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/634995
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "Motocross is important, but not at the cost of early dementia and death." Motus Man Lucky me, I have a Motus dealer not more than four miles from my house! Now that I've seen, touched and sat on one, I have to have one in my stable, which includes a 1973 Kawa- saki Z that I've owned since early 1974 with 284,000 miles on it, a 2003 Yamaha FZ1 and a 2006 Honda ST 1300. The Motus is a beautiful [piece of] craftsmanship, to the point, a piece of modern art that's functional. Thanks Cycle News for all the great years of informative news and up-to-the-minute reports. Pat Beale Sacto Mile, Hangtown Weekend It seems insane, but the Sacra- mento Mile and the Hangtown outdoor motocross opener have [both] been scheduled on May 21 within a few miles from one another. The AMA claims that they "can't dictate dates," but don't they communicate with the promoters? This is terrible for the fans and stupid for the promoters. The AMA blows it again. Rick Naish Charlotte MXGP I'm all for new venues and in- novative thinking in motocross events, but the September MXGP at the Charlotte drag strip looks way too gimmicky to me. However, I do hope it works out as a wild new race. Steve Casper Horrible Misuse Of Force In the January 26 issue, a video on page 21 shows an Oregon "police officer" as- saulting and severely injuring a motorcyclist with three deadly weapons—first his unmarked patrol car without lights or siren deployed, then his pistol, and finally a nasty kick. All this captured on the "officer's" dash cam, which the "officer" did not know was operating. This unprovoked attack on an innocent citizen is a horrible misuse of force and office. The "officer" should be fired im- mediately and prohibited from working in this type of work permanently. He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent for assault with deadly weap- ons as well. He is a threat to the general population and the reputation of all the good and decent police officers doing a dangerous and thankless but great job. The "officer" is truly fortunate that the victim did not protect himself using deadly force. It would certainly have been justi- fied under the circumstance in my humble opinion. Mark Lang Concussions As all of the recent medical evidence has proven, repetitive concussions are the cause of Chronic Traumatic Encepha- lopathy (CTE). A brain condition that does not show up until 8-10 years after the initial injury, and cannot be treated. It can only be diagnosed after the person dies, by examining the brain tissue to find the small black spots that are character- istic of CTE. So, for a rider like James Stewart, taking the time for a full recovery is both smart and absolutely necessary! Let's look at some notable people who have now been shown to have died, at least in part, due to CTE. A: Lee Roy Yarborough, NASCAR star, whose slow descent into dementia, while seemingly fine physically, was confusing to friends and family, until it was determined posthumously that he had CTE, and, B: Frank Gifford, again diagnosed post- humously with CTE! People whose friends and relatives couldn't understand what was happening with them, but have now discovered what was wrong! If he doesn't feel right, then he should sit it out until he can be sure he is fully recovered. Motocross is important, but not at the cost of early dementia and death. Richard T. Haight Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P6