Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
UP: To those who participated in the Jimmy Adamo Benefit Auction at Laguna Seca Raceway during the recent AMA races. Organized by Cycle News Associate Editor Paul Carruthers, the event raised $16,600 for Adamo’s family.
Wayne Rainey’s Marlboro Yamaha leathers brought the highest single bid: $3100. Forthose who would like to further contribute, a memorial fund has been set up to assist Adamo’s wife and children. Checks can be mailed to 11 Inwood Rd., Glen Cove, NY 11542. In addition, Arai will continue to sell its popular line of Adamo replica helmets, with all profits going to the family. Longtime Twins and Superbike racer Adamo, 36, suffered fatal injuries last March during the Daytona 200.
DOWN: To columnist Joel Achenbach, for his nationally syndicated “Why Things Are” column. When asked why Harley-Davidson is the only American motorcycle company, Achenbach replied, “There would be no American motorcycles if it weren’t for the Hell’s Angels and all those other bad, snarling, smelly, dirty-leathered bikers.”
ATK, Buell and Harley-Davidson motorcycles are all manufactured in the United States, as are a variety of Honda and Kawasaki motorcycles. None of those companies owe success to outlaw motorcycle gangs. The average buyer of a HarleyDavidson motorcycle, for example, is a 38-year-old male with a median household income of $53,700.
We’d suggest that in the future Mr. Achenbach do a little factchecking before mouthing-off in print. E3
