I came across your article when I was attempting to locate info on another nationwide magazine, Motorcycle World. Any good resources to find any of these “gems” today? I have a single issue with eight pages removed. I think my dad grabbed it to read while waiting for my mom to deliver me at the hospital. Any info on these magazines [Dirt Cycle and Motorcycle World] would be appreciated.
Eric Miller // Racer X Online
Hi, Eric: I have a few issues of each of those magazines, as well as some other lost titles, like Modern Cycle, Popular Cycling, Cycle Illustrated, Moto Cross, and more. I got mine from an old friend who was downsizing, as well as some ones left over from the Dick Miller Archives. DC
Been reading the magazine for years, and it’s always one of my favorites. After reading the March ’19 issue, I have to say this has to be one of the best I’ve read—the personal stories, Reed, Brayton, Sipes, and Marc Marquez! Very insightful and it shows more what these guys are about. Also, the short story about Sipes and TP and what they did in Puerto Rico, and 2 Tribes—Swanepoel wins for the best response ever! How many tattoos do you have? “None, you don’t see bumper stickers on a Ferrari.” Print is not dead. Keep up the good work.
Lee Block // Bend, OR
Why do we keep the whoops in supercross? When supercross was created, it was meant to simulate motocross and bring it indoors. Whoops are part of many motocross tracks, but supercross whoops bear no resemblance to natural whoops. In SX, they more closely resemble half-buried concrete pipes. As a longtime fan, it seems to me that most of the injuries suffered by racers seem to happen in the whoops. And not only are the whoops dangerous on race day, but they require riders to practice whoops daily during the week, increasing the chances of injury during training.
So if the whoops were removed from SX, what obstacle could replace it? What if the whoops section was replaced by a split lane with a series of chicanes identical on both the right and left lanes?
Rick Young // Niles, MI
Hi, Rick: Thanks for the letter, and that’s an interesting idea. I personally struggled with the whoops most when I raced, which is why I ended up in college rather than in the L.A. Coliseum! I will say the top riders seem to enjoy them, risks and all, and they do help separate the very best. And I’m not sure dueling chicanes would have the same appeal for the fans watching, but they would be much safer. DC
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Just noticed something on an old photo of Jeff Ward. A photo of his helmet during 1992 clearly shows a YETI decal on the visor. But according to Wikipedia, the company wasn’t founded until 2006. I figured you, being one of the smartest people in the scene, might have the answer! All I can come up with is that the KX500 is a time-travel machine. If that’s the case, can someone go back and get me a couple Rip Rock shirts?
Geoff Hardy // Racer X Online
Hi Geoff: We found a photo of O’Mara (pictured) with the logo as well and then we called Wardy with your question and he said, “Nope, it wasn’t any Back to the Future stuff, but the YETI decals that I was wearing back in the day were from the YETI bicycle company that was founded in 1985, not thermos and cooler company that started in 2006!” And I do have some Rip Rock decals left over for you, but the shirts are long gone! DC