Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

ROUNDUP

UP: To the Duluth Trading Co., for putting motorcycles up front, where they belong. The mail-order company, catering to tradesmen, features a late-’40s Indian Chief on the cover of its latest catalog. Moto-art notwithstanding, this is a great little catalog, nicely illustrated and with brightly written descriptions, full of all kinds of bags, pouches, tool rolls and trick doodads you didn’t know you needed. Order one at 800/505-8888. Dot-commers can log on at www.duluthtrading.com.

DOWN: To the producers of the A&E Network show, “History’s Lost &

Found,” for not knowing their history. A recent program featured James Dean’s 1954 Triumph Trophy streetbike, which was alternately referred to as a “Hog,” a “world-class racebike” and as being “fuel-injected.” Butchered on all three counts. Makes you wonder what else these guys get wrong.

UP: To Core Sports magazine, for getting down ’n’ dirty. Published six times a year, the extreme sports ’zine featured seven-time AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath in its November/December, 1999, issue. The article chronicled Supercross’ debut and ascendance into the mainstream limelight, while painting a positive and enlightening picture of McGrath. Speaking of pix, the copy was accompanied by tons o’ colorful action shots of “Showtime,” as well as a four-page pull-out poster. Core has your nac-nac bangin’...

UP: To the Outdoor Life Network, for presenting dirtbikes in a positive light. A recent episode of the cable station’s “To the Edge” program instructed viewers on the fundamentals of off-road motorcycling. In addition to covering such basics as wheelying and picking lines, Husqvarna-riding host Mark Franklin discussed trail maintenance and literally stopped to smell the roses. Sweet!