Hotshots

HOTSHOTS

Pete’s Garage

Egan’s done it again (“Ducatis & Cigarettes,” CW, March). For 30 years I've been reading his stories, and all this time I thought he worked in some old barn with bare wires holding 40-watt bulbs, electrical tape unraveling at the splice. Who knew he had a state-of-the-art shop with what looks like heat and air?! Way to go, Egan. Jim Velto Columbus, Mississippi

The photo of Peter Egan’s garage is now my work computer’s wallpaper. SCHAAAA WING! Paul Starley Centerville, Utah

Finally got to see the famous 900SS that Peter has written so much about. However, the high point of the article was getting a peek into Egan’s “garage workshop.” It is exactly as so eloquently described. The garage-band setup in the comer, the propane heater and ducts along the wall, and plenty of room for garage ikebana. I do think we should take up a collection to replace that lame folding beach chair with another version of the Fred Ramsey Memorial Laz-Boy, though. Jonathan Sievers Encino, California

As a guy who has convinced his wife that Berryman’s Chemtool B12 really is an Old Spice fragrance, I loved Egan’s “Carb Cleaner Chronicles” (Leanings, March). Absolutely great! Phil M. Stllttz Coarsegold, California

Can I live in Peter’s garage? The wife will understand, as long as I’m home on the weekends. I won’t take up much room, a comer of the carpet will do, and I could fire up the bikes daily to make sure those pesky carb cleanings were fewer and farther between. Scott Larson Grand Forks, North Dakota

Peter, my friends and I decided we want to have the next weld fest in your garage-three nice bikes and a drum kit! We’ll bring the kegerator and the highfrequency arc stabilizer. Greg Popp Albany, New York

Egan the Enabler

Hi, my name is Mike and I’m a Ducaholic. I haven’t owned one in three years and, until recently, I felt in control of my problem. Sure, I’ve ridden a friend’s Hypermotard and another friend’s 1098, but I never gave in to the urge to get another Ducati. Every time I felt weak, I’d think about getting stranded on trips and the huge mechanic’s bills. Then I read “Ducati & Cigarettes.” I haven’t started smoking again (yet), but I did go out and buy an 848. Egan the Enabler. Thanks, Peter. Michael G. Sullivan Columbia, South Carolina

I just finished reading Mr. Egan’s “Ducatis & Cigarettes,” and enough is enough. Budding rock star, automotive and motorcycling journalist, published author, gentleman estate owner, airplane pilot and, for all we know, neurosurgeon and rocket scientist. Who is this guy, another Buckaroo Banzai? Jim Jansen St. Louis, Missouri

Is Peter Egan my long-lost, slightly older, but much cooler brother? It’s an understatement to say that I identify with Egan. We’re both prematurely gray, predominantly Irish-Americans who love both riding and writing. We look like siblings (see photo). We both love motorcycles, dark beer and strong coffee. He plays guitar in a blues band, while I am a singer/songwriter who plays a passable harmonica. The big difference is he has turned his passions into his life, while mine have regrettably remained pastimes.

Things got really eerie when I showed my wife Elizabeth the photo of his shop with three bikes and the band setup. She said, "Oh, my God! That's your shop!" Well, the one I want and don't have yet, that is. And Ducatis? Oh, Ducatis! I've owned many bikes but never a Ducati. However, the black ST3 I saw a couple of years ago lives in my memory as the most beautiful bike I've ever seen, and I shall have one!

I’ve said too much. Egan, you’re my hero and you piss me off. Typical older brother. Don Freeman Fort Collins, Colorado

Wow, this is getting to be a regular occurrence. It’s the second time in as many years that I’ve read something under the Peter Egan byline.

