Book Review

BOOK REVIEW

JEFF SMITH, THE ART OF MOTOCROSS, h~' Jeff Smith and Bob Carrie, $5.95 Lco. / 9 in California uic/iu/imi~ sales tax, plus 10 uuiailing & Il(1,lc/linç~). CYCLI \\ORLD Books, Box 20220, Lo,i~ B('a(h, California 9080/.

READERS FAMILIAR with Jeff Smith's previous literary efforts ("Jeff Smith On Scrambline," CYCLE WORLD Books, $1.00) will find this almost standard handbook to be far more elaborate and complete. Smith goes into super-fine detail concerning the ins and Outs of motocross riding, from such minute points as diet, exercise, mental attitude, equipment, clothing, etc. Though he approaches everything from the professional European and British scrambles cum motocross point of view, his opinions are pertinent and applicable anywhere.

Though not a masterpiece of literary prose, the colorful 500cc world's champion (1964-65) writes with an easy, direct and often blunt style that closely resembles a conversation that might take place in the back room of a local motorcycle shop. But it's pure entertainment, highly informative, and it gets the point across.

References to machines he has ridden, and to those found mostly in use, are suspiciously confined to remarks about BSA. But. after all. he does work for them, and he did win the championship on one. and he is responsible for the BSA Victor, the construction of which he personally supervises at the Birmingham factory.

The 32 year old Smith admits his riding style is not as flashy and spectacular as Roberts and a few other stars who spend more time on the rear wheel than on two; but his solid stance on the seat and lack of luster is deceiving. He’s always fast.

Readers will meet the “real" Jeff Smith here, and a good number of his friends and family as well. They will learn a great deal about the tactics and advanced aspects of the difficult art of motocross. More important, they will get a colorfully described, introspective description of exactly what it takes to be a world champion.

Bob Currie is an editor on the staff of Britain’s leading magazine. Motor Cycle, and an experienced motorcyclist, as well.

JCP.