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/125623
DEADMANS LIFE
Occasional rocks sharply define correct lines
throuen parts of the course.
By David Smead
APPLE VALLEY, CAL., June 29, 1969When you arrive at Deadman's Point on
Saturday night, some 1II0ughts began to
arise as to why it's named the way it is.
After revving your motor awb1le to the
tunes wlthin, the doubts stead1Iy grow.
When you witness the activity on Sunday,
you know that the "Point" Is no dead-
man's.
The course at Deadman's Point runs
over part ~ a mining road. It was along
this road, In the 19th century, that some
miners died, leaving the name Deadman's
Point.
The beginning motocross rider should
not overlook this flne area. The course,
although tightly wound within a fenced
area, Is generally wide. There are no
monster hills, either up or down and the
course Is well attended by flagmen. The
surface of the track is loose desert sand
Just deep enough to be a sUder's dream
even when wet. Dust is not a big problem
as the water trucks stay busy.
Charee of the Husky brleade.
In addition to being well organized by
some very courteous people, the course
is attended by Rescue 3. This reporter
found out how efficient they were on the
first lap of the 500 open event. When the
first two riders sUd over a bill in a
handlebar embrace number tbree. yours
truly. came off the b1l1, ending the aIrborne trip on top of two machines. Not
since the old man caught me smoking
bebind lIIe barn have I had the wind
knocked out of me so thoroughly. Thanks
to that rescue group for holding some
shade over me, checking for broken ribs
and patching a few scratches.
The race was broken up Into two divisions each of 100, 125 and 250. The 250
seniors ran separately. follOWed by the
500/open class.
In the first 100 race Frank Silsford
held on for 15 minutes for first place
followed closely by Gary Little. The
second moto would have seen lIIese two
swapping position but 00 the last lap
Little had a "little" trouble and let
W1lsford by for the win. In tbe last mota
Little hung 00 to first and WUsford had
to settle for tb1rd bebiDd BIll Nowak. _
In the second 100 division Don WaWns
swept all tbree motos. Tom Horton
dueled with bim In each race to give lIIe
spectators theIr money's worlll.
Division 1 of the 125 was overhwelmed
by the son of the raceway's operator.
Unfortunately bis name was lost In the
shuffle but he knows he won and lIIe rest
of us know he Is good.
Another Impressive win was taken by
Gary Bevans in the second division of
125s. At the age when most youngsters
still ride mini bikes, this kid knocks off
weekly wins at "The PoInt."
After six 250cc junior motos, Jay Ferris stood as the winner In Division 1and
a mighty stylish Jerry WU!moo re1gned
over Division 2. All riders appreciate a
dust free course but some ~ lIIe first
division riders thought things were overboard when they had to dodge lIIe water
truck 00 the first turn. The race was restarted even 1II0ugh no one lostanyposltlons due to the truck.
As noted earlier there was a small
mishaP In the first open event. Wives
aren't too good at keeping lap sheets willi
their husblmd hurt Sll the results are
sketchy. Of the six rIders flnlsbing the
event there can be no doubt that Ed
Abbot put on a fine show.
FIve riders started the 250 Sentor
event and tbree finished the third moto.
It would appear that Ron Peterson, a local
winner copped top honors.
A long day In lIIe desert ends best willi
a tall beer wIl1c:h is another fine feature
offered by c.mnans Point.
~