Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
ROUNDUP
DOWN: To University of Southern California student Chris Blake, for his poorly researched and short-sighted editorial printed in a recent issue of the school's paper, the Daily Trojan. In his editorial, titled "Motorcyclists Should Pull Over For Good," the freshman philosophy major rambles through his experiences involving motorcycles. His concluding remarks sum up his attitude. “Please turn in your bikes for Toyotas and Buicks. At least, be careful. Motorcycles are dangerous. The chances are high that you will get hurt—or killed," he whined. Former Daily Trojan editorial director and motorcyclist Eric Vincent put it succinctly in a follow-up letter published in the paper: “I only hope that as Blake pursues his educational goal, he'll learn to be more tolerant of those whose interests and life-styles are not aligned with his own."
UP: To actor Matt Crane, for matching slick television scripts with smooth lines on the racetrack. ( rane, who portrays college student Matt Corey on the soap opera "Another World." is more than just another celebrity motorcyclist. Riding a 1991 Yamaha TZ250, Crane is contesting the AMA 250 series. At Daytona, the 23-year-old was uncompetitive thanks to tire problems. but finished in seventh place at New Hampshire International Speedway, the second AMA stop and C rane's home track. Aside from his acting duties. Crane has been roadracing for three years and has won two AMA/CCS-sanctioned Loudon series chain pionships.
Ribs
DOWN: lo Medical World News, for reinforcing negative stereotypes. The journal’s "Ribs" cartoon, drawn by Peter Winter and published in the April, 1991, issue, illustrates a helmetless rider with "Organ Donor" stenciled on his jacket. When asked about his inspiration for the drawing, cartoonist Winter responded, "I have no axe to grind against motorcycles, I have several friends who ride them. The cartoon was just a caricature of a slice of lile. Also, it was great fun to draw.” Sorry, Peter, it's just not funny.
UP: To Champion Spark Plugs, for its reference guide titled "I low to Read a Spark Plug." The informative. 16-page booklet olfers hints to ascertaining engine tune bv analyzing spark plug color and condition. I he booklet and a supplemental poster are available free of charge by contacting C hampion Spark Plug, PC). Box 910, Toledo, OH 43661.
UP: To Desert Only Travel and Racing Services, for oBering unique guided motorcycle tours of the American Southwest. Backed bv Yamaha of Trance, the Californiabased company uses Yamaha Super Ténéré dual-purpose bikes that are not sold in the States. Priced at approximately $3000, the tours last up to two weeks and oD'er a prime alternative to the standard vacation. The company can be reached at 72875 Park View Dr., Palm Desert, C'A 92260:619/341-2646. ®
IJ you come across a motorcycle-related item that you think should he singled out for an UP or DOWN, send the information to CW Roundup, 853 TV !7th St.. Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
