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/126340
(Continued from page 15) Bu re au of Land Management carries out their latest threats, All you desert users should take notice of what is happening to our public lands because )IOU may be next on the ,BLM's elimination list. Each year I write letters to our government representatives regarding land use conflict" problems, and 'e ach year I wait for the answers that never come. In 1978 I decided to add a partial routing slip with my letters to that elected and appointed officials could see the names of others who were receiving the same letter. I asked their help in ,resolving any ORV recreational use conflicts existing in the Southern California desert today, with particular emphasis on the legendary Barstow to Las Vegas motorcycle race last held in 1974, and the now popular Barstow to Vegas "Unorganized" Trail Ride. Seven months passed by without receiving one single answer to the nearly one hundred help'seeking letters I had mailed. Then on uesday, Sept. 26 . a single phone call added a new dimension to the situation. . When I answered the phone, I found myself confronted by Burton J. Stanley. Attorney. U.S. Department of the Interior, represent· ing the BLM . Mr. Stanley informed me that a branch of the U.S . Intelligence service had traced me down, and that they knew who the Phantom Duck of the Desert was. I was told that the BLM considered me the promoter of an "event." that I had no permit for an event. so was in violation of laws and subject to fines of $2000, imprisonment up to one year and was liable for any damage that took place in the desert between Barstow and Vegas on the weekend of Saturday. Nov. 25 . I was told that I, and other people would not be allowed to ride the Barstow to Vegas trail and that it was my responsibility to see that no one showed up in the desert on that day. Mr. Stanley then proceeded to tell me why I should do what he told me to. In addition to the $2000 fine, one year in jail and a criminal record, Mr . Stanley threatened to , ~o out and find people who were injured allegedly while riding on an ORV in the desert . and help these people to file third j pa n y liability law suits against me . oThe expense of .these law suits ' apparently would be paid by our Government. There were no offers of the help 'and assistance I had requested. no discussion, no planning, no proposals. ~ a flat straight forward threat: Don't do it or else. I wouldn't want anyone becoming ' involved in a situation they don't ' und erstand . 10 I have some advice to offer prospective trail riders who are seeking information. Call your local . District Congressman and ask J questions. Call the White House information desk at 2021456-1414 , and for California residents, Senator I\lan Cranston . at 2021224·5555 or Senator S.1. Hayakawa at 20212245841. or Write to me at P.O. Box 1725 . Fontana, CA 92335 for what information I hav"e available. J As for myself, I intend to ride the Barstow to Vegas trail with 49 or fewer of my friends at a time. We will ride the legal way on BLM designated , existing roads and trails that are open to public use . We will ride at a pace ' where we can look , see, and enjoy the ;scenic beauty "ou r public lands" have to offer. I hope that all my friends will meet on the Barstow to Vegas trail. THE PHANTOM DUCK OF THE DESERT Fontana . CA I !2 )' E 00 I l:'-0') l !') 5-< V ..c e V > 0 Z I No riders demand more from their gear and clothing than the members of Team Honda. They've got winning on their minds, and the name Hondaline" Is an important part of this competitiVe philosophy. In fact, Team Honda has played a major role in the design of m ost Hondaline motocross products. Pro-Honda MX Boots: Easy-on and -on , thanks to Velcro" cl osures, Steel shank for firm arch support; steel shin p l ate for added protection. 1bp. quality black cowhide. Pro-Honda MX Pants: A brand-new design. Rugged cordura nylon with Jofa'" knee,'Shin guards. Freedom of movement, thanks to spandex insets. Team Honda red, White ' and blue accents. Hondaline Gloves: Great comfort and protection for the hands. MX n style in pliable cOwhide; or new Pro-Honda MX style in goatskin. Competition Je~: 100% rugged nylon with padded elbows, ribbed knit collar and ribbed cuffs, Racing Goaoles: Lightweight, good ventilation plus panoramfc vision. Features foam face seal and foam-eovered upper and lower vents. Team Honda Helmets: Multiple-layer fiberglass c onstruction that meets or exceeds Snell '75 requirements, today's most sirlngent testing standard Check out all the Hondaline gear at your Honda dealer's today! Procluct subject to availability. seeYellow Pages for nearest clealeL Q 1918 American Honda Motor Co " Inc, Gold equal-flll.18 • '~!Ml!i and conveai"'~ . equallY adding or subtractIng air presnre from air forb. Gold's equa~fin system works In conjwK:tlon with aU AmeriCaD- ma de air fork WEBCO ffiOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES BOX 429 .. VENICE . CALIF . 90291 caps and homemade air fork caps. Gold's equal-fill ,system comes pac:ll.ged With all necessary hardware for InstaDatio and mounting. Also, if d instructions are Included wIda each Idt. PrIce $10.95. Part Number EF-l00. ) ' ... 17