Round Up
ROUND UP
JOE PARKHURST
AN OVERSIGHT in our March issue failed to give credit to the owner of the beautiful Pope featured on the cover and in a detailed feature. The bike is part of the remarkable Harrah automobile collection in Reno, Nevada, and is their most recent motorcycle entry.
I apologized to Mr. Harrah in person at the posh opening of the new Briggs Cunningham collection in Costa Mesa, California; this is for the record. Cunning ham's collection contains no motorcycles, unfortunately, but is a tasty assembly of some of the most interesting cars around, housed in a beautiful museum, built espe cially for the cars. Amid the glamour of a full dress first night opening, a dazzling crowd of automotive dignitaries dined and danced to the music of Stan Kenton. I dearly hope that some day, someone does something similar for the many marvelous old motorcycles around.
TRIALS RIDERS ORGANIZED
For the benefit of those who share one of my real loves, that of trials riding, be it known that an organization exists for the trials riders in the West. The Southern California Trials Association, whose ad dress is 4707 West 164th St., Lawndale, Calif., has met and established their rules, scoring, etc. for the 1966 season, and if their counterpart exists anywhere else in the U.S. I will be more than happy to list the address in hopes more riders will take up this exacting form of motorcycle sport.
MR. MOTORCYCLE TO THE RESCUE
it is difficult, if not impossible, to talk about the accomplishments of Jack Mc Cormack without mentioning that he is the Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Suzuki Corp., plus being the western representative of the Motorcycle, Scooter & Allied Trades Association, and truly the leading single spokesman for the entire motorcycle industry. McCormack is all of this, and more. Recently my desk became crowded with details of his most immediate accomplishments, both on behalf of his motorcycle distributing firm, and all motorcycle riders regardless of their par ticular favorite.
To begin with, he recently took the California Department of Motor Vehicles to task in front of a flock of television cameras and newspaper reporters. Mc Cormack nailed the DMV for issuing a post card to over Ii million vehicle regis trants in the State of California stating they could not ride their motorcycles on private or public trails.
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Later a DMV spokesman (newspaper term), admitted the error and stated that it was an "oversight." The card read; "Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters, may not use private or public hiking or horseback riding trails . . Mr. Motorcycle retaliated that the statement was "grossly untrue," and that Assembly Bill 992, upon which that portion of the card was based, says only that "the State or private persons could post areas to eliminate the use of cycles." The act only prohibits the use of posted trails, he said, and yet the card implies that "motorcycle riders cannot use trails at all in this state." My head will freeze this winter, from doffing my hat to Jack McCormack.
Next on the list of accomplishments due to his efforts is noted the formation of a Los Angeles County Motor Sports Vehicle Committee. Under the auspices of the powerful Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Warren Dorn created the committee of 15 people "concerned with motorcycling and other motorized sports activities." Even our most avid Eastern U. S. readers will admit that Southern California is the world capital of special motorized activities.
Motorcycling's "Batman," McCormack, marked the formation of the committee as the first time a major government body has been created for constructive support of motorcycling. The self-governing body is charged with implementing recreational opportunities (and both anticipating and avoiding problems) created by the twowheel boom.
Under chairmanship of Lloyd D. Settle of Consultants to Management, Inc., the group has been quietly in operation for some six months. National government officials are reported to be watching their progress; needless to say, so will many others. Designed first to help owners of motor sports vehicles, the Los Angeles County Committee on Motor Sports Vehicles is responsible for functions that can influence thousands of riders in the years ahead.
Not content with all of this, Batman . .. er, McCormack, or one of his business associates as in the case of the energetic professional, Lloyd Settle, started what became known as the National Suzuki Awards. Before I launch too far into the tale of these awards, you should know that they were not made from one Suzuki employee to another in a "friendly" spirit, but were offered for service "to American motorcycling." Suzuki's awards alternately honored and lampooned prominent national and regional figures, plus influential news media. Hearst columnist Bill Kennedy termed them "one of the most unusual national recognition programs." The colorful awards reached into governmental affairs, publishing, broadcasting, sports life, show business, and the motorcycle trade itself.
