Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

.. 1 o .... '" ~ w Z W ..J o > o "American's No. 1 weekly motorcycle newspaper. You'll always see it FIRST in Cycle News'" Publisher Editor Business Manager General Manager Advertising Manager Assistant Editor Circulation Manager Lab Technician. Advertising Asst. Bookkeeper Bookkeeper Receptionist Delivery Charles Clayton Sharon Clayton · . Tom Culp · . Tom Walsh · John Bethea · Rheba Smith · Diane Sosnoski · .. Ed Randell · Dorothea Lang Eleanor Duke · . Chris Pratt · Larry Groves PARTICIPATE, DON'T INSINUATE COW BELL AFTERMATH The Groundshakers M.C. may have dropped the ball on this year's "N evada State Championship" Hare scrambles but that in no way over-shadows the many fine races they have held in the past. As a member of the Silver City Scramblers M.C., 1 must take offense to Miss Smith's insinuation that the clubs in Las Vegas have "snobbish and falsely superior ways." [Voices, Cycle News, Nov. 24.] The biggest problem we have in the Las Vegas area is that there are too many people who like to run their mouth when things don't go to suit them, as Miss Smith is encouraging her friends and acquaintances to do, and not enough co.nstructive participation in putting on these events. Miss Smith claims to have, gone to events in the So. Calif. area every Sunday for the past two years. If she and her friends had actively participated in the promotion of a few local events, and maybe joined a Local club, the situation as she sees it may have been improved. A t least she would be doing more than just paying lip service to the sport. SHANE ROSS Referee: Southern Nevada Motorcycle Assn. On November 8, 1970 the Hayward Motorcycle Club ran the Cow Bell Enduro near Upper Lake, California. Due to inclement weather, no suitable egress route, and improper management by the Hayward Motorcycle Club, between 200 and 400 motorcycles had to be temporarily abandoned in a muddy basin called Thistle Glade. It was near impossible to get these motorcycles out the day of the race. Consequently a number of these motorcycles (possibly 30) were stolen with many additional bikes stripped by thieves. We the riders of the Enduro paid the Hayward Motorcycle Club between $ 7-$8 ,000 entry fees for this event. We felt the club had an obligation to post guards at all of the entrances to the Glade and use any reasonable means to prevent theft. This was not done with the subsequent loss to the entrants of many thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Since the Hayward Motorcycle Club failed to exercise good judgement which as. Cycle News East, Dixie Cycle News, and National Advertising information: Tom Culp. National Advertising Dir. Cycle News (West), P.O. Box 49B, Long 90801. (213) Beach, California 427·7433 - L.A. 636-8844. TELEX NO. 613-474 Subscription: One year 2nd class mail ..•..... $7.50 Single copy price '•.. $.25 like the one on your Nov. 24 issue cover and like the ones the riders at the Inter·Am and Trans-AMA are ':\'earing. I do a lot of desert riding with friends and I get "rocked" a lot. DON BATES, San Bernarilino, Calif. (Up until last week, the American Distributor of "rock catchers" was Buffalo Breath Motocross, 90S E. 19th, Santa Ana, Calif. They have a backlog of orders to fill but may still be able to help you out. The other distributor, now with exclusive rights in the U.S., is International Moto-eross, 4790 Palm Ave., La Mesa, Calif., 92041. As ofthis time, however, they have not received a supply from the Swedish manufacturers. As a last resort, you may try sporting goods stores to see if they have nose and mouth hocky puck guards, a suitable replacement...ed) WILVERT FAN PROTESTS 1 noticed in your Dec. 1 issue the write-up about the Castrol G.P. International. I think they should have shown a picture of the winner, Hurley Wilvert, instead of J ody Nicholas, who threw his bike away on the S turn, The LET IT BURNSunday, November 22nd, wtiile riding at Saddleback Park, 1 happened upon a fellow who had the misfortune of having his mo torcycle catch fue. The smoke attracted 20 Reople who tried to put it out. Their efforts appeared to be fruitless so 1 proceeded to inform Saddleback Park personnel. I first went to the rental building. The man there told me that "you'll have to see the guy in the parts building about that." 1 did and this gentleman informed me that "the closest fire equipment is across the street." He proceeded to resume his normal function completely undisturbed. At this