Letters
LETTERS
THE STRAIGHT STORY
I would very much like to take this opportunity to clarify some facts. This is prompted by many articles [in other publications] we have had the misfortune to read, regarding John De Soto and Ron Nelson’s premature return to the United States from Europe.
This is exactly what transpired. The California National Guard, of which John was a reserve member, decided that John’s status of reservist should be changed to that of active duty. In early June of this year, the National Guard sent orders for John’s activation to his home in Hawaii. We immediately contacted Harold Kimball of Montesa Motors and inquired of John’s address in Europe. We then wired John and informed him that he must return to the United States immediately for active duty. He called and said, “If I must, then I must.” He talked it over with Ron and they both decided to come home.
It was impossible for Ron to remain in Europe alone. After each race, Ron would have had to drive himself and his equipment to the next scheduled races in another country. It would have meant no sleep and almost constant driving—a situation that would be unbearable to even the strongest of heart and mind.
We would like to thank you andyour wonderful staff for your generous support of these two boys. Your time, money and moral support will always be remembered. We would also like to thank the many, many other people who also have given of their time, money and support.
MR. AND MRS. J. DESOTO SR.
Waianae, Hawaii
IT WAS OH—SO GOOD!
Loved your cover page and the road test on the Ossa Pioneer (CW, Oct. ’69). The Pioneer will run with the best of them.
CLIFTON ENGLISH Oklahoma City, Okla.
COLONEL COULDN’T MAKE IT
What imbecile is responsible for the Moto Guzzi Photographs?!!! (CW, Oct. ’69)
You insult the Milanese builders of the Moto Guzzi by photographing it alongside that ridiculous Anglo-Saxon gentleman made up like an 1870 Neapolitan stereotype.
(Continued on page 20)
Continued from page 19
It makes about as much sense as showing Colonel Sanders of fried chicken fame standing next to a Harley Sportster to show that is an American machine.
BRUNO CANALE Chicago, 111.
So why wouldn’t a Neapolitan Anglo -Saxon be proud to own a Moto Guzzi, Bruno?—Ed.
THE LAST WORD
To be frank, I think I agree with the old proverb that says:
“Taste,
Is like the place from where The body leaves its waste,
Divided.”
THOMAS BACKMAN Stockholm, Sweden
SALUTE FROM SPEEDY
I enjoyed more than my limited vocabulary can express the “Unbeatable Ed Kretz” story in the September issue.
Ed Kretz was his own worst enemy, on the track! He would doubtless have won many more races if he’d had some consideration for his bike. I have heard him say he was going to play it safe and take it easy and finish, this time. But, like a politician forgetting his promises, once into the first turn he forgot taking it easy. And again, maybe for him he was taking it easy, but the motorcycle couldn’t stand the pressure.
He has said Why worry about falling, you ain’t gonna get hurt any worse and maybe not as badly flopping at 95 as at 10 miles slower. Can’t win races just touring around with the pack. Turn it on and hold it till something breaks, or you get the checkered flag. A salute to a great sportsman and gentleman.
SPEEDY BABBS Stuart, Fla.
EGREGIOUSLY GAUCHE
I was appalled at your temerity in printing that most egregious of pedantical examinations, the “Oaf (how gauche!) Test.” This “test” contributes absolutely nothing to the sport of motorcycling and is not amusing in the least to anyone with an intelligence quotient of over 50. It also doesn’t prove a darn thing! P.S. I scored 114 [out of 200] .
SCOT CARPENTER Kerrville, Tex.
Let us hope that the score you achieved on the Oaf Test is not commensurate with the value of your opinion. —Ed.
TRAIL RIDERS, TAKE NOTE
I am the District Ranger of the St. Helens Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, in the state of Washington.
Within the limits of my district are 150 miles of trails and 318 miles of roads. All except 18 miles of the trails and all of the roads are open for trail bike use, but because of excessive speed, too much noise from open pipes, and other lacks of consideration for other forest users, I am being deluged with anti-bike letters demanding prohibition of bikes from the Spirit Lake area and adjacent trails.
Most of the complaints are based on the noise of the machines. As Federal Regulations require an adequate muffler on any internal combustion engine used on National Forest land and Washington state law makes it illegal to alter the exhaust system of any motorcycle to produce more noise than the stock muffler system of the motorcycle, complaints of excess noise and subsequent attempts to have the machines banned from trails, recreation areas, etc., are largely the result of illegal activity by a segment of the riders. Compliance with legal muffler requirements plus prudent bike operation would probably reduce the volume of complaints by 90 percent.
Some people are against bikes on principle. We’ll try to base our decisions on specific cases rather than generalizations, but it looks like the hour is rapidly approaching when the privilege of riding will be lost to many through the stupidity, laziness or ignorance of a minority.