Decisions were determined by a series of committees in various fields. Dealers of all brands were included in the program, as were people in many areas not related to motorcycling. Awards ranged from trophies and safety helmets to an old cycle fender, and even a girl in a bikini!
Though Lloyd Settle of Management Consultants created the whole affair, and U.S. Suzuki is their best account, McCormack was chosen as "Mr. Motorcycle." I know of no one in this country more deserving. The title was selected by many people in the trade and was not entirely part of the promotion. Even if it was, it would have received my endorsement. Radio got its share when Columbia Broadcasting System drew an award for best public service for their "Special Report," originating on KNXT television. TV commentator Paul Udell, whose 11 O'Clock News report triggered the award, accepted the trophy. CBS interviewer Dennis Bracken was credited for the "Best Radio Interview of the Year," a widely quoted hour-long show on KNX in Hollywood, Calif.
Baseball's Don Drysdale won the "Rookie of the Year" award, given for a prominent national figure showing exceptional achievement during his early days of riding. Drysdale's wife Ginger received the "Wow" award, as the "most prominent female rider of the year." Television actress Barbara Parkins accepted the award for Mrs. Drysdale who was home with a sick daughter.
Ryan O'Neal of TV's "Peyton Place," in a more civilized role accepted Suzuki's award for "Unusual service to American motorcycling by a TV or motion picture personality." We are told O'Neal is an avid rider, and Suzuki gave him a new X-6 to stir his enthusiasm. Shozo Hashimoto, Executive VP of Suzuki, was praised for "financial support and loyalty to the U.S. marketing effort, and for personal support of their dealers." Suzuki dealer association officer Jack Blanck made the award to the greying ex-physician.
One of the nation's wealthiest and most influential newspapers, the Los Angeles Times, was given the National Suzuki award for the "Best News and Feature coverage of Motorcycling in 1965." The work of more than 55 leading U.S. newspapers was considered in the final round of selections. "Best Single Sports Column on Motorcycling" award went to the Hearst organization for a major column of "riding tips," based on Suzuki's public service book, "Freedom of the Road."
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Radio Station KRLA won the award for the "Best Broadcasting Promotion" for its "Bike in Your Home" contest. Program Director Mel Hall accepted the award for the top rated, teenage-type station. "Best Motorcycle Photography" was given to Larry Sharkey, a newspaper lensman, seemingly ignoring such stellar work as done by Marvin Lyons, Ralph Poole, Dave Gooley, Walt Mahony and Jerry West, to name but a few of CW's outstanding photographers.
Suzuki thoughtfully made an award for "Good Government" to Warren Dorn, for establishment of the committee previously covered.
Pat Buttram, one of TV's "Green Acres" stars, was given a special "Fellowship Award," and returned the favor with thirty minutes of humorous monologue. "Worst Rider of The Year" went to Leonard Riblett, Editor of the Los Angeles Times, a special presentation for a "prominent American who has absolutely no talent for riding." The tongue-in-cheek award was well received, as was "Rider Fink" award, given to radio disc jockey Bob Eubanks. Eubanks, by the way, is one of the few in the "entertainment" field who is really a motorcyclist. His teenage music program is one of the most listened to in Southern California, and is heavily sprinkled with motorcycle commentary.