point I was quite disgusted but fortunately, the fue had been extinguished. Reflecting back upon the incident, two contrasting aspects CQme to mind. The fU"St is the fast response by fellow bike riders in helping a cyclist in need. More specificilly, (and not to overshadow the other people who assisted in fU"C fighting) one gentleman drove up on a new Husky 400, dropped it on the ground, quickly removed his helmet and filled it full of dirt to combat the flames. Contrast this with the fact that Saddleback Park neither gave the personnel nor the fire extinguishing equipment to minimize life hazards and damage to property. It would seem that it is time for Saddleback Park to upgrade its safety program to a level commensurate with their fme facilities. (Name signed but withheld by request) Torrance, Calif. OFF CAMBER COMMENTS All the members of the Off Camber Motorcycle Club would like to thank you for the fine article in Cycle News on our race at Sea Breeze Park. You did not hold any punches and told it the way it was, and that's what it's all about. We would also like to thank the sup~isors for sending a very fine representative of Cycle News to cover OUT race. People such as Dave Swift and the Cycle News staff are greatly helping the sport of motorcycling and our youth of America. DON MAROON, President • •• _Oft Camber M.c. resulted in an unusual and extreme loss to the riders, we think the Hayward Club does not deserve the privilege of sponsoring any further AMA sanctioned events. For those of us fortunate enough to get our bikes back the folloW!ng weekend, it also cost about $35 per bIke for recovery fees. Recovery of many bikes was made possible through the fine efforts of local businesses which worked diligently throughout the preceeding week hauling bikes frOnt the muddy bog. We would therefore, like to thank such groups as the Buckingham Marina Service for their courteous effort in returning these bikes. Mr. Jim Chakedis, Mr. Larry Grist, Mr. Dennis Chakedis, Mr. Paul Jacob, Mr. Mickey McKinney 1 am still looking for my motorcycle that was lost-stolen-borrowed - in the Cow Bell Enduro' on the 8th of November this year. The bike was left about two miles above the river on the side of the road. It was out of gas and the clutch was partially gone. When I returned to rescue the bike, it was not to be found. I contacted everyone connected with helping stranded bikes but could not fmd my own. I have been back t.o the area three times and have' had no luck whatsoever. It is a 1969 BULTACO PURSANG, No. 285 G, the name Jim McGowan is painted on the front fender. If you can offer any information or help in retrieving my motorcycle please call me collect at the following numbers: Area 415 - 454·3962 College of Marin, 479-6120 Pacific Performance, 924-4373 home phone. Ask for: James McGowan - or leave a message. JAMES McGOWAN 12 Loma Vista Ave. Larkspur, Calif. 94939 The Regional Forestry Dept. has decided to restrict vehicle use during the winter as a direct result planning. ..ed. of the Cow Bell's poor ROCK CATCHERS Could you please tell me where I ouid -find - tire 'so-called "rockClttcher" write-up about Hurley was good and 1 predict many more such victories in the future for Hurley as he rides with effortless ease - a flawless perf0'3"ance and indeed he has a cool head. It may pay you to keep a few photos of Hurley in me - he may be winning every road race next year. Wait and see. ELSIE TABOR Inglewood, Cal. Winner Wilvert went 50 fast, our photos of him are all blurred. Next time we'll send a faster photographer...ed. DIRT CHEAP? We just received our results from the Dirt Diggers Grand Prix. What a CHEAP club. They charged $10 for entry and would you believe paid only 8 places for trophies? On the 250 Novice they had 75 riders to the grand total of $750 and that is just for one division. Many little clubs pay up to 5 places for only 20 entries. 