Round Up
ROUND UP
JOE PARKHURST
RECENTLY I mentioned that Kim Kimball, Montesa mogul in the U.S., set a new solo Tijuana-to-La Paz, Baja Calif. record. Kim rode down
during the running of the 1970 Mexican 1000, making the 983-mile run in 38 hr., 54 min., on a 250 Montesa. No sooner was the news out about Kimball’s acheivement, than word arrived that it had been broken! The new record holder is Doug Douglas, Baja veteran and motorcycle dealer from San Bernardino, Calif. Riding a 250 AJS Stornier, Douglas made it in only 27 hr.. 15 min.!
Both achievements are incredible. Kimball made the trip during the 1000 and therefore had the peace of mind that comes from knowing if he broke down he would not be completely alone. Douglas was accompanied by a private airplane carrying parts, food, and other necessary equipment.
1 understand now that as soon as the weather is more reliable, (about the time you read this), several other Baja aces are considering reducing the record to nearer the 24-hour mark. Douglas feels it could be done. He had his share of problems, among them running out
of gas when one of his secret stashes was stolen.
Rumors have it that J.N. Roberts, Whitey Martino and Malcolm Smith are all considering an attack on the record. Baja’s challenge continues to tease riders everywhere. In my opinion, the real feat is the solo run. To attempt the full trip from Tijuana to La Paz completely alone is one of the most demanding endurance tests existing.
Douglas’ bike was a standard 250 AJS, fitted with a Norton headlight, and a larger gas tank. A 280 main jet with an air lever enabling the rider to control the mixture was also used. Top speed is 70 mph. Departure and arrival times were verified by telegrams.
Both the American Motorcycle Association and the National Off-Road Racing Association declined sanctioning the record run, but in the future some kind of official body is going to have to begin verifying attempts in order to eliminate cheating. Anyone interested?
ENDURO RIDING
I just finished riding the High Mountain Enduro in Paso Robles, Calif. This “classic” western run continues to be more fun than just about any other enduro I can find time to ride. California Polytechnic College’s Penguin Motorcycle Club sponsors the event, which is run over national forestry and private land in the beautiful mountains behind that lovely seaside town, i am always impressed with the Penguin’s scoring and organization, but I was almost speechless to see how marvelously cooperative such bodies as the California Highway Patrol and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs were.
It is extremely unusual, if not almost unknown, to see these bodies friendly towards motorcycle events. Here in Southern California we are often denied simple permission to cross a State road.
The boys at Cal Poly are to be congratulated for a superb run, and for contributing to a better understanding between them and the police and Forestry Service. The High Mountain began and ended on closed Forestry land. Entries were required to mount spark arresters, most of which muffle the machines at least somewhat. I am one of the growing number of riders who enjoy riding a great deal more when the noise level is reduced.
Speaking of noise levels. Saddleback Park, though in a remote canyon, has its noise problems. We have lately been subjected to pressure from a local residential area, all of Wi miles away! They have campaigned before to close up the park. Always their only salient complaint has been noise pollution. More than likely, in the near future we will be required to stipulate that all bikes running in the park be fitted with mufflers.
Many will raise a lot of fury over this, but even in England the national scrambles are now being run with mufflers and if all machines competing are suffering the same limitations, nothing is lost. Anyone who has spent a long day around several hundred two-strokes with expansion chambers must agree. Several race sponsors are now offering special prizes for winning bikes equipped with mufflers. This is a good idea, one that could develop and expand in time.
An organization in San Diego, Calif, recently sent us several stickers reading “LESS SOUND, MORE GROUND.” I’ve got them on my bike and cars, and I suggest anyone who rides off the road do the.same. As more and more land is taken away from us. the same complaint is heard everywhere; motorcycles make too vinuch noise! Write the Off Road Vehicle Institute in San Diego, Calif.
