Artifact ID: 26.0040

Artifact Name: Harry Leary GT Lanyard

Category: Memorabilia

Source: Linda Leary
Collection: Lititz BMX Archive

Location: Lititz, Pennsylvania 

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Harry Leary – GT Bicycles Lanyard

This GT Bicycles lanyard is a small but memorable artifact connected to BMX pioneer Harry Leary. The item originates from a BMX show in Australia that Leary attended with his girlfriend at the time, Patty, during a period when BMX riders frequently traveled internationally for exhibitions, demonstrations, and promotional appearances.

Events like these were common during BMX’s growth years, when professional riders were invited to perform at shows, competitions, and promotional events around the world. These gatherings allowed fans to meet riders, watch demonstrations, and celebrate BMX culture beyond the traditional race track.

According to the story associated with this artifact, Leary became frustrated during the event and threw the GT lanyard to a friend, telling him to take over. While humorous, the moment reflects the strong personalities and candid moments that were often part of the BMX community. Riders from BMX’s early generations were known not only for their riding abilities but also for the larger-than-life personalities that helped make BMX culture unique.

The GT Bicycles brand itself played a major role in BMX history, producing some of the most recognizable race bikes and supporting numerous professional riders throughout the sport’s development. Lanyards like this were typically used for event credentials or staff identification during BMX shows and competitions.

Within the Lititz BMX Archive, this artifact represents a personal story tied to Harry Leary’s international appearances and provides insight into the informal, often humorous moments that surrounded BMX events and rider interactions during the sport’s expansion. Even small items like this lanyard help capture the human side of BMX history and the personalities who helped shape the culture of the sport.

Related Media

Related Artifacts:

• Artifact 26.0020 - Todd Huffman - GT Show Letterman Jacket

• Artifact 26.0078 - Harry Leary Memorial Jersey

• Artifact 26.0054 - 2012 UCI Worlds Winner Bike & Dual w1 -1st Place Felicia Stancil GT Speed Series 

Highlighted Campaign Pages:

• #OperationDIRTWERX - The Story

• 10,000 Hours - Sometimes You Feel Tired

• #RebuildRadicalRick - Episode 1: We Can Rebuild Him - The Puzzle Begins

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Lititz BMX is an independent archive documenting the 

history and culture of BMX through artifacts, interviews, and storytelling. 

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