I generally thumb past his Leanings page fast as I can, lest I be confronted with that drawing of his annoyingly grinning mug. But then I saw my old bike in “Ducatis & Cigarettes,” and before I realized it was Egan, I was into the article. Looking at the pictures, I discovered that-except for the Lyndon Johnson-era Rogers that I play instead of those crappy Jimmy Carter Ludwigs-the boy has nearly the exact-same machinery in his garage that resides in mine, in the same colors. Same old Hein Gericke-looking riding leathers even! No wonder I don’t like him.

Diego Vega Manhattan Beach, California

Damn you, Peter Egan. Just when I thought I had this Italian-bike thing beat,

you have to go and pen “Ducatis & Cigarettes.” Mike Henry Tucson, Arizona

Who is this Peter Egan guy and why is he stealing my identity? Like a bad “Twilight Zone” episode, this doppelganger Egan (if that’s even his real name) has been copying my every action over the last 45 years. I go to college; he goes to college. I buy a Honda CB160; he buys a CB160. I get drafted into the Army; ditto Egan. I grow a beard...well, you get the point.

Now he’s reading my thoughts, and like the clever (but sinister) Moriarty to my Holmes, he is anticipating and preempting my every move. I was planning to buy a Ducati 900SS. I had my sights on a Sporty XLCR. Well, the tables are about to turn, Egan. The next Norton Commando and Velocette that pop up on eBay are mine!

Hey, wait a minute... Is that my VOX AC30 amp on the back wall of Egan’s garage? What are you smiling at, Girdler? You’re next. But that’s another story.

John Olrech II Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Probably not the best time to mention that Peter just took delivery of a 1969 Velocette Venom, eh?

McQueen not included

In March’s Roundup story, “World Record McQueen Mini,” David Edwards is off the mark saying a 1970 Kawasaki Centurian is worth “maybe $500.” The G31M Centurian is a very sought-after and collectible bike. Less than 5000 were made. A seized, rusted motor is $500. Basketcase incomplete bikes start at $1000. Now, that’s not to say $55K is reasonable for Steve McQueen’s Centurian, but the base bike is quite special. Kip Gebhard Posted on www. cycleworld.com

Tell Edwards I’ll take all the G31M Centurians he can find for $500!

Jerry Ingrim Jr. Buhler, Kansas

Wheelie at will, stoppie ’til you droppie

I see you guys got thumped by the safety-nazis for your socially threatening photos of wheelies and stoppies, and for your (obviously tongue-in-cheek) reference to crystal meth (Hotshots, March). Aside from failing to grasp the concept of verbal hyperbole, writers of such letters fail to appreciate the essential nature of motorcycling. In today’s cosseted nannyworld of intelligent cruise-control, ABS, air-bags, GPS, yaw control, tire-pressure monitors, etc., etc., etc. in our cars, motorcycles are about choice. After all, these days no one needs to ride. Bikes are about choosing-even in our small way-how much risk to accept into our lives. Let’s admit it, every rider feels some measure of satisfaction from knowing that not everyone can or will ride. So, you carry on printing “irresponsible” language and photos. Most of us will thank you for it.

James Novak Vestal, New York

Evel? Awful!

Let me get this straight. Evel Knievel, an icon of motorcycling, passes away,

and you give up, oh, nearly a whole page to him (“From Travis to Evel, a Thanks,” Roundup, March)? You should be ashamed at your lack of respect paid to a man who helped keep motorcycling bigger than life! Let’s hear it for Evel!

What a great tribute written about Evel Knievel by Travis Pastrana! I remember watching Evel’s jumps on the “Wide World of Sports” back in the ’70s. Now Travis has become the modern-day equivalent, and on top of that, an excellent writer! John Gardner Orlando, Florida

Hey, it’s a multimedia world. Immediately following Knievel s death, we posted a previously published feature story, “The Sum of all Evel,” on our website, along with a photo gallery, including the shot seen here of Evel stunting a Norton PI 1 in his early “Motorcycle Daredevils ” days. Our error in not directing Roundup readers to www. cycleworld. com. □

Scott Mckee Portland, Oregon