Letters

LETTERS

Hail to The King

When reading the editor's comments about his heroes (December 1987 Editorial), something struck me negatively: He includes Kenny Roberts on the list of those who don’t qualify for heroes. If the editor is looking for courage and conviction outside of actually racing a motorcycle, how can he ignore Kenny's incredibly gutsy stand against the FIM? What Kenny did was nothing less than to force the powers-that-be to make racing a more humane, dignified and professional sport, to remove from GP racing inexcusably dangerous tracks and pathetic purses. If anything should be considered heroic, it is the day he refused the winner's trophy at the 1979 Spanish GP and told the organizers to melt it down, seeing as they needed the money so badly. It was an opening salvo at the autocratic FIM, announcing that he and other riders weren’t taking any more crap. (That day, the organizers refused Kenny the start money due to him as 1978 World Champion.)

Also consider that in 1979, w hile Kenny was struggling to organize the riders, he was in the midst of separating from his wife, recovering from a broken back and winning the 500cc title. A further tribute to Roberts can be seen at the GP races nowadays where, through his efforts, safety standards and prize money are vastly improved.

If Paul Dean wants “exemplary, inspirational human beings, with exceptional strength of character,” he need look no farther than my hero. King Kenny Roberts, who definitely is more than a well-paid employee of Yamaha.

James Masten Victoria, B.C., Canada

Heroes are like opinions and bel/vbuttons: Everybody has one, but they're not all alike.

Neval say Neval again

The Bubba Ray article (“The Dnepr Papers,” July 1987) was great. I was out of the country when it appeared and have been inundated with phone calls and letters galore. But for the convenience of your readership, would you please advise them that I no longer am importing these machines. Bob Sedivy of Great Lakes HarleyDavidson at 7429 Tyler Boulevard in Mentor, Ohio 44Ó60 ([216] 9469600) has taken over all of the importing and distribution of the Dnepr Neval.

Burt M. Richmond Denver, Colorado

Cave reviews

Thanks to your article (“Road To Nowhere,” October 1987), maybe more motorcyclists w ill now take the Nevada U.S. 50 ride. I made the ride in July on a CX500 Turbo as part of a three-day, 1 500-mile trip to Salt Lake City and back.

Next time you ride U.S. 50, though, don't end your eastward leg at Ely. About 65 miles farther east (and a short detour south off of 50) lies Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak ( 1 3.063 feet) in Nevada.

On its side is Lehman Caves National Park, where an excellent Vimile tour through the main caverns is offered, and guided spelunking is available nearby. After the cave tour you can ride up Wheeler Peak Road to the 10.000-foot level where a well-equipped campground aw'aits in the pine forest. From here, you can hike to two small, pristine lakes, each about a mile away. The views from the peak road are spectacular.

I encourage all motorcyclists to get out there and enjoy Route 50, but watch out for the radar speed traps that exist in every town along the route.

Glen L. Barringer

Sacramento, California El

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r~AEMBER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL,INC.