Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1960's

TIl1s loop was considered by some the eastest of tbe three loops that the big tIlkes would run. It led the riders in an easterly direction across the flat desert and south along tbe ridges of Castle Butte. It was about a two hour run. and tbe first bikes were coming in as the Isst ones were disappearing in tbe desert. Curious Motorists Tbe returning riders again crossed tbe highway and then started on tbe second loop. This loop ran soutb along side tbe highway for about a mile. before it cut in toward tbe Tebacbapi Mountains. I think perhaps many a Sunday motorist was Quite surprised to see so many motorcycles buzzing alongside tbe highway. Many of them parked their cars and got out to watcb. Tbe riders crossed the open desert to tbe base of tbe mountains. wbere tbey picked UP a dirt road. leaving tbem to the peaks. It was on this loop tbat tbe riders encountered the slush and mud whicb splattered tbem and their machines. Tbis loop also bad a sliding board type downbill section. wbich was tbe first of tbree to be encountered On tbe last two loops. Tbe end of tbe second loop meant cbvv time and a little rest before tbe final run. Tbere was tbe usual rider cbit cbat over luncb, and tbe steep sandy downgrade was a favorite topic. Tbere was mucb joking about it. and one riaer even swore that it was so steep tbat it turned back und er. . Well. whaddaya Uow -. Shamrocks Enduro lured 40lI machines to this year's event as compared to 175 a year alO. Trallblke....mber 135 this tim.. only a In '66. Last Loop Follow lIIeleader on a .tMp downhill secll_ On tbe final loop tbe riders beaded straigbt for tbe mountains in a nortbwesterly direction. After bopping across a few ridges. they found anotber steep downgrade as they entered Jawbone Canyon. After crossing the canyon, the riders again climbed the mountains and followed tbem to Bedrock Canyon. Here was the third and perhaps the longest and most difficult downhill grade. The sand was soft and deep and the grade was long and steep. At tbe bottom of tbe sand bill was an enormous drainage cui vert which the riders used to Pass underneath the highway. At tbis point, the run doubled back south for tbe finisb at Cinco's Restaurant. As each rider cbecked in at the flnish, there was a smile of satisfaction on his face. Even an old pros feel a sense of accomplishment after 125 miles of rugged country, because sometimes even they cannot endure. And endure tbey must, because that's tbe name of tbe game. The course w_d IIIroup deep . .d ••• ••• and under a rallroad treslle. The pad and Into .ell-equlpped enduro IIIke wears: a note for fllI"ln&. an accurate speedometer IlIileage counter, and a clock divided minutes per mile. WHO WOULD SUSPECT THAT MILD-MANNERED MARK DE IS REALLY ••• SEE THE MARK III AND ALL THE REST OF THE BOLD BSA BIKES FOR 1961 AT OUR DISPLAY IN THE SHRINE SPORTCYCLE EXPOSITION THIS WEEK, BSA MOTORCYCLES - WESTERN, Bex 331 - 2145 E. HURlinglln Dri'e, Calif. 91010

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