Suzuki capped the evening with some in-group awards to members of their staff, most of which were designed to entertain the 350 or so Suzuki dealers assembled for the banquet, part of their regular business, but without equal in motorcycle promotions.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM
Dr. John M. Hughes is a dentist; he lives and practices in Ventura, California. He is an active and enthusiastic motorcyclist, and for some time has been concerned with motorcycle safety. And — he has done something about it. Herewith is the full and complete text of a report he made to me on a safety program he has instituted in his town. I offer it in its entirety; it is one of the soundest and most effective programs I have ever seen. And, like the man said, boy do we need it: "The Ventura Downtown Lions Club was concerned about the very high accident rate in Ventura that the riders of small motorcycles were having. In Ventura in 1964 there were 99 injury accidents for all vehicles; of these, 19 involved lightweight motorcycles, only one a large motorcycle. The Ventura Police Department had been upset about this, but weren't able to put their finger on a way to reduce the accident rate. Lt. Lambert, Chief Taylor and I got together and worked out a motorcycle safety training program. We decided to hold this program on three Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Ventura State Beach parking lot. This lot is easily located, and gives us a large amount of free room. Any large parking lot would do as well. We got motorcycle officers from the Ventura Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, to help in the program and to grade contestants. Various motorcycle club members also helped conduct the course. We found out that we could easily run this program in two weeks, and we'll do that next year. "Each dealer chipped in $10 to $50 worth of prizes. We had these dealers: Ventura and Oxnard Honda, Jan & Gary's Yamaha, Galen & Brookins Harley-Davidson, Ventura Suzuki, Joe Silva's BSA and Ducati. Prizes were various accessories, i.e., helmets, oil, elastic cords, grease, goggles, gloves, license plate frames, motorcycle magazines, T-shirts. The cooperation and help of the dealers was terrific; without them, the program wouldn't have gone over.
"I gave a half-hour talk, then we went to the riding demonstration, then to the events. After the events, we gave out prizes to the winners of the day. On grading, the winner got one point, the one coming in last got the total number of points of the riders in the events. We averaged about 23 people in each event, so the last person in each event would get 23 points. Winner for the day was determined by low gross.
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"1. Our program started with the introduction of the Downtown Lions, the Ventura Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the various dealers, the Oxnard Motorcycle Club, and Ventura Coast Riders. The program was divided into three sections: lectures, demonstrations, and participation. We covered safety, control and games.
"2. Demonstrations of safe club riding habits were given by the Ventura Coast Riders. They rode six bikes, with a few carrying double. The road captain gave the various signals to go single file, double file, right and left turn, stop, slow, speed up. We talked about safe club rides over known roads, with the club members all following the road captain's directions. Riders were paired off, and rode fifty feet behind the pair in front of them.
"3. The motorcycle was gone over, and the importance of having all safety features in good working order was stressed:
a. Lights — headlight, taillight, stoplight, turn signals, rear reflectors. Quite often, small, slower motorcycles are overlooked in the maze of lights on the road, especially at dusk and in the rain.
b. Brakes — front and rear. Importance of front brake doing over 60% of the stopping. Check lining wear and trueness of drums, cable controls, lubed and oiled. Make sure cables aren't starting to fray.
c. Tires — tread very important, more so than on cars. When tread is thin, it may be better to get new tires, especially cling rubber, which holds best in all weather conditions. Air pressure is very important — best to buy tire gauges and check periodically. A low tire can throw you into a spin and crash: too much air won't allow proper road grip. Type of tire most important for the type of riding to be done — road tire won't do off the road, and a knobby tire very poor on paved road at any speed. Combination tire is a fair balance between dirt and pavement.
d. Handlebars — style, and placement of controls important for individual adjustment. Proper bar placement can mean more personal comfort, especially for riding any length of time. You have to have controls where you can reach them automatically and quickly.
e. Fenders — front fender important when you get off road or hit any water, mud or gravel on pavement; otherwise it can flip up in your face. Back fender important if you bounce off the seat, also keeps dirt and mud off your back. Chain guard keeps oil off clothing. There's a good chain lubricant at hardware and chain specialty houses that is better than oil. Motorcycle shops may have this lubricant. It doesn't fly off.
f. Windshield or goggles — very important to keep bugs and rocks or rain from hitting you in the face, especially the eyes. Windshield very helpful on a long trip — keeps wind from buffeting you, and you don't have to hang on so tightly.
