Round Up

ROUND UP

JOE PARKHURST

MINI-BIKES

There exists in the world of motorcycling an organization you don’t read very much about. It’s a Southern California group, one reason it gets very little national attention. Called the Southern California Mini-Bike & Kart Association, supporters and affiliated industrys read like my old days in karting when I was the editor of Karting World. That was back in 1959-1962.

The SCMBKA stages regular races at Saddleback Park and several other locations in Southern California, with entries often totaling well over 100 riders of ages ranging from 6 to over 12 years old. These ages correspond to the classes of bikes being used as well. As an example, ages from 6 to 8 run in one to three brake horsepower groups, while 9 to 1 1-year-old youngsters run in one to three bhp, 7 bhp and over, or on “mini-cycles.” The latter class includes such bikes as the Yamaha mini enduro, and the racing is really top grade with some really fine riding styles being seen.

A regular newsletter is published by the group. If you are interested, their address is Box 1455, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. President of the SCMBKA is Lou Colombo.

ISDT IN THE U.S.

The American Motorcycle Association dropped a bomb shell on the motorcycling press in Daytona last March, during the hectic speed weeks. The U.S. will stage the International Six Days Trial in 1973, at (of all places) Fort Hood, Texas! We are told that considerable government assistance has been offered, including accommodations, helicopter medical aid, the use of a lot of military personnel and equipment to control the course and assist the competitors. It’s a giant step forward for this country and I, for one, am extremely proud of all those who have made this possible.

I don’t know what the country around Fort Hood looks like, other than it is pretty rugged but not very hilly. I hope the AMA will take every advantage and offer all the special advantages to American riders that the Europeans offer to theirs when the trials is held on European home ground. Every ISDT held is used as a political tool by the Europeans. They consider a win a real plum and make certain that local riders are given every opportunity to learn the terrain thoroughly. Often the local competitors were the very riders who designed the trial!

I of course don’t recommend we cheat, but to defeat the invincible Czechs, East and West Germans would be a really marvelous feat and one that might receive truly International recognition. Who knows, maybe even the general news media would notice!

For 1972 the AMA has an interesting scheme working. When the trials go to

the Tatra mountains in Czechoslovakia in September, Americans will again field a formidable team. The cost of such an operation is astronomical. To defray expenses, a fund has been establish«^ for non-factory-supported riders. By sending only $1 to the AMA, Box 141, Westerville, Ohio 43081, you will receive a handsome sticker to display indicating your support. You can, of course, send more than $1. As an avid ISDT supporter for many years, actually many years before there was any real American participation, I urge you to send as much as you can spare. For years I have seen dozens of super enthusiasts, scraping and saving for the trip to Europe to ride. No other motive than enthusiasm is the reason. CW has supported several team efforts in the past. We’ll be part of this one for certain. The stickers will be available at all National enduros and ISDT qualifying events, also. With your help we can improve even the fantastic fourth spot we brought home in 1971 from Emj gland. (<S