feature
d-j rally ride
P74
rates a completely crazy 400-
mile public roads race, that ran
from 1913 until 1936, until finally
sanctity prevailed in the form of
state intervention after (amaz-
ingly) the first fatal accident.
But the D-J was not to be
forgotten.
In 1970 the event was revived,
now a regularity rally rather than
a flat-out blinder, but open only
to bikes that would have been
eligible for the real thing—in
other words built before the end
of 1936.
The race was originally held
in the opposite direction, down
to the sea, over three gruelling
days, on mainly unpaved farm
tracks. As machines and condi-
tions improved, this was cut to
two days and the destinations
swapped, so that the finish was
in the wealthy city of gold. The
Schlesinger Vase, a gigantic and
ornate silver trophy reflecting the
prosperity was the prize given to
the winner. This floating trophy,
more than three-feet tall, is still
used today.