g. Kick stands and footpegs — you need sturdy ones that won't bend. Footpegs should fold — this is the safest type. Kick stand should come up automatically. You can flip fast from a kick stand that isn't up.
h. Tilt angle — very important on how fast you can take a corner. Pegs usually hit first, sometimes exhaust pipes. Ground clearance especially important for the fast road riding and trail riding.
i. Horn and mirror — horn not necessary. When accident is imminent, you'd be better off avoiding trouble than expecting others to hear your horn, try to locate your presence, then avoid you. A mirror is good, especially a convex mirror to give you wide coverage. Look around anyway.
j. Buddy seat and saddlebags — good to carry extra things, passengers, etc.
k. Mufflers — quiet mufflers help the image of motorcyclists. Changing the mufflers on two-cycle bikes usually hurts the performance; two-cycle bikes are tuned for a slight back pressure. Quiet mufflers don't rob your bike of any noticeable power.
"4. Rider
a. A helmet is most important when needed — when you land on your head. It's like insurance: when you suddenly need it, if you don't have it, you can't get it.
b. Gloves — don't hinder controls much. Sure help when you slide on pavement, also keep hands warm, and reduce vibration through the handlebars.
c. Jacket — better to rip jacket on pavement than yourself.
d. Rain clothes — you can ride in rain very well with the proper clothing.
e. Boots — at the other end from helmet, yet used much more frequently. Most riders will take minor spills. Boots help protect ankles from miscellaneous bumps. When your bike goes into a slight slide, your foot goes down automatically. You only have to skid your bare foot once to realize how nice boots can be. Thongs, or Japanese go-aheads are about in the same category as bare feet.
"5. Types of riding — we'll only cover the two main types of riding: street and open road. Other types are: trail, scrambles racing.
A. City street riding
1. Bikes can be smaller, more maneuverable. They should have good mufflers and stoplight. A good quiet bike lets you hear what's going on, also helps the image of motorcyclists.
2. Your riding position is more upright than for road riding.
3. Small tires not good, as they may get caught in ruts, drains.
4. Springs can be a little softer, rake of front forks not as angled, more vertical.
5. Good lights and reflectors important. May not be seen in the maze of lights in the city. Light colored clothing helps your being seen.
B. Road riding
1. Bikes usually large — have to be 15 hp or above to ride the freeways.
2. Should have windshield, or goggles. Keeps bugs, rocks, rain, off face and eyes. Riding can be dangerous without these. A windshield also helps you keep warmer, and so you tire less quickly.
3. Riding position slightly different than town riding — narrower and lower bars, sit farther back.
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4. Condition of bike more important, due to higher speed and stresses.
a. Tires very important — road tires best. Air pressure very important. Too much air causes tire to slide prematurely; too little air lets tire roll, even slip on rim and tear out valve. Should balance wheels to get better traction. Cling rubber best, because it sticks more in damp weather. When tread gets worn, best to get new tires. Worn tread is not very good; new tires are really cheaper than a spill.
b. Tilt angle is important. It may be a good idea to put folding pegs on bike to increase tilt angle.
c. Bigger brakes necessary to keep up speed, especially up hills and carrying double.
d. Shocks important, and more rake angle to front forks. For faster riding, you want firmer shocks, so you don't bounce around so much.
C. Trail riding 1. Slower speed, lightweight bike 2. High ground clearance 3. Good knobby tires 4. Higher, wider bars 5. Spark arrester, fire extinguisher, shovel, rope 6. Extra gas, and spark plug "6. Safe riding — watch out. A. Street 1. Never pass on the right.
2. Watch for opening doors, pedestrians, children, toys, dogs — look under car, through windshields — no one in front of cars.
3. Watch for cars pulling into traffic from curbs, driveways.
4. At intersections, watch for cars not stopping, turning into traffic from right, and oncoming cars turning left into center lane.
