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/127829
rienced riders. Riders who made it all the way to lunch were treated to a catered meal. The Honda Riders Club truck was there with help for all riders regardless of bike make. Flat tires seemed to be the number-one culprit. Next stop was at Searchlight for gas and then back to the finish at the Avi. The 190-mile day took its toll as riders were straggling in well after dark. Fred Baumann was mad about the pipe that he hit. "I was boogying down a sand wash toward the end when 1 saw three riders helping another rider who was lying on the ground," Baumann said. "1 was wondering what happened when the next thing I knew, they were tending to me! It seems there was a gas pipeline about five feet off the ground and the rider had hit it, knocking him down. Then I hit it too! Luckily, neither one of us was hurt, but it sure knocked me dingy for a bit. They should have marked it better." They might have if it had been on the course. It's very common for everyone to follow instead of paying attention to the roll chart and many found themselves flirting with the pipeline danger instead of being on the right course. Desert Honda/Suzuki and the Honda Riders Club sponsored Saturday's dinner - all-you-ean-eat hamburgers and barbecued chicken for riders and families. A number of awards were handed out, including the "Vintage: What is it?" award. Steve Dotson of Colton, California, won the award for his 78 XL350 with a '93 XR250 front end, an '83 RM125 Suzuki swingarm and rear wheel and Fox CZ air shocks. Sunday morning the 3OO-rider field had thinned considerably, but the estimated 200 riders who took to the course were rewarded with a quality ride. After a 17-miIe jaunt across the river to the western town of Oatman, where riders dodged tourists and donkeys, participants were treated to a challenging but fun section that meandered in and out of a stream bed. Suzuki rider Dan Ryan thought it was "awesome." Don Simone of Fresno, California, thought it was a great section, "the best part of the weekend." "The first 70 miles to gas was bitchin'," said Simone. "Pure fun. It was kind of like Baja. I'm fortunate to be able to pick and choose and ride a lot of events. I'll be back for this one for & CHELIN ADI .1= ST I ·PHOENIX ~ For Fast by Ferracci's Mat Mladin, Of course, Michelin is no stranger u. to first place. We've won more than 1995 70 world road racing champi- := the AMA Superbike race in Phoenix marked a number of firsts. It was 1994 1996 onships, including the last three World Mat's first race on a new bike, his first with a new team, and his first AMA Superbike event on Michelin radial race tires. So he might be forgiven for taking it easy his first time out. Instead, he grabbed the pole, Superbike crowns, as well as an unprecedented II titles in the last 12 years of 500cc Grand Prix competition. So while Phoenix was Mat's first AMA win.of 1997, it's qyou want set a new lap record, led the most laps and won by 9 safe to say that it probably won't be his last. seconds. All on race-compound Michelin rubber-no gum- this same winning performance for your bike, contact your ball qualifiers here. nearest Michelin preferred tire dealer. sure:" Warren Cooper drove over from Tucson, Arizona. "It was a great ride with gorgeous views. I just wish my bike was better trained." Gas and lunch were at the old mining town of Chloride, founded in 1862 with the discovery of silver ore. The course leaving Chloride drew raves from everyone who rode it. . "We had a ball," said Harry Keast, who came over from Reno to ride with Jay Tunis of Progressive Suspension. "Sunday was much better than Saturday. We even got up into the snow where Jay managed to eat it while trying to roost ·me!" . Ron Spicer of San Diego was the proverbial tortoise to everyone else's hare as he tackled the not-so-easy course on a BMW Paris to Dakar. "Hey it was challenging but fun," he said. "Didn't like the kitty litter (gravel)' and 1 managed to get three flats, but 1 had a good time." Roger Shultz drove all the way from Evergreen, Colorado, to take part in his first dual sport ride and first time in the desert on his new XR400. For more information, writ. Mich.lin Two-Wheel North America, PO Bo. 19001, GreenviU., SC 29602 or all 8001346-4098. We manufacture the finest BRAKE LINES for the world's top racers. CONGRATULATIONS ON 1997 SUPERCROSS WINS TO: HENRY - WINDHAM - DEEGAN - VUILLEMIN RIDERS IN THE WEST OUT BRAKE THE REST. STOP... like a PROf Only $55.00 (310) 378-3314