Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

Howard J. Eble, Jr. cut his teeth on biking some 18 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio with an 80" stroker for a stan. He has been a member of the late Flying Arrows M.e. for three years and a member of the Highway Kings till his resignation last March. As a member of the Highway representatlve Kings to the he was Road their Riders Committee of So. Cal. for ten years. He has been active in road riding in California for 13 years during which time and still to the present he can be found touring just about anywhere within a SOO mile range of the L.A. area. By Howard j. Eble j r. 197 I started with a big bang fot the road riding faction of the sport in the form of the Majestics M.C.'s (SCMA) first run of the year. Overcast weather did not daunt some 829 riders seeking adventure. Even with the ample room at the new facilities of Whittier (Calif.) Harley. it quickly became apparent that there was a definite lack of elbow space. I n addition to theLos Angeles area start. the Bakersfield Red Tops handled a stan for the riders coming in from the north. At the finish at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was a conglomerate of outriders and clubs arriving from the Mexican border all the way, 530 miles north [rom the San Francisco Bay. The run was handled well and the finish offered free chili, lawn games to enter or watch. and a nice little plastic pin as a memento. RIDING AROU to THE RUNS On the following weekend the Knigh ls ~l.C. (RRC) sponsored a run starting from Pomona Harley. Although the morning came complete with a heavy fog, some 347 undaunted riders were willing to make book that this would bum out before the day was over. ure enough, before the morning ended, the fog was over and you started picking up your vitamins from the reticent sun. Although the run itself was handled well there was some disappointment over the fact th.at although they advertised "tour award". what you received was another I'Dewey button". The first road run of the year for the north started from the Port of Stockton M.C. clubhouse in Stockton, Cal. with cool and hazy weather. The sponsoring club had anticipated 150 to 200 riders and were caught flatfooted when they had 348 sign-ins. This was largely due to the fact that the RRA Calendar had issued the date of the Manteca Golden Bears ~'I.C. on that date in error. Result: quite a few riders showed up [or the Golden Bears run and were re-directed 12 miles north to Stockton. The road course took me through some of the most beautiful countryside I h.ave had the pleasure of riding for some time. For a while at least, I could enjoy clear fresh air instead of the smog I have been used to. I returned the following weekend to Manteca and arrived in plenty of time at the Golden Bears clubhouse for the party Saturday night. In addition to the dance they had provided a large tent for the sleeping bag crowd and this was en th usiastically utilized. My only comment on the festivities for that night would be to say that it was a shame I could not stay for the dance on Sunday night (Dad burn it)! The dance, run, breakfast, lunch and all facets of the operation were well handled and I heartily recommend this fun run to all who can find a chance to participate. Before I started back to mogville, U A, I accompanied the fremont Travelers M.C. back to their homegrounds and looked over the planned finish for their run. They will be having a live band complete with dancelloor, bar, grill, three pool tables, ample parking and this looks to be a fun run to put on your must list. CARSON CITY COMIl'\G UP There has been much speculation from the riders as to whether or not the CBM (Committee for Better Motorcycling) will again promote the .. He has patticipated actively in a large number of road riding presentations throughout the years and is currently Co-Chairman and coordinator of the CBM (Committee for Better Motorcycling), President of the American Outriders Associ.nion, Co-Chairman on the Mexican Motorcycle Vacation Tour, and has chalked up 16 years in the American Mo orcycle Association. Howard is also advertising manager for the SCMA newsletter. His column will cover the road riding scene in the west and appear monthly in Cycle News. 130nanaza Tour to Catson City, Nevadd again this year. The answer is definitelv YES. It will go again on Labor Day weekend and for this the Hot Springs have promised the full facilities of their kitch en to CBM. Along wi th the culinary expertise of Big john Brandl they will not have to depend on the whims of a local cook who let them down last year. Even if your interest does not run towards the gambling a\'ailable. the ride alone is worth it. MEXICO MOTORCYCLE RU:\'. ANYONE? for those looking for a two-week vacation that is djfferent, interestirfg and downright fun. the ~lexican ~l.C. Vacation Committee is still taking sign ups and inquiries for two weeks into ~Iexico from ~Iexicali to Guadaljara and back. Th;s will be from April I 7 to ~1ay 2nd and at present it looks like possibly there might be some 80 riders going. There will be a pickup truck following with spare parts for the more popular machines. Anyone interested may contact To i\1c:-iair at 17073 fredkin Dr., Covina. CAlif. 