5. Always watch when following close; stay to left. You may be in blind spot, yet people don't always respect your rights anyway. If they stop, you can scoot by on the left and not get run over by the following car. If they turn left, the worst that can happen to you is to slide into the side of the car. If they turn right, you're in the clear.
6. Don't let cars follow you too closely; either let them pass, or pass the front car. Don't get in the position to be run over.
7. Be prepared to stop or swerve. You may not know this, but many people expect you to be able to stop, swerve, or even jump sideways at any moment. Some people will see you, but take no cognizance of your being a moving vehicle.
8. Be careful about parking. Angle parking is the best, least liable to be knocked over. Parallel parking is the worst — cars can easily back up and knock your bike over. The worst thing to do is to sneak your bike between two parallel parked cars. This is illegal, and either car usually needs the room available to get in and out. Many people park by sound — stop when their bumpers hit.
9. Don't dart around or turn sharply when close to cars, as you may slip and get run over.
10. Be very watchful for dirt, sand, water, dips or gutters, especially at corners.
11. When rain first falls, the oil on the road is just lifted, making traction quite skittish. Also marker lines on the road are much more slippery than the pavement, especially when wet.
12. Stay away from the center line. Oncoming traffic occasionally wanders over into your lane, or if you have to stop, your wheels may be on the divider line, and you won't get good traction.
B. Road riding — faster and less traffic than street riding.
1. Dress warmly, the cold tires you quickly. Fast riding can lower the apparent air temperature 10 to 30 degrees.
2. Use care in passing because you're going faster and things happen so much more quickly. Never pass at intersections, corners, or hills where you can't see a long way ahead.
3. On a right curve, stay to the right. There is usually gravel or dirt in the center of your lane. If you slip, you have a lot of room to correct your slide. The smaller turning circle gives you less centrifugal force to throw you out of your turn. Where there's a chance of dirt and rocks falling on the road from a hill on your right, it's wiser and safer to slow down and ride more toward the center of your lane.
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4. On a left turn, it's okay to ride just inside the center divider, if you can see a long way ahead and no cars are coming, otherwise ride slower in the center of your lane. Oncoming cars quite often veer over the center lane just a little — maybe only just enough to nudge you. Just a nudge is all you'll need to go flying. It's really hard for you to try to dodge when you're snugged into a fast turn.
5. Roads through mountainous areas are fun, but dirt and rocks tend to fall on the sides of the road. Dirt and gravel tend to accumulate in between the tire tracks, so be careful.
6. It's hard to change direction once you're locked in a fast groove, so think ahead. If you anticipate having to swerve a little, ride a little slower and sit more upright, tilting the bike more, with care so the pegs don't hang up.
7. Be careful of debris and dirt on back roads. They're not always kept as clean as city roads. Farm tractors and construction vehicles drop a lot of dirt when crossing roads.
8. Watch for excavations, torn-up sections, tractor ridges, especially around corners where you need all your traction.
9. If your bike isn't as fast as the cars, or you're not in a hurry, ride on the far right side of the road, not too close to the curb; let the cars pass easily and safely. It's better than claiming your rights in the middle of the road. Riding slowly in the middle of your lane is dangerous, because a fast-approaching car may not notice you in time, or may cut back too soon and flip you off your bike.
10. Watch for animals on back roads, either wild or domestic, that may dart out in front of you as you approach.
11. Watch for slow-moving vehicles. You can approach them much more rapidly than you could imagine, and at inopportune places.
C. Night riding
1. Have one or more large reflectors on the back, especially on small, slower bikes.
2. It's best to wear light colored clothing and helmet.
3. Check your lights periodically.
4. Keep lenses on lights clean. A little dirt reduces visibility of lights tremendously.
5. Check generator, switches, wiring, and battery for proper functioning. Lighting seems to give more trouble than anything else on motorcycles. Add water to the battery when it's charged, not when discharged.
