Etc.
etc.
WORLD-RECORD RIDERS
More than 1000 Harley owners joined together last May to set a world record for the longest motorcycle parade on the same brand of bike. The 14.2-mile ride took place in Dothan, Alabama, at the conclusion of the state’s H.O.G. rally. Besides setting the record, the purpose of the event was to improve community relations. Said Dutch Holland, owner of Harley-Davidson of Dothan, “The rally was a welcomed event.”
RIDE SAFE
Buses are the safest method of travel on U.S. highways, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, only six people die in motorcoach crashes annually, despite the absence of seat belts. In 1997, more than 22,000 people were fatally injured in automobile wrecks, while 2100 died in motorcycle mishaps and 700 were killed in semi-truck accidents.
DEL MAR DATES
What do you get when you cross Evel Knievel, dirt-track racing and a host of pristine showbikes? Why, the Del Mar Motorcycle Expo Weekend. Scheduled for October 9 and 10 at SoCal’s Del Mar Fairgrounds, the event boasts Knievel as grand marshal, the final race of the AMA Grand National Championship and the annual Concours d’Elegance, which promoters are calling “the Pebble Beach of motorcycling.” For more details, contact Agajanian Presents at 310/547-9898.
GOODBYE PETE
Astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad died on July 8,1999, as the result of internal injuries suffered in a streetbike accident. The 69-year-old Pennsylvania native was en route to Laguna Seca Raceway when he crashed, which prompted racegoers to erect a makeshift memorial. Conrad became the third man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 12 mission, and was a veteran of four space flights. He is survived by his wife, four sons and seven grandchildren.
GRAN CANYONS COMING
If you’re hot to purchase a Cagiva Gran Canyon, but are having trouble locating one of the wheelie-happy V-Twins, be patient. “The Gran Canyon has been well received,” says Cagiva USA’s Larry Ferracci. “We’re only bringing in 200 this year, but we’ve scheduled 300 for next year.” Rumors continue to circulate about a Suzuki TLIOOOS-powered Gran Canyon. For your nearest dealer, contact Cagiva USA at 215/830-3300.
THE GIFT THAT GOES
Vance & Hines Superbike pilot Ben Bostrom recently received a Ducati 996 to commemorate his first season of roadracing with the Italian marque. “We are very happy to welcome Ben into the Ducati family,” said Cristiano Silei, general manager of Ducati North America. “His competitiveness and desire to win make him the perfect match for Ducati.” Though he has yet to win an AMA Superbike race, the reigning series champion is currently second in the point standings, ahead of V&H teammate Anthony Gobert, but behind Suzuki’s Mat Mladin.
FAIRING FANFARE
Inventor Craig Vetter, best known for his popular Windjammer fairings, recently donated several motorcycles, among other items, to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. Included are a pair of Vetter-designed prototype Triumphs, a 1969 Hurricane and 1973 Bonneville TT; a Kawasaki Z1 -engined Rickman roadracer; the 1980 Kawasaki Mystery Ship; and his 470-mpg Streamliner i Fuel Economy racer. “We’re very excited and honored that Craig Vetter has chosen the Motorcycle Hall of Fame to preserve his many contributions to the motorcycle industry,” said Aaron Fitch, museum director. “The addition of his one-of-a-kind machines to the museum’s permanent archives will ensure that his effect on motorcycling will never be forgotten.” Vetter himself was recently inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