1 realize they have expenses, but not that many that they could at least pay up to 10 places. I think it is about time District 37 looks into these big runs on how the money is spent and just where it is all going. It would be great to make them publish an expense sheet in your paper. Not only were they CHEAP on their trophies, but I bad to pay the postman 6 cents postage due for the results. They didn't even put enough postage on it. BARBARA BEBECK Carson, Calif. GROUNDSHAKERS' CASE. In regards to the letter in VOICES in the Nov. 24 issue of Cycle News written by Diane Smith, as a member of the Groundshakers M.C. I have taken this as a personal insult. In the article you stated that the riders were coming in different directions. The first 10 riders had no trouble in finding the course, they also happened to be the fastest riders. The reason a group of riders lost the' course and were coming in from different directions was because 2 riders 'Were racing down a pole road, missed the course and a group of riders followed them instead of following the limed course. These were the only riders that happened to have gotten lost which amounted to about 12 riders in all. They' were directed to go back to the Published weekly except the first and last week of the calendar year by Cycle News, Inc., Post Office Bo'x 49B, Long Beach, California, also. publishers of Cycle News East, and Dixie Cycle News. Second Class Postage paid at Long Beach, Calif. Editorial stories, cartoons, photos, etc. are welcome. Write for information. Addressed, stamped envelope assures return of editprial matter. Reptinting in whole or in part only be permission of the publishers. Advertising rates and circulation information will be sent upon request. check and get their tanks marked. The course was adequately limed so that even a novice rider would have no trouble finding his way. The Groundshakers are not responsible for wandering or stray animals in the Nevada desert. . As for 2 riders not receiving a refund of the entry fee for not making it up to the starting line, what organization does? As far as anyone leaving riders out on the course, you know little of what you're talking about. All riders were in and accounted for by 6. To substantiate this fact a member of the Groundshakers and his wife spent the night on the desert after the race to insure that no equipment or riders were stranded, and also to check the course to see that all trash and campsites were cleaned up in accordance with the contract between B.L.M. and the Groundshakers. In comparing your Nevada and California turnouts for their events, this rider feels Nevada has just as good or better turnout per population. Due to the fact that no entrance fee for spectators was charged and the distance from Las Vegas, the cost was prohibitive to provide portable rest rooms for your convenience. How did you enjoy the free soda-pop? From opinions gathered from other participants and spectators all concerned had an enjoyable day. How does it feel to be a loner? P.S. By the way, this Groundshaker member is also a member of A.M.A. and Dist. 37! DON WEIDKNECHT Las Vegas, Nev. AMA'S INTERPRETATION. On behalf of the American Motorcycle Association, please let me make commen t on your article "Little Decided By A.M.A. Congress" appearing in your November 17, 1970 edition of Cycle News West. In regard to the newly adopted rule to be written into the 1971 Amateur rule book: "All events are required to be run with machines having a muffler meeting an establis':1ed standard except for road racing, dirt track, outdoor short track, hillclimb, scrambles, moto-cross, ice race, d:-ag race, and record trials. The clubs have the choice to advertise and sanction muffled races at any of the above listed races. " Your analysis of this rule states "about the only races silencers are required at are i!'door short track races and it isn't clear whether the rule applies to professional races ,or not." In fact, however, there are large areas of our sport where this rule applies 'that you have failed to mention. Some of these are enduro riding, cross country or marathon, and hare and hound racing. Being intimately aware of the land use situation that is already becoming critical in' California and that will Probably soon effec.t the whole nation likewise, would you not agree that these are the areas where noise is most offensive to the public? You are correct in reporting that the rule was modified on the floor by the Congress, but we should point out to your readers that the Congress did not leave it nearly so toothless as you would have them believe. Furthermore, you notice that the rule mentions a standard to be established. We have begun work on this. standard and can assure you that it will establish an acceptable noise level for A.M.A. road events that is below that prese.ntly being accepted by many states. ED YOUNGBLOOD, Managing Editor AMA NEWS Enduro., a. the the AMA rulebook says, are not races. We did overlook hare 'n' hounds and thank you for pointing out the omission ...ed.

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