RALPH K. COON Amboy, Wash.
NOSTALGIA
I have just finished reading “The Story of Iron Man Ed Kretz” (CW, Sept. ’69). It was most interesting and nostalgic. My father, Harry Sasaki, who is mentioned in the story, has spoken about this period of his life many times.
He is referred to as a pit man in this article and, while that may have been true in this instance, he was also a motorcycle racer of some small renown during the ’30s.
My father and Mr. Kretz are still good friends and keep in touch as much as their busy lives allow.
MERLE BRADY Pomona, Calif.
SPEEDWAY SUPPORTER
We are trying to get a Supporters Club for American Speedway Racing started here in the United States. After about four weeks we have only about 50 members, centered primarily around the Costa Mesa Speedway in Southern California.
(Continued on page 24)
Continued from page 20
I would appreciate correspondence from Supporters’ Club Members in England or Australia, to get some ideas how to strengthen our membership in order to help speedway racing grow in the United States.
Address correspondence to: Cherl H. Funk (Pres., Supporters’ Club), 921 W. Heather Ave., LaHabra, CA 90631 USA or to me, vice president of the club.
MARK BARBER 940 W. Heather Ave.
LaHabra, CA 90631 USA
KICK IN THE PANTS
Of the motorcycle magazines that I am able to acquire over here, CYCLE WORLD has kicked the pants off all others in all areas of the publication.
In advertising there was not one ad not connected with motorcycles and cycling. Articles cover all areas of cycling and all makes and sizes of bikes. I enjoy travel features and road tests. I especially appreciated the coverage given touring/racing big bikes such as Dunstall Triumph and Dommi.
T.S. TERRY APO San Francisco
WHY A GROOVE?
I read your mag and it’s really a groove, but why so many ads?
MARTIN CIRENE Pleasonton, Calif.
The more ads we have, the groovier we can make the magazine. As Professor Irwin Corey would say, it’s a pecuniary sort of relationship. —Ed.
THANK NORM HARTFORD
While reading “Letters” (CW, March ’69), I was surprised to find that someone still remembers the name Ed Hinkle. Please thank Norm Hartford for remembering an old has-been.
Well, at least the mention helped the circulation department by one subscription.
ED HINKLE Los Angeles, Calif. Great to hear from you, Ed. —Ed.
SHIFT PATTERNS
As for shift patterns, I don’t see much point in bickering over them. The brake pedal, of course, should be a matter of reflex. But any dummard can pull in a clutch if he is in doubt about a shift pattern. If he can’t, then he has no business riding a motorcycle at all, let alone “screaming around blind curves.” He’s better off driving his Powerglide Chevy.
LARRY E. CUNNINGHAM Tularosa, N.M.
UP-DOWN OR DOWN-UP?
This letter is written as a rebuttal to Mr. C.D. Lowman’s letter in the June ’69 issue.
With my limited experience, it seems that thinking is still very much a part of my riding. I spend somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 seconds of every minute thinking about what I am doing. I do agree that familiarity with the machine is of prime importance, but to me this means familiarity with the machine I happen to be wrapped around at the time. I own three now: shifts— down-up on the left, down-up on the right, and up-down on the right. The machines have very different characteristics when underway, and it seems very easy to me to remember all the time which one I happen to be on.
WILLIAM A. HICKS Charlotte, N.C.
WANT TO SWAP?
May I, through the columns of your magazine, meet fellow motorcyclists in the United States? Anyone there want to exchange letters, magazine, photographs, etc., with a Norton Commandoowning Limey? If so, write and introduce yourselves.
I am going on a camping tour of Europe next year and will be at the Dutch and Belgian World Championship road race meetings in June/July 1969. Will any of you be there to meet me?
To you on the magazine staff, keep up the good work. Even though we have to wait a while to get the mags, they are worth it.
One question, if I’m allowed: What do people do with choppers after they have built them?
DAVID TURNER 11 Wharf dale Drive North Hykeham, Lincoln England
Invariably they give motorcycling a bad name. —Ed.
BROADS & BIKES
Looks like some of the letters from prudes who think girls are dirty have gotten to you. It seems there has been less boldness in some of the ads. It certainly is your decision (dilemma) as to what should be published and what is good taste. But I think the two most beautiful categories of things in the world are motorcycles and girls, and I doubt that Til ever see enough of either.
JOE RESTTE Cincinnati, Ohio
.....But in what order?—Ed.
UNREAD LETTERS DEPT.
I’m only 14, but I know something about cycle riding....
DAVID DAVIDSON Liganter, Ind.
We’re glad somebody does. — Ed.