6. Try setting the high beam higher than the level of the road, then use the low beam for most rides. Use the high beam when the road is twisty and winding; then you'll have better light on the sides as you turn.
D. Miscellaneous
1. Best way to enjoy bike riding is to join a club; enjoy the company of others for companionship, safety, and to give aid when needed.
2. When a motorcyclist is stopped beside the road, the proper thing to do is to stop and see if help can be rendered. You may need help yourself some time.
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3. When you pass other motorcyclists, wave. Motorcycling is a sport, not just a necessity.
4. Be careful of wise guys in cars who may want to hit you, or run you off the road. Usually there'll be a group in a car, or several cars. Give them a lot of room.
5. Watch for cars approaching fast from the rear. At high speed, the driver may not realize how fast he's closing on you, a small object compared to the cars he is used to seeing.
6. Remember, many people won't notice you riding a motorcycle.
7. Watch for things falling off cars and trucks — hub caps, ladders off painters' trucks, wood, boats, dirt off dump trucks, bags of cement, manure, etc.
8. When you can't avoid hitting something — if it's small, like a rock, stick, or dip, hit it straight on; a glancing blow could flip you. Hold on tight, feet on the pegs, rise off the seat. Sometimes it's better to hit a chuck hole fast — your front wheel may cross easily, and the back will follow. If you slowed down too much, the front wheel may drop into the hole and turn, throwing you.
9. If you hit a large object, like a car or wall, try to hit a glancing blow — not straight on. Swing your leg out of the way so it won't get caught between your bike and the immovable object. Try not to slide under cars or trucks.
10. Go into corners a little slower than you can safely handle them. You can always accelerate, but can seldom brake sharply if need be, especially in a closing radius corner.
11. The best way to keep from having an accident with a car is not to let cars get near you in a dangerous position. Keep in control of the situation, make them really work to hit you.
"Half of the preceding was gone over on the first week, the rest the following week. The third week was review, not really necessary. The games took up the most time. These were to give the rider a better knowledge of how his bike would handle, and how to handle it better. No game was to have any danger involved, or be a speed event. A demonstration was given as an example. The contestants were told how to use the controls properly for each event. Scoring, when measurements can be taken, like time or distance, can be very straightforward. Games where subjective points are given, are harder to evaluate. In subjective scoring, the judges set up standards ahead of time, like ease of control, appearance on bike, skill in performing routine, ease and speed of accomplishment, following instructions. The two judges usually conferred with each other, and the Chief Judge, Jim Malony, a former police officer. Each bike had a number printed on its headlight with a yellow grease pencil, for scoring purposes.
"Several of the people had not ridden motorcycles before, or did not own one at this time. Most of the dealers brought demonstration bikes to the program, lend ing them freely to anyone desiring a ride. The bikes on loan were all of the small, lightweight class, easy to handle. Since this was not a public street, there was no traffic, and many learned to ride in the program. Many parents showed up to watch, listen, and enjoy the fun, even though none in their family were entered. "This program was intended primarily for the teenager who wants to ride a motorcycle, or who has just acquired one. Even so, many adults - men and women - entered. This program definitely isn't for the advanced rider. Several advanced and expert riders showed up, and helped run the contests.
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"Publicity was started two months be fore the program was begun. Posters were set up in the various high schools in Ventura County, the college, and the motorcycle shops. The posters indicated that a written release was needed for all those under 21 years of age. Contestants came from all over the county. Several radio stations gave us spot announcements. The Ventura Police Department had a special announcement that they broadcast several times daily. The local newspapers gave us coverage. The driver safety instruc tor at Ventura High School helped to inform the students.
