Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
ROUNDUP
UP: To the Route 66 Association, for refusing to forget. The association is a group of volunteers that is trying to revitalize fabled Route 66 to at least part of its former glory. The road once was one of the best and most-traveled paths across America, but in later years it deteriorated as the interstate system grew. In 1985, the Department of Transportation decertified Route 66, and now only half of the original 2400 miles is intact, though in poor repair. The association is trying to preserve what remains as a viable and scenic alternative for motorists crossing the country. To become a member of the group, all it takes is a $20 donation and a desire to see a part of American history preserved. Write to the Route 66 Association, P.O. Drawer 5323, Oxnard, CA 93030. UP: To Hollywood’s movie makers, who’ve put motorcycles to good use in this year’s crop of films. In the blockbuster hit Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, riding a BMW-like sidecar rig, elude a pack of Nazis and eventually go on to save the world. On a more-romantic note, Ted Dansen (of TV show “Cheers” fame) woos the lovely Isabella Rossellini with a ride in an old Harley-Davidson sidecar in Cousins, released earlier in the year. DOWN: To 1987 U.S. Speedway Champion Brad Oxley, who recently had an ironic run-in with the long arm of the law. Oxley, known to his many fans as “Bad Brad” for his wild antics about aboard a 70horsepower, 185-pound, metahnolburning racebike, was stopped by police for doing wheelies on his personal Kawasaki, an incident which made the sports pages of the Los Angeles Times. Oxley’s bike was promptly impounded because the 11-year speedway veteran didn’t have a license to operate a motorcycle.
UP: To Courteney Cox, comely costar of the recently defunct television hit situation comedy, “Family Ties,” who recently has directed her celebrity towards promotion of motorcycle safety. Cox kicked off her cycling career three years ago aboard a
scooter and now pilots a Honda Shadow VLX. She will be delivering her message about what she calls “responsible motorcycling,” a subject about which she professes to feel strongly, on behalf of American Honda over the course of a twoyear campaign which will consist of television and print advertisements and dealer showroom posters.
Our commendations to both Cox and Honda. We have but one question: When was the last time you saw anyone look this good after taking off their helmet?
If you come across a motorcycle-related item that you think should be singled out for an UP or DOWN, send the information to CIV Roundup, 853 ¡V. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
