Wm. Johnson Invitational

WM. JOHNSON INVITATIONAL

A ROAD RUN dedicated to the memory of motorcycle pioneer Wm. E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Mtrs. in Pasadena, California, with the support and participation of almost every single member of the motorcycle industry in the West, best describes the Wm. E. Johnson Invitational Road Sports Rally. Again, as with its first running last year, hundreds of nattily attired motorcyclists, riding every machine known to man, departed the Pasadena Triumph Distributors' headquarters, over a carefully selected route of beautiful Southern California scenery. Object of the game, of course, was to arrive at the hidden checkpoints as close to on "key" time as possible.

American Motorcycle Association Secretary I.in Kuchler was the official starter, and the field of entrants was again packed with movie personalities, professional people from many fields, just plain old enthusiasts. members of the industry representing every capacity known to CYCLE WORLD'S staff members. Editor and Mrs. Parkhurst rode the new’ 5()()cc Marusho, subject of CW's scrutiny in this issue. Technical Editor and Mrs. Gordon Jennings did the route on a Honda Super Hawk. Subscription Fulfillment Mgr. Pat, and her husband Jerry Platt, rode a BSA Cyclone loaned to us for the occasion by the noted journalist. Wilson Springer.

Great honor was again bestowed on the run when Mr. Edward Turner. Director. Birmingham Small Arms Mfg. Group in Birmingham. England, and Mr. G. H. Sturgeon. Managing Director. Motorcycle Division. Birmingham Small Arms Mfg. Group, came over to present the sweepshakes trophy to the winners personally. NHrs. Turner. Sturgeon, and Wilbur Ceder. President and General Manager of Johnson Mtrs.. Inc., toured the course by automobile and joined the winners at the elaborate banquet presentation party at the

end of the run.

Southern California enduro ace Buck Smith again handled the complex scoring system, computing the winners within two hours after the completion of the event. And this with over 450 riders to check! The Greater Los Angeles Triumph Dealers Association staged the event with Triumph dealers such as Norm Lee. Ed Kretz. Skip Fordyce. Dave Mason, and Johnson Motors' Don Brown, contest chairman. Pete Colman. Alva Martin. Wilbur Ceder, and many others taking various parts in staging the complex event. Publicity committee was Wilson Springer. Bill Bagnall of Motorcyc list magazine, photographer Ralph Poole, Roy White of Motorcycle Journal, and CW’s Editor/Publisher Joe Parkhurst.

We are happy to have been able to take part in the event, a fine tribute to the memory of a fine man. It is truly gratifying to see so many people working so hard, and having a grand time in the process. We wish only that it could be a monthly affair.