This video was put together by some AZ vintage riders — Bill Ramsey of The Motorcycle Accessory Shop made the video, based on a technique he learned from Mark Smith. I struggle to start my old big-bore CZs, and have repeatedly ripped the buckles off my cool vintage Hi-Point MX boots. Not cool. Maybe this little trick will save my boots, until I crash and have to start it the old-fashioned way. Of course, this only works with bikes that have carburetors.
Godspeed Danny “Magoo” Chandler (1959-2010)
May 5th, 2010 · Profiles in Riding
American motocross hero Danny “Magoo” Chandler, age 50, passed away last night at his home in Yuba City, CA. Danny reportedly died from complications associated with his paralysis. I do not have much to say here, as I never met Danny nor saw him ride in person. I just know his legend from the magazines of the day, and the occasional Wide World of Sports show. I do know something of his perseverance in the latter days of his life.
Here is a RacerX tribute article. Here is Jody Wiesel’s tribute. No doubt there will be many, many others. There are some good Magoo memories being posted over on the Cousin Weedy Y! forum in the Magoo RIP thread.
The picture is of Chandler (the little guy, obviously) at the age of 13 on his CZ in the first turn of the 250 novice class at a race at McGill Cycle park near Sacramento in July 1973. I do not know the source of the photo but it was posted online by John Putkey.
It has been a devastating few weeks for the dirt biking world — deaths, horrific injuries, and finally the beginnings of a growing public outcry that something be done to calm the sport down and reduce the risk. I know I am joined by many of my peers in hoping this movement gets traction and leads to serious change in the structure of the sport, both here and abroad. If not, I question the long-term future of dirt biking in general and motocross in particular.
It is time for change. Godspeed, Danny. May you have now the peaceful and pain-free existence that eluded you these past 24 years, and may your passing serve as motivation for all of us.
Update: Here is Danny’s obituary from the Sacramento Bee, and here is the Cycle News article on Danny’s passing. Steve Bauer of RacerX also posted a public service video for spinal cord injuries featuring Magoo that I will post separately as soon as I can download it.
AlpineStars integrated protective gear
April 25th, 2010 · Racing, Reviews, Safety
Recently I had a brief email exchange with Ken Smith, editor of Australia-based VMX Magazine regarding the problems neck brace wearers have integrating other forms of protective gear. As Ken pointed out, everything from the bottom profile of your helmet to the shape of your chest protector/body armor can affect the way the neck brace works. Or doesn’t work.
Many of us who have opted to wear a neck device have had to hack up our body armor or settle for a skimpy chest protector. That’s a choice I don’t want to have to make. This morning I was browsing the magazine rack at the local Barnes & Noble store and just happened to pickup the 10APR2010 issue of UK-based MotoX magazine. While thumbing through the pages I saw a blurb about some new AlpineStars body armor designed specifically to integrate with the AlpineStars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) and other neck devices. [Read more →]
→ 3 CommentsTags: AlpineStars·bodyarmor·crash·gear·protection
Project Two50 Needs Your Support
April 25th, 2010 · Events, Racing, Two-Stroke
John Nicholas of Project Two50 is working hard with his team to prepare a top-notch two-stroke 250cc bike to compete in six of the AMA outdoor Motocross Nationals this year.
Because the team got a late start on the project they missed the budget planning process for lots of potential sponsors, so they’re looking for support anywhere they can get it. John says they’ll have some t-shirts and other swag available for sale soon. So if you’re a two-stroke fan consider buying a shirt or two for a good cause.
If you’re a business that wants to reach race fans, two-stroke or otherwise, contact John directly via the site. You know the bike is going to get some attention at the races!
Matthes and Super Hunky podcast
April 22nd, 2010 · Profiles in Riding
Steve Matthes interviewed Rick “Super Hunky” Sieman in the Super Hunky podcast back in January. The history of Dirt Bike magazine, four-strokes, Sierra Club, and other stuff.