91722 or call him at (213) 966-3227. Mention that you saw it in Cycle News, por favor! THE OTHER KIND Of PUBLICITY There has been much comment in the past that the only motorcycle publicity is the bad kind. I was quite pleased when a local tv station offered an hour program on motorcycling for viewing. KCOP TV attempted in one short hour to convey to the general public what it was all about. The theme basically was man's -seeking of a personal identity, his search for adventure, his feeling of being alive, to be the master of his destiny. and that in some small way he has found a way to escape the system that beals him down. With much ground to be covered in a shott time the average rider could probably pick out flaws or something that was unsaid. but in general the program was well presented and if only a handful of people improved their thinking about bikers as a result, it was well worth the effort. Of particular interest, it was pointed out that most of the slanted public conception of bikers has resulted from not only the l'l'o's but also largely from the sensationalism-seeking news media and in a large part, money-hungry klutzes in the movie industry. I admit that man's love affair with a motorcycle is something that has to be ridden to be believe and also that a "Ride A Steel Horse" is part of every man's dream. AMA AND ROAD RIDERS Early in L970 the AMA announced its intention to raise the dues to $5 with the inclusion of the AMA magazine. The resulting reaction made it clear that this would not be conducive to the future growth of membetship and the retention of the present members. Then came the brigh t idea that what we needed was a new emblem and a contest was started that provided mixed reac tions. This culminated in an announcement that after Daytona there would be a vote taken of the general membership for the fmal decision through the AMA magazine. Suddenly at the last moment in 1970 came the annoucement that the dues would go up to $7 yearly and then the bombshell burst with fury. This would include the usual $2 dues, reinstatement of the year pin, provision for legislation lobbying and inclusion in an insurance .. program. The basic idea of some fonn of insurance is not to be ridiculed or maligned, since you can not obtain the coverage offered for the price. Howe"er, the basic promise that the rugged individuaHst who took up biking as a means of expressing his personal identity, to be master of his own destiny. or to escape the conformity of the masses should meekly knuckle down to the dictates of a minority seems about to be refuted. In talking to riders from all over California and northern :"evada it has become clear that the general opinion of the Road Rider at least, is that this choice should be optional rather than mandatory. This has resulted in a large number of clubs voting to waive AMA membership requirements on their runs. Unfortunately. there is no way that a "group insurance" can leave anyone out. The SCMA has been quick to perceive the situation and has started a concentrated membership promotion to recruit the dissidents. If the present formulation of ideas and execution of pol;cies by the AMA Executive Board continues. it well may be that they will find themselves minus the membership of those who are stricti y Road Riders. Contrary to the optimistic plans of the "E" Board, I myself personally have little faith in the ultima te benefit to the Road Rider. As a case in poin t I have talked to riders who have finished ,'10. 1 in the Sportsman point standing in their District and they have told me that nothing had been received from the A1\IA for this. It had been my un d e rstanding that such standings would warrant an award from the A~1A of some sort. If I have been incorrectly informed then I should wish to be corrected on th is ma tter. In late 1969 I drafted and submItted to the AMA Competition Congress a complete set of Road Rider rules patterned after the portsman rule book and this was accepted with a few minor changes. In january '70 I talked to Gary I'ayne. th en deputy director of the A~L"'. and was informed that thev would be coming out that month eithe'r as a separate rule book or as addendum to the Sportsman rule boo . :\'obody has seen them yet. Presumably they were vetoed by the "E" Board (which has that power). One of the main concerns expressed in the past by the AMA has been a lack of communicatIon to the general membership of the mandates of the "E" Board. I submit that this is a two wav street and that the AMA should be receptive to the concerns of the general membership. I further submit that an organization of this scope should be democratic and that a minority of about 125 class "13" members with vested interests should not have dictatorial power over 120,000 class HA" members without recourse. Anyone wishing to express another ~tand on this matter can drop me a line to P.O. Box 1811. Glendale, Ca. 91209. ~ " ! :;; ~ $: ~ ::; \!l ~ z ~ u ~ RICKMANS CLEAN UP March 7th, 1971 • Saddleback Park / Matterhorn Hillclimb 1st 125cc Ken Parrott - Rickman Micro Metisse • Carlsbad / CMC Motocross 1st 125cc Jeff Wright - Rickman Micro Metisse • Elsinore Park / Open Experts 1st John Sprague - Rickman Weslake 8-valve 2nd Ray Vanderpoole - Rickman 650 Metisse • Elsinore Park / Special Experts 1st John Sprague - Rickman Weslake 8-valve 2nd Ray Vanderpoole - Rickman 650 Metisse • Elsinore Park / Sweepstakes 1st John Sprague - Rickman Weslake 8-valve 2nd Ray Vanderpoole - Rickman 650 Metisse RICKMAN and Metisse motor CYCles, kits and performance accessories are distributed in the United States by Steen's and sold through authorized dealers. Send $1. for c.omplete "Superqoodies!" Information. ®~~~~~~: 1&35 WEST VAllEY BOllEVAll • lIt 10 2!7& ALIAMBIA. CALIFORNIA 11803 ·1flHL: ij213~ 211·4351 ,

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