Crotona Midnight Run

CROTONA MIDNIGHT RUN

Leslie Pink

MAYBE some lucky, sun-tanned enthusiasts in the warmer parts of the country wonder what cyclists in the colder climates do in the winter. Well, in four words, they ride their motorcycles! Just like the snow tire advertisements say, "We go in snow — and we don't need a tow." About the time when most people are put ting another log on the fire or turning their thermostats up another notch, mem bers of the snow-bound motorcycle world are putting on their "long johns", zipping up their parkas and pouring alcohol in their hand warmers.

Yes, once again it was time for the Crotona Motorcycle Club's famed Mid night Run, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

The entry list read like a copy of "Who's Who", including two current Na tional Efldurance Run Champions - Sky Ball, winner of the 200-mile Covered Wagon Championship, and Jack Wright, winner of the 125-mile National at Sandy Lane. These boys had proven that they could endure the rough going of the woods, but how they would fare against the elements w~s vet tn he detprrnined

The temperature in Yonkers, New York, start of the 158-mile run, was a mere 15 degrees and all contestants were bundled up to cope with the thermometer, as they knew their course would take them into the north country where temperatures would be dropping even lower.

First man away took off at 12:01 AM and the contest was on. After the initial 50-mile section of dark, icy roads, several riders had been sidelined. Most of these drop-outs were those who found they had not dressed quite warmly enough to last the entire run.

In the lead at this point were Sky Ball and his sidecar passenger, Bill Decker, with no points lost. It was close, though, as several riders had dropped only one point — but the temperature had now dropped to 10 degrees and there were still 100 miles to go.

At the end of the second section, riders were encountering ice patches and the going was pretty tricky, but Sky Ball held onto first place with no points lost. Bill Steele and his passenger, Peter Hunt, had lost but one point; ditto for Bub Tramontin and his passenger, Jim Hellen. Both drivers had previously won this “granddaddy of all runs”, and tension was growing.

The last section was the one that would tell the tale. Eventual downfall for Sky Ball’s team came in this section with a drop of 4 points at one check. First man to arrive at the finish, back in Yonkers, clocked in at 8:04 AM. After some thawing-out, helped considerably by piping-hot ham and eggs and black coffee, the riders re-rode the run (verbally this time) and compared notes about their grueling evening.

Bill Steele and his passenger emerged the winners with a total loss of only 1 point and 17 seconds on the two emergency checks, followed closely by Bub Tramontin’s team with a loss of 1 point

and 18 seconds on the emergencies. A real close race, right up to the finish! •

OFFICIAL RESULTS:

High Score:

Bill Steele, Nutley, N.J.

H-D 999 (17 secs.) Peter Hunt, E. Orange, N. J.

Class A Solo (Expert)

Zeke De Ruvo, E. Islip, N.Y.

H-D 994 (31 secs.) James Ransom, Riverside, Conn.

H-D 994 (34 secs.) Randolph Bynoe, Amityville, N.Y.

Tri. 987

Class B Solo (Novice)

Ernest Anderson, Union, N.J.

H-D 989

Paul Giroux, No. Babylon, N.Y.

H-D 983

Tom McKinney, Jr., Cresco, Pa.

BSA 975

Passenger Class

1. Bub Tramontin, Clifton, N.J.

H-D 999 (18 seconds) Jim Hellen, Packanack, N.J.

2. Sky Ball, Bloomingdale, N.J.

H-D 996 Bill Decker, Butler, N.J.

3. John Genise, Elmhurst, N.Y.

H-D 994

Bill Turnbull, Maspeth, N.Y. Metropolitan H-D Dealer's Assoc. Team Award:

Essex Sportsmen, Bloomfield, N. J.

Bill Steele, Harold Steele, Orie Steele AMA Club Participation Award:

Essex Sportsmen, Bloomfield, N.J.

7 Starters — 6 finishers.