Ups & Downs
Ups & Downs
UP: To the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, for producing a handful of winners. Last year's "Live to Ride" campaign won the department its fifth American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Public Affairs and Consumer Education award. Despite the department's efforts, though, Minnesota's percentage of alcohol-related fatalities for motorcyclists remains well above the national average.
DOWN: To a few bad apples, for spoiling the whole proverbial bunch. Because past Fourth of July Freedom Fest Bike Weeks resulted in reports of overcrowding and violence, Illinois Judge Fred Carr barred this year’s event, which was to be held at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds. This, in spite of promoter Richard Barnes’ promises to hire security officers and post a bond guaranteeing a peaceful picnic. It probably didn’t help that Barnes is being sued for a wrongfuldeath incident that allegedly took place at the 1998 event.
UP: To Berkshire Artisans, for recognizing dirt-track as art. The Pittsfield, Massachusetts, gallery is currently exhibiting the photography of Walt and Dan Mahony, the father-and-son team who have followed the Grand National Championship since its inception in 1954. The show runs through September 10th. For gallery directions, call 413/499-9348.