"The Ventura Downtown Lions plan to have this as an annual event. We feel the best time is in May, as the weather is nice, and more people start to ride bikes, or start to look for one to purchase. The main point we tried to get across was that motorcycle riding is not like driving a car, or riding a bicycle, but something special, and requires special training. Events that we had were as follows:
1. Slow Ride - Two lines fifty feet apart. Three contestants to start at a time. As each rider crossed the finish line, the timer and judge, Jim Malony, would call off the time. The two police officers would then record the rider's number and time. This event demonstrated balance, steering control, clutch control, and throttle control. 2. Stop on Line - Start on same line as slow race, accelerate to 15 mph, when front wheel touches line 50' away, stop. The distance was measured from the stop line to where the front wheel actually stopped. This event measured brake con trol, gas and clutch control, and balance. 3. Pylon Run - The Ventura Police Department furnished the plastic cone pylons, and the chalk marker for the circles. Place 6 to 10 pylons in a line, about 10' apart. Rider to start on com mand of judge, then weave his way through. The two police officers scored on previously set up standards.
4. Figure Eights or Snake Ride - A second set of pylons to be set up alongside the set in contest #3, about 15 to 20' to the side. Same rules as in #3. Both #3 and #4 test balance, grip, and control of bike, throttle and clutch.
5. Circle Ride - Concentric circles, about a foot apart are drawn with the chalk marker. The rider makes two circles, as small as possible, feet up. Largest circle is about 20'-25' in diameter. Tests balance, clutch, throttle control. 6. 2 x 4 Ride - Two ten-foot 2 x 4's are laid end to end. The contestant starts with his front wheel upon the 2 x 4. He then rides as far as he can without falling off. Distance is then measured. Several made a perfect score. Tests throttle, clutch, balance.
7. Teeter-Totter - A 2 x 12 plank, 12 feet long, rests on a 4 x 4 placed in the center. The contestant starts with his front wheel on the 2 x 12. He then rides as slow ly as possible over the teeter-totter, being timed by the judge from the time his back wheel hits the plank until his back wheel leaves the 2 x 12. Tests same skills as #6. 8. Hill Stop - A slight hill, about 50 yds. long is needed. The judges have a line drawn across the road, half-way up. The contestant starts at the bottom, accelerates to about 15-20 mph, then stops with his front wheel as closely over the line as pos sible. He may then put down his foot. The distance short of, or over, the line is measured. He then continues up the hill. Any distance he slides back from the place he stopped is also measured. Several made perfect scores here. Tests clutch, brakes, balance, coordination. I'm sure many more excellent games can be thought up.
"I feel the ideal place to teach motor cycle safety would be in the high school, along with automobile driver education.
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Certainly with the large number of people riding motorcycles nowadays, especially teenagers, the high school would be the ideal place to instill safe motorcycling habits. I will admit that there probably aren't many teachers to teach actual riding instruction, but the fundamental knowledge certainly could be gone over in class, for those who ride or are planning to ride. This would help those who drive cars to better understand the problems of the motorcyclist. Too many people get on a motorcycle and don't realize it's not like driving a car or riding a bicycle. Many motorcycle dealers would be willing to give time and demonstration, and lend small motorcycles to the high schools.
"I am presenting this to help anyone who wishes to set up a motorcycle safety program. Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated. We expect to modify and improve our program from year to year."
A SAD FOOT NOTE.......
Shortly after we wrote the story on the Suzuki awards, the dynamic Lloyd Settle was found dead in his home in Studio City, California, of unknown causes as of this writing. Lloyd leaves his 15-yearold son, Scott. Many of us in motorcycling will miss Lloyd; he brought a touch of professionalism, and a fresh breath of personal and dynamic intensity to a field he so quickly adopted. Lloyd came to motorcycling from positions with Disneyland and Pacific Ocean Park.
PAVED BONNEVILLE?
