February 3, 1959 — The Day the Music Died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, and their pilot, Roger Peterson, die in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. Holly leaves behind millions of adoring fans, a pregnant wife and a legendary 1958 Ariel Cyclone Motorcycle.

May 13, 1958 - Buddy Holly and his Crickets bandmates, Joe Mauldin and Jerry Allison, land in Dallas after a world tour. They go straight to a Harley-Davidson dealership looking to buy three Harley 74 flatheads. The salesman is skeptical that the three young men from West Texas have the wherewithal to purchase three of his expensive motorcycles, and tells them so. Put off by the rude salesman, the boys go across town to Miller’s Triumph Shop. This time, Buddy introduces himself and produces a large amount of cash to ensure that it is known they are serious buyers. It is probably not necessary because Betty Miller, co-owner of the Shop with her husband, Ray, recognizes Buddy and the Crickets the moment they come in.

Mauldin picks out a red Triumph Thunderbird. Allison goes for a Triumph Trophy TR6A. Buddy buys the new 650cc Ariel Cyclone — one of only 200 ever made.

Joe Mauldin, Jerry Allison And Buddy Holly On Their New Motorcycles

That summer, between tours and television appearances, Buddy and his friends are often seen riding their motorcycles around town in Lubbock.

October 1958 — Buddy Holly splits from The Crickets.

Early 1959 — Buddy Holly is touring the Midwest with his new band, including bassist Waylon Jennings. Also on the tour are rising artists Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson. The going is rough aboard cold, uncomfortable buses and, frustrated by the conditions, Holly charters a plane from a performance in Clear Lake, Iowa to the next stop in Moorhead, Minnesota. Holly bandmate Tommy Allsup and Valens toss a coin for a seat on the plane — Valens wins. Waylon surrenders his seat to Richardson, who is sick.

February 3, 1959, 12:30 am — Holly, Richardson and Valens take off with Peterson, their 21-year-old pilot. The rest is history. Buddy Holly was 22 years old when he died. Richardson was 28. Valens was 17. Waylon lives on to be one of the most legendary county music artists of all time.

Buddy’s father keeps his Ariel Cyclone until 1970 when he trades it to Nub Stovall, a local racer, for two Yamaha 55cc Trailmasters. Stovall sells the Ariel to another individual, who tries to resell it to a local Honda dealer, George McMahan, for $1000. McMahan wants the bike, but does not have the funds.

1979 — Former Crickets Mauldin and Allison want to do something special for the 42nd birthday of their old friend, Waylon Jennings. They track down Buddy’s motorcycle to the man who still owns it in Austin, Texas. They buy the bike and have it delivered to an empty hotel room in North Texas where Waylon is on tour. Upon seeing his gift — at midnight — the outlaw Waylon jumps on the bike and kick starts it right there in the hotel room, to the delight of the other guests. Waylon only rides the Ariel a couple times and then lends it to the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville.

2002 — Waylon Jennings passes away.

2014 — The Ariel is auctioned off as part of Waylon’s estate. George McMahon has his second shot at owning the legendary bike. (McMahan had done well as a land developer in Lubbock and now had the means to buy the Ariel.) At auction, the bike quickly is bid up to $475,000 and McMahan bows out, fearing he has missed his chance again.

But fate is with McMahan. The Ariel does not reach the seller’s minimum and does not sell at the auction. Jessi Coulter, Waylon’s widow, is taking offers based on price AND intended use. McMahan makes his offer and specifies his use — riding the bike just one time and then loaning it to he Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. Done deal.

Thus is the incredible story of a legendary 1958 Ariel Cyclone, owned by two of the biggest legends in music history. Check it out at the Buddy Holly Center if you’re ever down in Lubbock — but note, no pictures allowed.

Buddy, Waylon & The Ariel Cyclone