Hotshots

HOTSHOTS

Doin’ Daytona

What is David Edwards missing at Daytona? In June’s “Trouble by the Beach” editorial, apart from rightfully complaining about the follies that took place on the racetrack this year, he complains about the “Dimestore Outlaw Effect” and laments the lack of “real bikers.” Elis definition of real bikers seems to refer to the type of people who are too busy with the drug trade, prostitution and welfare scams to attend Daytona.

I, for one, say good riddance. Who needs a crowd of people that will maim or kill you if they believe you have insulted their twisted sense of honor? If you really miss that crowd, I can recommend a few bars closer to home for you to hang out in! Alex Z. Johnson Newport Beach, California

I defer to Dave regarding his comments about what’s happening to the 200-miler, but I wonder about the search for “real bikers” at Bike Week. The only thing I’ve done longer than ride bikes is eat. I log 15K-plus miles a year. I consider myself a real biker. I’m also an engineer. I don’t have tattoos and I don’t smoke cigars. Inquiring minds want to know, what is the definition of a real biker? John Walton Burke, Virginia

I am what you call a RUB. I am soon to be 45 years old. I am professionally and financially secure. I recently went out and bought a 2001 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail. Most of us who ride assume an alter ego to some degree or another. There really isn’t any difference between the “Dime Store Biker” and the “Ricky Racer.” What does it matter that a dentist harbors a secret desire to ride with the Hell’s Angels or if a Gen X’er zips on a set of leathers and fancies himself the next Mick Doohan?

There will always be “loud pipes saving lives.” There will always be “burnout-ing, stoppie-ing, wheelieing, knee-dragging squids.” Embrace them all. Welcome them with open arms. They may not be your vision of what a rider should be, but they are a vital link in the great continuum of our sport. Robert Zent Moorpark, California

Have Edwards read Kevin Cameron’s TDC column “Living Museum” in the same issue. It’ll recharge his Daytona Bike Week battery! John Nagy Skokie, Illinois

All in all, the June, 2001, issue was one of the better ones you’ve done lately. However, I have to take issue with David Edwards’ column. He didn’t miss Daytona because there are people new to motorcycling in attendance (not the anointed Press)? Moreover, you can’t possibly own a Harley and dress in black leather unless you “rope cattle...dig ditches...or pour hot tar...?” What? Dave, the time is quickly approaching when even the talents of Peter Egan and Kevin Cameron aren’t going to be enough to cover for you. Chuck Winters Sylvania, Ohio

Dear Mr. Edwards, I’ll presume to speak for thousands of Daytona Bike Week 2001 attendees and race fans for whom the Daytona 200 is the most important motorcycle race in the world: We didn’t miss you, either. Richard Sproc Titusville, Florida

Meanwhile, back at the track

So, the Daytona 200 "used to be the most important motorcycle race in the world." When would that have been? The Isle of Man at one time, maybe. But Da~.ona? Never.

In any case, I hope your vision of a top-class international grid is realized, and once again the world’s elite may be attracted to ride against North American talent. That would really encourage motorcycle enthusiasts back to the Beach. Paul Evans Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

AMA Superbike racing, America’s socalled “premier” roadracing class, is a work-in-progress comedy of errors, thoughtless planning and lifeless marketing. And how seriously can one take a sanctioning body that pulls stunts like allowing a full-on prototype machine (the Harley VR1000) on the track, completely defying homologation guidelines? To say nothing of allowing every Tom, Dick, Harry and Biff to line up on the Daytona 200 starting grid? This class has severe issues, and is in obvious need of a major facelift. David Sisk Kirkland, Washington

Get Fonda on the phone

I’d like to produce a movie (investors wanted). In the film, Easy Rubbers, we have two middle-aged yuppies in a Ford Excursion traveling cross-country (looking for America) towing two cruisers in an enclosed trailer. Each night, they stop at a five-star hotel, dress up in several thousand dollars worth of Gucci leathers, roll the bikes off the trailer around the front of the hotel, and hit the restaurant and sports bar. They smoke illegal Cuban cigars and sip Coronas with lime while trying to look bad for anyone who cares. Once in a while they start the bikes to draw a little attention, but you never actually see them ride. Edwards was right on with his editorial in the June issue. T.J. O’Brien Leesburg, Virginia

Missing Dave Schultz

It is with a heavy heart that I read of the passing of Dave Schultz in your magazine. In the late ’80s, my 12-year-old son and I attended the NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, and found ourselves outside Dave’s pit. He stopped what he was doing, walked over, answered our questions, then brought us into his work area for a tour and to look at his bike upclose. We noticed he had both wrists in casts. He explained he had fallen off his hauler a few nights before and cracked both wrists. That day he beat Terry Vance to take the event win, instantly making a drag-racing fan out of me, and giving a young boy a true sports hero who he has respected to this day. Our sport has lost a true gentleman and all-around nice guy, and we miss him dearly. Jack Macallister Atlanta, Georgia

Saab story

It’s remarkable what an education will get you these days. Environmentalist Dr. Joseph G. Lessard, in his letter to the editor (Hotshots, June), spent 28 lines of your excellent magazine and still failed to show that he possesses any understanding of the subject he chose to write about-though he did share with us all the cool stuff he has in his garage, including his “daily driver” Saab turbo that we should all “drool over.” What self-indulgent aphorizing! On one final note, since Dr. J doesn’t want his subscription any longer, can you please forward it to me? Ron Mousouris Posted on www.cycleworld.com

I’m no particular fan of Bill Clinton, Albert Gore or Boy George II. In fact, I voted for Ralph mainly because he avoided using the pandering “God Bless America” after every speech.