Though it sounds almost too good to be true, at least to the flat-out runners, notice came my way a short time back announcing the opening of a race course near Mexicali, Baja California (Mexico), with a TWENTY-ONE MILE LONG STRAIGHT! Not only that, it is one hundred feet wide, and paved! Opening is scheduled for spring of this year. I am told that a twenty-mile circular course, also one hundred feet wide, will follow. Bill Martin, of Yamaha/Bonneville fame (see CW Nov. 1964), 1329 Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, is my informant. If you don't believe it, his phone number is Area 213, 848-4375.
Among the hundreds of glowing platitudes I could drum up over the news, are such facts as: it would be the only such course in the world, completely accessible and within traveling distance of millions of people; open almost all of the year, due to ideal weather, it is at sea level so tuning would be under the best conditions; etc, etc. Because it is so pretty, I quote Bill's announcement: "Come to this quiet land by the Sea of Cortez, where the sky is infinite and without violence, where time has no beginning or end, where the curvature of the earth is visible in four directions.
"Come to this sea level valley lying between the mile-high Sierra de Juarez to the west and the Sierra de las Cucapas to the East. Bring your speed creations, your families, or just your rheumatism. You will want to return again and again, to this gentle mecca in Mexico, truly the land of tomorrow." Gotta sign off now, the truck is loaded and Wagar and Jennings are yelling.
WE DO IT AGAIN
May this serve as notice, and fair warning, the CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW is on the way. April 28, 29, 30th, and May 1st are the dates for the highlight of the motorcycle year and as before, along with the sixth International Custom Car Show, running concurrently.
As our readers well know, the Los Angeles Sports Arena is to be the scene; CW's marvel of marvels will occupy the Concourse ground-level exhibit hall as it has since the first edition two years ago. Among the yet-to-be-announced additional attractions are a trials course for which special prizes will be awarded to the best finishers, and a new bigger-than-ever CYCLE WORLD THEATRE with special stage features for young and old alike (I may as well sound completely like a carnival huckster while I'm at it). We expect about 100,000 enthusiasts this year, making it one of the largest shows in the motorcycling world. See you in April. I am asked frequently when I feel the motorcycle "boom" is going to end, or at least level off. The Motorcycle, Scooter and Allied Trades Association, of which CYCLE WORLD is a member, has forecast for 1966 an expansion of another 35 to 40 percent, this in the face of almost doubling its volume in 1965. Americans spent more than $225 millions on motorcycling in 1965, according to the Association. 1,250,000 motorcycles and scooters were registered in 1965, with national sales running about 540,000, against 335,000 in 1964.
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MOTORCYCLING GROWS ON AND UP
Percentage of increase was approximately 80% in the lightweights, and about 40% in larger machines. Obviously the answer to the original question is that it is anybody's guess these days, but for my money I don't think it ever will do anything but eventually level off to just about the largest motor sport in the U.S., sometime around 1968 or so. There is no apparent reason to expect anything less than about five to eight million motorcycles running around. The final touch to a beautiful picture.
POLLY WANTS A CYCLE
Now we are led to believe that prominent television actress and singer, Polly Bergen, has taken up bikes. MS&ATA news release tells us that she was ready for wintry weather and the New York transportation strike, astride a motorcycle, wearing a "stunning" raccoon coat. We welcome Miss Bergen to the illustrious ranks of public figures now endorsing motorcycles. It makes us feel better.
CAR & DRIVER GOES MOTORCYCLING
Looking more like a familiar breed of animal found on the California desert than the Editor of a sophisticated New York-based sports car magazine, is Brock Yates of Car & Driver magazine. Brock was on the west coast for the running of the 500-mile stock car race at Riverside Raceway and took time out of his busy schedule to buzz around the desert with the CW crew on the test session of the BSA Victor (not his mount in the photo; he's riding a 350 Enduro Star that is part of the Parkhurst collection). We are doing all we can to infect everyone in sight with the motorcycle bug, and Yates is one of the likeliest candidates around as he owns a Yamaha Big Bear that he tears about Manhattan on. This was his first contact with the madness called dirt riding, and we've got him hooked!
