P148
CN
III CROSS-RUTTED
BY JEAN TURNER
I
raced a vintage bike for the
first time and now I can't stop.
No literally, I can't stop. Like it
won't slow down when I hit the
brakes. And it's not all that great
at turning either. How did people
ever race moto on these things?
These were the thoughts
going through my head during
my first practice session at the
Husky World Championship.
I was riding a 1981 OR 250
provided by my good friend Dave
Brosius, who practically insisted
I ride his vintage Husqvarna from
the moment the inaugural Husky
World Championship was an-
nounced.
"As long as the brake and shifter
are on the right—or should I say
correct—sides," I replied. Even
then, I wasn't sure what I had
gotten myself into, and now I
was even more concerned—not
only that I wouldn't perform well
on Dave's proud steed, but that
I might crash it or dent it. The
old-school scrambler-style moto-
cross bike sure was a sight with
the red and chrome metal tank,
dual shocks and "right-side-up"
forks. Yes, the shifter and rear
brake were on the correct sides,
but I should have also asked
about the kickstarter… note to
self.
The drum brakes were one of
my biggest concerns, since a
250cc two-stroke of any genera-
tion ought to have good stop-
pers. When I sampled the brak-
ing power (or lack thereof), my
VINTAGE ADVENTURE
A day in the saddle of
a 1981 OR 250 at the
Husky World Champion-
ship opened my eyes
to the unique appeal of
vintage racing.