Diamond Don’s 2010 Riverport National Vintage Motocross
April 20th, 2010 · Events, Racing, Vintage
Disclaimer: I only attended on Saturday. Anything here about events on Friday or Sunday was collected from various sources – from other attendees who posted on the Cousin Weedy Yahoo! group or people I spoke to at the event. Please post corrections and additions in the comments. Thanks – twf :end:
Have a look at my flickr album for a few more photos. Here are a few amateurish video clips.
Weather: The weather was excellent on Friday and most of Saturday. It was partly cloudy and breezy – got hot for about an hour on Friday, and about an hour Saturday morning, but otherwise it was great. Saturday afternoon the rain began to come in. Slight drizzle started about 3:30 or so Sat. The drizzle didn’t go well with the black-clay track surface and made for some slick racing for the last two motos of the day.
Attendance: I don’t have official attendance stats, but the camping areas were pretty full — as full as I’ve seen them in the 4 times I’ve been there. It was good to see so many folks camping and having a good time. The infield and entry-road camping was completely packed. There were still some open areas way in the back, across the train track, but it was really full. [Read more →]
Snortin’ Norton – Coolest Bike Award
April 19th, 2010 · Vintage
This Cheney-framed 750 Norton twin received the Coolest Bike award at the 2010 Diamond Don’s Riverport National. The bike was hand-crafted by Bob McNamara of Dallas over 2 1/2 years. Everything on the bike that could be machined, was. Every bolt had a dished head for weight savings. That huge primary cover? It was machined from a solid block of aluminum and weighs only 2.2 lbs! That cover, by the way, hides a belt-driven primary setup to replace the original chain.
The wheels are vintage CZ hubs (magnesium) laced to shouldered Akront rims with custom-machined spacers and axles to get the alignment right. The rear backing plate and chain guide are also custom-fab units. The in-line axle forks are off a ’70s-era Can-Am. Everything about this bike is as sano as I have ever seen.
The exhaust was custom-built by D & D Performance Exhaust of Fort Worth, TX. Like everything else on the bike, it’s a work of art. I believe this was Bob’s first race on the bike. He had a minor teething problem with the ignition after the first moto, but his crew worked on the bike in the pits and got him going for Moto 2, where he took 1st in class.
The bike looked like it was a blast to ride, and seemed to handle the rough Gran Prix-style course with ease. These big, booming 4-strokes from the ’60s just sound different than today’s 450F bikes — different and better. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s my memories of watching John Banks man-handle a big, booming CCM BSA around the Lake Whitney national track in the mid-’70s.
Vintage SL 70 – all original
April 19th, 2010 · Vintage
Check out this excellent ‘72 Honda SL 70 my friend Ronnie Welch picked up at the 2010 Diamond Don’s Riverport National. This bike looks totally original — fenders, speedo, pegs, everything. Only one slight dent in the right side of the tank. Even the seat is in excellent condition! It’s amazing. And it runs. The best part? He paid a whopping $350 for the whole thing. I’ve seen seat pans alone go for nearly that much on ePay.
→ No CommentsTags: back-in-the-day·bikes·DiamondDons2010·RonnieWelch·sl70
Ryan Villopoto on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain
April 9th, 2010 · Profiles in Riding, Racing
Ryan Villopoto sent out a tweet earlier today saying he will be on Sunday’s (11APR2010) Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain for a live interview. I’m a big fan of Despain. Even though Wind Tunnel is 80% NASCAR, Despain does his best to get the moto guys on the show. As Dave said a couple of years ago… “Of course there’s too ?*^!$^% much NASCAR on the network. There’s too $!?*#&% many NASCAR fans. And whose fault is that? It sure as hell isn’t mine.”
→ No CommentsTags: DaveDespain·motocross·NASCAR·RyanVillopoto·WindTunnel
Torsten Hallman and Joel Robert
April 8th, 2010 · Profiles in Riding, Racing, Vintage
Someone posted this 
classic picture on FaceBook — Joel Robert and Torsten Hallman duking it out in the mid-’60s. I looked all over for it but can’t find the thread to save my life. My friend Rick from SoCal sent me the photo.
I’m pretty sure it was either Vintage Factory or Classix50MX, both of whom have killer vintage MX photo collections, that posted it. But since I can’t find the thread I don’t know the date or location.
If you know when and where this photo was taken post it in the comments. Thanks.
