mike shared a behind the scenes photo as well as details about when the show would return.
In the pic, Mike was seen standing in the desert with his back to the camera.
He was walking toward an old car while wearing all black.
“@JeremyThomas You have managed to take one of the hottest shoots I’ve ever been on and make it even hotter!” he captioned his post.
“Loved having you on the crew buddy your work is incredible and you’re a beautiful human.”
in the comments, Mike interacted with fans.
One person questioned, “When is the new American Pickers back on?”
“October I think,” Mike replied, teasing the show’s return.
Fans of American Pickers are eager for the show to return despite low ratingsCredit: History Channel
Mike Wolfe, seen in a still from the History Channel show, revealed American Pickers will return in OctoberCredit: History Channel
American Pickers star Mike Wolfe has been sharing behind the scenes pics on InstagramCredit: The History Channel
