Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1960's

ROAD RIDERS IN THE RAIN l'-. ~ Photos &< Report by Joha Sbedd A dark, cloud-filled sky and heavy showers couldn't dampen the 'spirits .... of 129 Southern California roadriders, who turned out for the 5th annual Marcb gi of Dimes Poker Run. The run was CO-Sponsored by the Knights M.C., the Spinnin' Spokes, the Tandems, and the Too Tireds. ~ The run was held on SUnday, March :::e 12, and the sign-in was at Norwalk's new ultra-modern city hall between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. The sign-in started in the parking lot. but soon the rain came pouring down. and everyone scampered for the shelter of city hall's porch. Many riders came prepared for the rain. but some didn't believe the weatherman, so they had to take their chances. Some of the mare enterprising riders wrapped themsel ves in large sheets of clear plastic, but others just said "to heck with it," and enjoyed their soaking. The riders left city hall and then turned left on Imperial Highway. The directions led them left again on Lakewood Boulevard to Long Beach's answer to a do-il.'-yourself suicide, usually called the Traffic Circle. At the circle the riders swung left on Pacific Coast Highway, following it to Western. The heaviest rain was encountered on this section of the run, and several of the cyclists did their part in improving the motorcycling image by stopping to assist motorists at the scene of a traffic accident on Pacific Coast Highway. The riders turned riglit on Western and found their first check at a shopping center parking lot at _25th Street. Cloady Bat CleariBg Many cyclists stopped for some time at the first check to empty water from their boots. wring out their clothes, drink plenty of hot coffee and Wait to see if the dreary weather would clear. 'The weather did clear somewhat. so they left the worst of it behind as they left the first check point following Palos Verdes Drive. As the riders followed the Pacific Coast line around the mountalns and passed Marineland they were treated to a rare sight. Catalina Island was clearly visible! Palos Verdes Peninsula was soon left behind and the riders found themselves back on Coast Highway heading toward the second check in Manhattan Beach. From here the run continued on Highway #1 to Culver City and then east on Washington Boulevard. Washington Boulevard led them past the scene of an early morning fire at MGM studios. MallS arrived at the fire scene early enough to see the firetrucks and crowds of bystanders. The finish for the run was at a high school in Los Angeles at Washington Boulevard and Grand Avenue. The school • • s-. rld_s encased '"-HIves In protective plastic:. parking lot provided plenty of space for motorcycle parking and games. The school's concession stand was open. and after a bit of grub and drink the games began. There were several games. but my favorite was the barrel roll, and I got a big kick out of Ken Jones dressed as a clown pushing the large barrel with a small mini-bike. After the games. everyone went into the school auditorium for the trophy presentation and a very enlightening talk. Dr. Nichols. representing the March of Dimes, gave a short informative talk about the diseases treated hy the March of Dimes and showed some color slides of the birth defects that the foundation tries to help the children overcome. The March of Dimes Foundation presented certificates of appreciation to the sponsoring clubs and several individuals for their outstanding work. Following this was the presentation of trophies and prizes. These were quite plentiful and each and every one was donated by businesses, clubs and indio duals. There were so many gifts donated that the sweepstakes went back to eleve,p places. William Herlse was named Male Solo winner, Phyllis Clark won Female Solo honors. an,d Lydia McCombs took home the top Passenger trophy. Noah Eannes won the Sweepstake s and hecame tbe proud owner of a new blue Daytona 'helmet. During the presentation. Timmy. the mascot for the Los Angeles Chapter of the March of Dimes, made an appearance on stage to give tbe cyclists a big -hi· and a warm, friendly smile. Lee Harrison and Ken Jones passed their hats for more dimes. and thus, the fifth annual March of Dimes came to a successful close. A well-attended ride for a &OOd cause - Ibe lIan:l1 of DI..... Slippery streets didn't dill. this smalfln, "aup of road rld_.. / "'.......................... ...--- - - - - - - --- - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - --1 • : • • Filtron Air Castoroil,Judson Prods., Fi'ancisro Filters, Dri-slide, FIglass tanks&< seats, Jobn Cooper & Big John Boots. I I I : All Available From : : • : 54~S?~~.2~\~st .......•• Las AI,eles, Calif. 90039 ~~~~ I L _~ ~s:. 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