I don’t know if I’m a “greenie” or “eco-weenie.” I might, however, be a “green weenie.” My garage is filled with the type of exotic machinery my friends drool over. But, I might add that my friends generally drool most of the time, anyway. Ever heard of an XS650 that doesn’t make electricity? How about a KZ650 with no compression on cylinders 1 & 2? Then, of course, there’s the ’74 250 CZ that needs main seals and the mountain bike I bought at a yard sale for $12.50. Hell, my daily driver is a sixyear-old Ford Ranger.

Feel free to consider this one more piece of beer-induced sarcasm. Do you think I could have the rest of Dr. Dork’s subscription? Dr. Jim Sedlacek Boulder Creek, California

So, Joe (excuse me, Dr. Joseph G.) Lesssard has a garage full of gearheadtype toys and his daily driver is a Saab turbo. The hell kinda motorcycle is a Saab turbo? Mike Thompson Deckerville, Michigan

Deer Mr. Editor Edwards sir, I don’t got no bunch of learnin lik that Doc Lessard do. I rekon I be one of them illiterates he don told us bout. I rekon I be a ignoramus to boot cus I mostly times buy American. I don’t got no foreign exotics lik he do to ruin our USA public land with if you catch my drift. But I do think Doc Lessard should aught take his superior education and his exotic machinery and insinuate them past his anal verge with some of that gearhead drool he be talking about. Very truly yourn, Clifford Robeetus Smellfungi Roswell, New Mexico

I must reply to reader Lessard’s missive in Hotshots. Such drivel cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.

Whenever our government exceeds its lawful authority, it is our duty to force it back within its proper bounds. Your “Great Clinton Land Grab” editorial identified one rather blatant instance, land closures; unfortunately, it was only one of many. Few seem to realize our entire motorcycling sport/passion/lifestyle could easily be banned with a similar stroke of a tyrant’s pen. “Weenies” of every stripe are relentlessly scheming to control our lives and property. Remember Senator Danforth’s short-lived tirade against “killer” motorcycles? Today, the outcome of a “bullet bike” crusade might be very different indeed.

I do agree with Lessard that many of my fellow Cycle World readers are indeed highly educated. However, at least one of them is also a fool. Dr. Lessard’s act is old and tired: First grandly declare the end justifies any means, then brand anyone “unsophisticated” enough to point out the many rules being violated as “stupid, selfish or narrow-minded.” I had been following the various Clinton land grabs and the so-called Roadless Initiative for many months prior to his “usurpation proclamation,” and had written my opposition to both the Forrest Service and my representatives several times to no avail. I literally cheered your editorial exposing Clinton’s conduct to your readers. Bravo!

The ranting of self-satisfied nonthinkers like our Dr. Lessard would be comical if they weren’t so common. His ignorance-passing-for-education is appalling. Clinton “protecting” public land? From whom, the very public he purported to serve?

Words are cheap, so I’ve enclosed $20 to cover the loss of Lessard’s subscription. Good riddance to him! I’m sure the good doctor will be much happier drooling in his garage, or performing prostate self-exams with that “highly-educated” cranium of his, rather than actually reading editorials requiring critical thought.. .or a sense of humor. So lunch is on me, a more substantial way of thanking you for your editorial courage. Please continue to educate your readers on the machinations of their elected representatives whenever appropriate. James Costa Lompoc, California

The Dictator Diaries

In May’s Roundup, you mention an upcoming feature film, The Motorcycle Diaries, saying, “The screenplay is based on Cuban freedom-fighter Ernesto Che Guevara’s 7000-mile journey through South America...”

“Freedom-fighter!?” Is this just hype or ignorance on the part of Cycle World’s editors? I find it in rather bad taste. The Cuban regime is one of the world’s most ruthless.

Good thing Hitler and Stalin didn’t ride motorcycles... Zak Klemmer Carson, California

Stupid bike tricks

My name is Jarred and I’ve been riding a 2000 YZF-R1 for about a year now. I just started riding on the track, and hope to be racing by next year. I thought this picture might interest you. I went outside so my friend could take a picture... well, you can see what happened. I didn’t get hurt, barely a scratch. And my bike is in great shape, just a couple of scuffs. Who would have thought the first time I went out like that, I would flip my bike. If you look closely, you can still see the cigarette in my mouth. Well, I learned my lesson, and thought it was kind of funny. At least I got a great picture out of it. This won’t be the last time you guys hear about me! Jarred Lauder Garnerville, New York

Not to be rude, cowboy, but for your sake we hope to never hear from you again...at least not until you get a better photographer. E3