Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

ROUNDUP

UP: To Husqvarna, for sharing its off-road weapons in one of the world’s great, enduring off-road contests, the International Six-Day Enduro. Okay, so it ain’t free, but for less than $2500, Husky will provide a twoor four-stroke, ready to race, with support for this year’s ISDE held November 14-19 at Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Orders close July 15, so visit www.husqvarnausa.com quick to sign up. It’s way cheaper than a bus tour, bro!

UP: To Helmet House and The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, for lending a helping hand. When Dr.

Phil McGraw of the “Dr. Phil” TV show learned that George Goetz, a young marine just back from a stint in Iraq, was riding his new sportbike without any training, protective gear or motorcycle license, and that his mother was so concerned that she hid the key to the bike, McGraw, an OHV user, stepped in and invited Goetz and his mother onto the show. In response, the MSF organized a Basic RiderCourse for Goetz and 11 of his buddies, while Helmet House kicked in a Shoei RF-1000, Cortech gloves, jacket and pants, and Oxtar boots. Said Helmet House co-founder Bob Miller, “It’s just another example of how motorcyclists really do help each other.”

DOWN: To the Godfather of Freestyle Mike Metzger, for being an Evel, Evel man... Just kidding!

Metzger gets a big “Up” for successfully landing a 125-foot backflip over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas last May. The jump was officially recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records and busted the previous best of 108 feet set by Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg. Metzger wore Evel Knievel-style gear, including a cape, in homage to the king of stunt jumpers.