Cycle Round Up
CYCLE ROUND UP
JOE PARKHURST
DEATH VALLEY RUN SCHEDULED
The world famous Death Valley Tour will be held again this year; October 31st and November 1st are the dates. Over 1,500 entrants wound up in Death Valley at last year's run, and this year's event marks the 10th running of the largest road event in the world. Over 100 trophies will be awarded, many in classes created this year. Each entry will receive a fourcolor engraved Zippo cigarette lighter plus the usual Death Valley frying pan pin, identification badge and A.M.A. tour award. Because of the anticipated number of entries this year, only official mail entries will be accepted on or before October 17th. Write to the Death Valley Committee, c/o Mr. Dick Hutchins, 2531 South Main St., Los Angeles, Calif.
THIS MONTH'S COVER
Perhaps you did not notice the nice people having fun on a Honda on the cover of this issue. Though I dislike taking credit away from our capable and skilled photographic staff, we are endebted to Grey Advertising for the use of the photograph. It is one of thousands shot while preparing Honda's National fourcolor advertising campaign in which their theme, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda", was being illustrated. Out of the gaggle of shots made, only eight were used; we used one of the old "left overs."
SKI RESORT SCRAMBLES RACES
In these days of encroaching civilization and dwindling race courses, a new scrambles track is always noteworthy, especially when it is promoted by a well-known ski resort and offers such niceties as a dining room, cocktail lounge and overnight lodging. Such is the case at Davos Ski Resort in the Catskill Mountains near Woodridge, New York, where response to their initial efforts has been most satisfying. Top eastern riders have been turning out in force, as have droves of enthusiasts, and Davos management plans to hold events over the fast, up-and-down course throughout the summer. In addition to their regular scrambles program, sanctioned by the AMA and featuring fine trophies in all divisions, they have instituted an "Over 40" age class for the young at heart, and now operate a chair lift to transport spectators up the mountain. The resort is reached by taking the N.Y. Thruway to Exit 16, then Route 17 to Woodridge, Exit 109.
HELMET BOOKLET AVAILABLE
The American Motor Scooter Association, Box 596, Littleton, Colorado, now has a useful booklet devoted to the history and use of the safety helmet. This handsome color brochure should be extremely useful in the promotion and justification of the use of helmets while riding motorcycles and motor scooters. Titled, "Hey, Don't Forget Me"!, the A.M.S.A. will supply these attractive safety promotions on request; businesses or clubs should contact them concerning larger quantities.
FASHIONS IN THE CYCLE SHOP
We must commend the American Honda Motor Co. for one of the smartest and cleverest sales promotions we have seen. Realizing that often the newcomer to motorcycling brings his wife when shop(Continued on page 6) ping for the new bike, they have prepared a stylish booklet to show the little woman when she mentions the problem of what to wear when on the new motorcycle in the family. The booklet is an attractive catalog of women's styles, created by C. Capriotti of the General Store, especially for Honda.
Readers looking for costumes for the Motor Maids of America need not bother. Honda fashions are a collection of chic (if I may use a word rarely found in a motorcycle magazine) fashions for lady riders that are about as far removed from what one would expect as possible. You do indeed meet the nicest (dressed) people on a Honda.
BERLIN MOTORCYCLE POLICE TEAM TO PERFORM IN U.S.
A most spectacular display of motorcycling will be shown in some American and Canadian cities during the next three months, in connection with an International Sports Spectacular presented by Columbia Artists Management. The show, "Wonderful World of Sport", features performers from Europe, Japan, Mexico, Israel, Australia, Canada and the U.S.
The performance of the German Police Motorcycle Team, direct from West Berlin, is supposed to be one of the most thrilling ever seen on motorcycles. The team uses BMWs in their act, both singlecylinder and twin — some with sidecars. Motorcycle enthusiasts who have long wished to see one of these famous drill teams in action should certainly grasp this opportunity.
SCOOTER NEWSLETTER IS LAUNCHED
Readers interested in trail scooters, or remote area vehicles, if you can accept the clumsy though descriptive title, will find the Scooter Safari newsletter quite interesting. I cannot help but comment on their description of themselves as the West's largest, somewhat obtuse since they are the only one of their kind. Safari is devoted to field tests, news of scootering, new machines on the market, club news, and includes a classified section.
Described as being non-profit (!!?), Safari fills a gap for two-wheel enthusiasts. Ron Dirlam is the Editor, subscriptions are $3.00 per year for 25 of the bi-monthly issues, but the first three months (six issues) are free. Their address is 4934 West 99th St., Inglewood, California.
NO NAME NEWS
U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp. just initiated a clever little newsletter for their dealers called, well, No Name News. No Name is devoted to news of special interest to people in the business of selling Suzukis and is a little jewel of tidbits of information and advice. Early issues include personality studies of some of "Zook's" leading personnel, including Tex Birchard, District Mgr., and Walt Fulton, Sales Mgr., both of whom have rather interesting motorcycle-oriented backgrounds. Best part of the second issue I've seen is the line that reads; "No, no, no. Honda is definitely not the title of an old John Wayne movie."
