Ups & Downs
Ups & Downs
UP: To Discover Today’s Motorcycling, for its "Journey to Adventure.” The nicely done brochure details how to get started in motorcycling, both on-and off-road. For a copy, call 800/833-3995, or visit DTM online at www.motorcycles.org.
DOWN: To Daytona Beach, for outlawing a prized pastime. City officials banned driving and riding on Daytona’s historic “flying mile,” the popular beachfront where early motorcycle and stockcar races were held, to make space for the Ocean Walk, a $200 million condominium-and-shopping development now under construction. “Beach driving is an important part of the beach’s history, but its time is passing,” said Mayor Bud Asher. “Families have to feel this is a place where their children are safe, or they won’t come here.”
UP: To physics professor-turned-motorcycle-collector Virgil Elings, for making good with his money. The MIT grad, who made millions on a high-tech microscope that he invented, recently purchased a 60-acre outlet mall in Solvang, California. He plans to turn the faltering shopping center into-you guessed it-a motorcycle museum. Elings currently owns about 50 motorcycles, including a Scott Flying Squirrel, Manx Norton and Matchless G50.
UP: To the Montana Supreme Court, for keeping the man in the can. According to the Great Falls Tribune, Kenneth Dunnette, who was convicted of criminal endangerment when he became angry with motorcyclists Thomas and Susan Wade and doused them with pepper spray, argued that he was unconstitutionally punished. The court disagreed, upholding Dunnette’s twin 2-year sentences.
