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/125803
AL BAUMANN· MOTOCROSS DOCTOR By Patrick Neil SEPTEMBER 24, 1972 - As a Novice rider, new to the motocross scene, [ was paying special attention to the correct methods of navigating the impossible mud, and ponds which made up the Marysville course last winter at the lOth Street Bridge. As I stood near lhe finish and the largest of the ponds, pondering 00 how anyone migh t get through the lake, a fellow with a large, blond walrus moustache came and surveyed the same scene. Not being bashful, I inquired as to how he might be planning on getting across this "Red Sea". lie answered by laughing at me first and then, gelling a good hold on hims~lr instructed me on the art of "Iofting" the front wheel. Something about floating the front-end or something. I tried il. Far oul. It ,-\'orked! That was my first encounter with AI Baumann of ~lill Valley. Calif. On the weekends, Al -is rider No. 281G, on a 250 CZ. During the week, Dr. Baumann is a Residen t General Surgeon at the U.C. MEDICAL CENTER in San Francisco, CaliI'. Being a very mellow 'type, AI always lets the officials know of his availability for - medical help when he signs up for his racing. Many times 'a. 281G has been seen giving aid to fallen riders and works often with the National Motor Cycle Patrol in helping injured persons at the local events. (I promised 1\1 that the N.M.P. would get metnion if he would consent to this story and only on that condition did the Doc give his consent. ometimes AI must overlap his racing with his volunteer work. Once in Dixon, Calif., I sat on my motor on the starting line, waiting for tl,e mota ahead of mine to finish. The Doc was silting next to me on his CZ, when one of the officials summoned AI to come help with a fallen competi tor. While someone held his bike, Or. Baumann rushed over to do his thing. Meanwhile the mota had finished and everyone was given the two minute sign. As 'l.11 but one engine was turned over, AI jumped on the back of a bike and was delivered to the starting line. I t was close, but the Doc made it for the snap of the surgical tubing. He was last seen screwing it on around the first comer, somewhere in front of the rest of us. It's nice knowing AI. And it's great knowing Dr. Baumann is available to give his help when you migh t need it. Being involved in motocross with people like the Doc is a good way to spend Sunday afternoons. It's somehow more reassuring to me and many others. You're a good guy, Al Baumann; and a u o ~ w z w ~ U >U All Baumann gives aid to a fallen rider during a motocross at Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif, last August. Dr. Baumann has saved at least one racer's life with his prompt attention. None Better for Motocross Road or Racing A.M.A. AMERICAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP MOTORCYCLE RACES winner! MOVING? Well, HOT DOG! That means you've got another coupon to fill out. After all, we have to send your Cycle News somewhere and what better place than your new address? So don't delay, do it today. By the way.- it won't cost you a cent (except for the stamp but that's between you and the Post Office.) .. .. 3n .. ..... .. .. '" .. 3 < .. . .. . .... -<2 0 .. C t C - ... '< 2 2 t l> C. c. t 2 0 c. 0 ii 0 ii l> C. c. 2 r-"n o' -< ~, ~ C .3 .. .. . ~ ;-, "X2 g.~1'T1 "I g" - n ;:;: '< ~~n ~I ... allJl r .. olTl . - "':E nCDIIl '" 0 ;r CD 0 o C. III ...... .. s" FIRST RACE OF SERIES $6,000 PURSE 3' 0 The best thing that ever happened -to a chain. Mfd by, "Blendzall" Corporation 1433-37 First St. ..•"•. " "~".I"It. .... .J",,," ., • -Esa!'()!'L~~!'.! ~~ '::. Pre-entry forms from AMA SATURDAY OCTOBER 7 OAKLAND COLISEUM ARENA First Race: 7:00 P.M_ Tickets: $6.75, $4.50 $1.00 discount for youths under 16 od,.. r' ., t Coliseum Box office Nimitz Freeway & Hegenberger Road Oakland, California 94621 , , I;'hon~: (415) 635-7800 _. It.,. I '"