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/1398574
IN THE WIND P22 Dick Mann: A Celebration of Life D ick, Bugs, Bugsy, Richard or simply "Mr. Mann," it didn't matter how you knew him or what you called him, it was clearly obvious last Saturday, that Dick Mann was a beloved icon to motorcycle racers all over the world. And they came from all over to offer up their respect, their love and their admiration for a man who was truly one of the "good guys," and without a doubt the best all-around motorcycle racer of the 20th century. The Richmond Ramblers held a "Celebration of Life" for one of their own, ably emceed by another well-known California racer, author and Daytona 200 Winner Don Emde. The Richmond Ramblers is one of the oldest AMA-affiliated clubs in the country, having been founded in 1944. Yet from their humble begin- nings in what is essentially a one-room clubhouse they built themselves, the club has an amazing group of alumni, having produced national cham- pions and world-class racers. In addition to two- time AMA national number-one Dick Mann, 1982 World 500cc Motocross Champion Brad Lackey honed his early skills as a Richmond Rambler. Mann came from humble beginnings, starting with a Cushman scooter he used to deliver news- papers, and worked his way up from there. The rest, as they say, is history, and a lot of that history was recounted on this afternoon, as racers both past and present came to pay their respects and homage to the man they called "Bugsy." Bugsy was the first rider (and national champi- on) to win the "Grand Slam" with wins in road rac- ing, TT, short track, mile and half-mile. Since then only three people have accomplished it: Kenny Roberts, Bubba Shobert and Doug Chandler. Mann was an icon, and a great example to literally hundreds of both new and up-and-coming riders, as well as many of his established competi- tors. People like TT star Eddie Mulder, current racer Ben Bostrom, "King" Kenny Roberts, Jimmy Odom, Dan Haaby, Brad Lackey and others came to the stage, sometimes tearfully, to recount funny, or fond memories of races or conversa- tions with their friend. Their respect was deep and heartfelt. And it was good to see so many cham- pionship-class riders of that era come to share their memories, because we are losing the stars of one of the greatest eras of American motorcy- cling. With names like Skip Van Leeuwen, Gene Romero and Digger Helm all taking leave of us in recent years, some well before their time! To say the event attracted many would be a People like TT star Eddie Mulder, current racer The Richmond Ramblers held a "Celebration of Life" for one of their own, Dick "Bugsy" Mann.