Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125512
MOTORCYCLE DAY I ..; LONE PINE .... .... ::s story & Photos by George Hays On the weekend o{ June 10th and 11th, more than 1,000 riders {ired up their machine's and headed {or Lone Pine, California, to participate in the 12th Annual Ace o{ Clubs High Sierra Tour. The weather, this time of year, is unpredictable, and can range from beautiful to nasty. The eager '!nes who left on the run after work FndaJ night ran into some of the nasty kind. Crossing the mountains around the Los Angeles basin, they encountered fog and rain. In the desert, they were met by fierce, COld headwinds. Riders who left saturday morning had better luck. The air was still chilly in the mountains, but the rain and fog were gone. Once into the desert, the weather was warm and sunny, a beautiful day for riding. The sign-in table at the end of the run was opened at 10:00 p.m. Friday, and stayed open until late saturday afternoon. Riders continued to pour in, until there were 698 who had paid the entry fee, and probably at least half that many came along without paying the $2.50. It was estimated that there were over 1,000 bikes in town. 'well behaved, but a few zig-zagged around camp and through town with unnecessary speed and noise. A couple of idiots on choppers even had a drag race on saturday afternoon in front of the campground. If one ~f these clowns 'should zig when he 3hould zag, and get splattered, I hope it won't give the run a bad name. Next Year Lone Pine is an ideal destination for a road run. The riders camped in the city park on 30ft green lawn, Slcnup booth was always crowded as riders continued to roll In all day Saturday, Here They Come! The program got underway at 1:30, with the parade of motorcycles through the middle of town. If you're the type who likes parades, this one will really grab you. Stand on the sidewalk of the main street, with the townspeople and tourists, gazing down the street, waiting for the flow of thundering machines to start. The Highway Patrol stops traffic. A tense excitement fills the air. Finally a youngster squeals "Here they come," and far down the street the first bikes appear. The street rapidly becomes a river of bright paint, flashing chrome, rumbling engines, flags, helmets, jackets, sidecars, and even trailers, as all types of machines flow by. Photographers dart out, aim their cameras, then scurry back to the safety of the sidewalk, risking bruises for that one good shot Stern-Faced Judges In a few minutes the parade is over, and the crowd heads for the airport to witness the thrilling stunts of the Victor McLaglen Motor corps, followed by the judging of machines. All manner of sparkling motorcycles 'are lined up, and their proud owners stand at attention beside them, hoping to win one of the many beautiful trophies, as the stern-faced judges march slowly by. In a few short hours the trophies have been won and presented, and the crowd returns to the campground for the barbecue dinner. with stores, taverns, and cafes close at hand. Sleeping on a clean lawn is great; thisis one run where you don't return home with dust and dirt on your clothes, sleeping bag and machine. Sunday morning at dawn, riders were up, bright-eyed and bushytailed, packing up their cam ping gear and getting ready for the trip home. By 10:00 a.m., the park was empty, the riders were gone, and the town settled down to its usual routine, looking forward to next year's run, when it will be Ace of Clubs time in Lone Pine again. The parade throuch town Is an attraction the townspeople look forward to all year, Some even join In on their trail bikes, OREGO" BU'LDER elUTES 80cc .'''''-O''STEt Joe Leidecker of Grant's Pass, Oregon is justifiably proud of the two-wheeled mini-monster he has just created. The diminutive scooter tips the scales at just under 80 Ibs. It boasts a 25" wheelbase and 80cc Yamaha Ii-speed powerplant. This is the second minibike Joe l " Few Zig-Zaggers The run and the riders are very popular with the town, and many of the business establishments displayed .Ace of Clubs posters in their windows • .Almost all of the riders were PONDEROSA by Wes Anderson Sr. June 4th, was San Gabriel Valley M.C. day at the Ponderosa, as two members, Bill Hutton (Open) and Wes Anderson (trail), wan their races. Old veteran Hutton led 88 open class riders to make it three in a row for his Husky. Ron Fry, HuskY, was a close second. Steve Kirk, Triumph was third, and Bob Ewing, nursing a sick engine, came in fourth. Forty open trophies were given. Trail Bikes 150 Pounds of Beans The beef was baroecued in a deep pit. Late Friday night, a log fire was started in the pit and allowed to burn down to a bed of hot coals. Then the beef was wrapped in wet bags, tossed on the coals, and covered with earth •.About 12 hours later it was removed and served. The dinner consisted of salad, frtnch bread, beans and beef. The beans, 150 pounds of 'em, and half a ton of meat went to feed the hungry crowd. The food was delicious and the helpings were generous•.After seeing that tempting food, 150 of the free-loaders broke down and bought meal tickets at $2 each. After dinner, a few pooped people piled into their sleeping bags and called it a day. But many were still full of life and enjoyed a nigh t on the town, or wen t to th e Legion Hall for the free dance, or just sat around and swapped stories and enjoyed good company. S.G.V. M/e DOMINATES A trophy and a handshake for the winner, ~ y '0') .~.,. '~ _ 'u~r ~ '! - , ~ has made and he claims it is just about ideal for trail riding in th e northwestern woods, where cycles often have to be carried over and around obstacles anyway. He even plans to race it in special minibike races that are becoming popular in his hometown. Joe says he will build a similar rig for anyone who wants one. You can write to him at Yamaha Sports center, 480 Redwood Hw.v., Grant's Pass, Ore. BILL KRAUSE ~""l~ • ~H"'::( • r .. ~~~ • 1""~l,;n."~1 TH E motorcycle parts-and accessones Dept, Store, HONDA/ TRl!LM~.'('~"f)~", 1257 S. LA BREA at Century. Inglewood. 671-0406.678·5035 "-0;\'/ Wes Anderson Jr. (Hodaka) swapped the lead several times with Yamaha-rider Barry Eisenberg on the first 100p •.Anderson found the groove the second time around and had a one minute lead at the finish. Anderson was 29th overall. Eisenberg was second wi th a 3 minute lead over John Stein (Hodaka). Big Gary Bailey came in a solid fourth. Thirty-two trophies were given to the 79 trail bike field. Mary Brooks, on ,a Bultaco, was first girl rider in. Her eleven year old son also trophied. BAIDGESTONE FOR THE NAME OF YOUR NEAREST DEALER So. Cal: McCulloch Distr. Inc. (213) 772·2108 No. Cal: Co.st McCulloch (405) UN 3-5520